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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 673

Tombstone Soiled Dove Lucia Memorabilia 1880-1890

Estimate: $300 - $500
Current Bid
$90

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
Offered in this lot are Personal Items from Tombstone Soiled Dove Lucia, circa 1880 to 1890. Provenance: Tombstone Western Heritage Museum, Tombstone, Arizona. Items include: (1) Hall & Elton Coin-Silver ladle spoon, (1) Victorian Silver & Abalone buttonhook, (1) 5"L French Microbead Coin Purse, (1) 9.5"L Victorian Gate Top Expandable Velvet Beggars Purse, (1) Chinese Cinnabar Ring, (1) 14.5"L Czech Glass Trade Beads Necklace, (1) Repoussé Ascot Kerchief Slide. "Soiled doves" is a historical euphemism for women who worked in prostitution, particularly in the 19th century, including the Old West. They were often associated with saloons and brothels, which were common in the American frontier and other areas with rapid growth. These women faced significant challenges and hardships, including societal stigma and lack of opportunities, often resulting in tragic fates. Lacking freedom and money in big cities, some women journeyed to the Wild West for the same reasons as men —money, adventure, desperation to flee an old life and start a new one. But for women, becoming a cowboy, a miner or a sheriff wasn’t an option. Instead, thousands of women were drawn, and in some cased lured, to the Old West to work as prostitutes. Many became trapped in wretched, desperate conditions where abuse and disease were rampant, and suicide was not uncommon. But some willingly chose to stay in the profession. Big Nose Kate was a well-known saloon girl and longtime companion and common-law wife of Old West gambler and gunfighter of Doc Holliday. Tombstone Western Heritage Museum label, "PERSONAL ITEMS FROM LUCIA, A PROSTITUTE IN TOMBSTONE These were on display at the Silver Nugget Museum for years", museum code, "TT08". Items display wear consistent with age, rich patina exhibited. Some bead loss noted. Combined weight is 12oz.

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