North American Auction Company
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Tombstone Western Heritage Museum Auction: The Earp Brothers & Cowboys

Sat, Jul 26, 2025 11:00AM EDT
  2025-07-26 11:00:00 2025-07-26 11:00:00 America/New_York North American Auction Company North American Auction Company : Tombstone Western Heritage Museum Auction: The Earp Brothers & Cowboys https://live.naabid.com/auctions/north-american-auction/tombstone-western-heritage-museum-auction-the-earp-brothers-cowboys-20021
Join North American Auction Company on July 26th for a once-in-a-lifetime auction of the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum Collection. This extraordinary sale features the largest private collection of Tombstone history, including rare and historic pieces tied to Wyatt Earp, the Earp Brothers, and the infamous Cochise Cowboys. From original artifacts, outlaw relics, and the largest collection of C.S. Fly photographs, this is a can’t-miss event for collectors of the Old West’s most legendary chapter.
North American Auction Company tucker@naabid.com
Lot 170

Tombstone Epitaph Newspaper December 18, 1881

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Starting Bid
$800

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
For your consideration is this Rare December 18, 1881 Tombstone Epitaph Newspaper from the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum, framed. Originally part of the H. H. Bancroft Collection of The Bancroft Library, the primary special-collections library of the University of California, Berkeley. The collection of western North American and California is the largest such collection in the world. Each page is stamped at the top, "H. H. Bancroft Collection Bancroft Library". The Tombstone Epitaph , Arizona's oldest continuously published newspaper, was founded in 1880 by John Clum, who believed "no Tombstone is complete without its epitaph," and it documented the events of the Wild West, including the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The Tombstone Epitaph is considered a leading voice in documenting the rich history of the American West. The newspaper continues to be published today, with a focus on Western history. This edition features the contents of a threat in the form of a letter addressed to Judge Wells Spicer and delivered to the Epitaph. Spicer was the Justice of the Peace who presided over a preliminary hearing, later nicknamed the "Spicer Hearing", over the first degree murder charges filed by Ike Clanton. The purpose of the hearings was to ascertain if enough evidence was present to warrant holding the defendant(s) for trial - the defendants being Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp, and Doc Holliday - for the events of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Spicer's subsequent decision could "attach no criminality to (Virgil's) unwise act" and eventually the four were free from a full trial. The grand jury accepted Spicer's ruling and refused to indict Holliday and the Earps. Following the published threat letter was published Spicer's lengthy retort which ended with these words, "In conclusion, I will say that I will be here just where they can find me if they want me." Both letters are identified with "arrows" pointing to them. At the bottom of the frame is labeled, "TOMBSTONE EPITAPH December 18, 1881 WITH SUPPLEMENT LETTER TO JUDE WELLS SPICER REGARDING THE O.K. CORRAL HEARING AND HIS RESPONSE MILT JOYCE ARRESTED BY JOHN BEHAN." The newspaper is in amazingly preserved condition. Normal age tanning and wear exhibited, tears observed on edges, repairs noted. Wood frame is in good overall condition with scuffing to edges. Visible image measures 23.5"W x 35.5"L, frame is 27.5"W x 39.5"L x 1.5"D from hangers. Weight is 11lb, 10oz.

After you have succeessfully completed your purchase, including payment of your item, the shipping process will begin. Our company has partnered with a few local third party shipping vendors. Shipping will be handled between these third party business and the buyer. Auction company is not responsible for shipment or any duties there-in unless stated below. Firearms will be shipped by our company. Once you invoice has been paid for contact Mark at 800-686-4216 ext. 3 for shipping infomation on firearms. After your invoice has been paid one of the below third party shippers will pickup your items. Once these companies have created a shipping quote for you they will contract you using the contact information you have provided on your auction registration. Make sure to include the shipping address and correct contact information for a success shipping experience. For questions on shipping please contract the companies below or JoEllen at 800-686-4216 ext. 1 For shipping quotes please contract the companies below: "The UPS Store” #2420 1106 W Park St, Livingston, MT 59047 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, CLOSED Phone: 406-222-4971 Fax: 406-222-9257 Email: store2420@theupsstore.com Postal Annex 280 West Kagy Boulevard D, Bozeman, MT 59715 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, CLOSED Phone: 406-219-2210 Fax: 406-219-2209 Email: pa14012@postalannex.com