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.
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Lot 141

Tombstone Judge Wells Spice Walking Stick 1880-87

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
Starting Bid
$350

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
Featured in this lot is a Tombstone Judge Wells Spice Silver-topped Walking Stick, circa 1880 to 1887. Provenance: Tombstone Western Heritage Museum, Tombstone, Arizona. The walking stick features an intricately carved tusk ivory handle. The silver cap has a stamped design, below the handle is an engraved silver collar that reads, "Judge W. Spicer Tombstone". A stained wood shaft ends in a brass ferrule with a rubber tip. Wells W. Spicer was a journalist, prospector, politician, lawyer, and judge who was immersed in two significant events: the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre in the Utah Territory and the 1881 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona Territory. Spicer served as Tombstone’s Justice of the Peace. Following the gunfight, a preliminary hearing was held in Tombstone. Nicknamed the "Spicer Hearing" it investigated murder charges against Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and Doc Holliday. The hearing, which lasted nearly a month, was unusual as it essentially became a full-blown trial, resulting in a dismissal of the charges against the defendants. Spicer's decision was controversial, with mixed reactions from the people of Tombstone. While some praised the decision, others, particularly those aligned with the "Cowboy faction," strongly opposed it. The aftermath included threats against various figures involved in the Earp-Holliday defense including Judge Spicer. Tombstone Western Heritage Museum label reads, "WALKING STICK OWNED AND USED BY JUDGE WELLS SPICER", museum code, "TT-139". The walking stick is in good overall condition, age related splits in tusk ivory handle, scuffing exhibited on wood shaft. Rich patina observed on silver cap and collar. Measures 34.75"L, weight is 10oz.

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