A pistol that once belonged to Arizona lawman Wyatt Earp (1848-1929) has auctioned for $35,000 from the collection of a debt-ridden US city.
 Sharp-shooting Earp was a key player in the legendary OK Corral gunfight |
Estimated to be worth a mere $1,600, the gun sold with a 2087.5% increase.
Several months ago, Harrisburg authorities decided to auction a raft of valuable wild west memorabilia amassed by former city mayor Stephen Reed.
Reed had planned to build a museum for his costly collection, which included historic firearms, gambling memorabilia, items of furniture and important documents, and is thought to have cost the city of Harrisburg more than $8m.
Before the auction, which runs all week, president of Guernsey's Arlan Ettinger said he anticipated that over 10,000 people would sign up as online bidders, in addition to the hundreds expected to attend in person. "I've said it a few times, that it's the largest auction of Wild West items ever, and no one has challenged me on it," Ettinger commented. "So we're sticking with it."
The auction, which began on Jul 15 and concludes on July 21, has been highlighted by the sale of two Wyatt Earp firemarms (July 17): the afore mentioned pistol as well as a shotgun, which brought $20,000.
Earp, a devoted gambler, played an important role in the legendary 1881 OK Corral gunfight, which resulted in the deaths of almost all participants, bar frontier marshal Earp, who walked from the scene unharmed.
American history enthusiast? Take a look at this rare and important rice paper copy of the American Declaration of Independence we currently have in stock.
We will be bringing you more from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania auction later in the week.
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