Controversial Wyatt Earp Items Auction Scheduled for this Month
By angelamontana

Posted: April 8, 2014
earp

(photo via azcentral.com)

How would you like to own a piece of history?  How would you like to own two of the guns that belonged to Arizona’s most famous lawman, Wyatt Earp?  According t0o azcentral.com, “J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in Scottsdale is auctioning the guns, which owner Josh Levine believes belonged to Wyatt Earp.”  The auction is scheduled for August 17th in Scottsdale, Arizona.

There are, however, skeptics that question the authenticity of the items, considering they came from controversial author who wrote three books about Wyatt Earp, Glenn Boyer.  Other researchers have challenged the authenticity of Boyer’s works, and Boyer has admitted that one of his books was a combination of fact and fiction, leaving his credibility in question.  The Colt .45 revolver, that is said to have belonged to Wyatt Earp and possibly used at the shoot out at the OK Corral, is also missing the serial number.  Although, there was X-ray testing done that proved the original serial number matched up with the gun, therefore showing proof that the gun did belong to Earp, it will take more than that to convince some of the origins of the revolver.  Boyer will also produce a sworn affidavit, along with other expert findings, to the winning bidder of the revolver.  Would that be enough proof for you?

The items up for sale include:

  • Reputed to be Wyatt Earp’s Colt .45-caliber revolver: Possibly carried during shoot out at the OK Corral. Serial number scratched off, but according to the auction house dental X-ray testing revealed that the original serial number matched records proving Earp owned the gun. The highest bidder will receive a sworn affidavit and expert findings, stating the gun belonged to Earp. The gun’s barrel, cylinder and grips have been replaced, the frame of the gun, which is most important when determining value, remains intact. Estimated value between $100,000 and $150,000.
  • Wyatt Earp’s Winchester Lever-action Shotgun: Serial #47055 and as listed by Bill Miller, Nephew of Wyatt Earp, Inventory. Estimated value between $75,000 & 125,000.
  • Historic Earp Family Research Archive: Boyer spent years interviewing Earp family members and accumulated 32 file boxes with reel-to-reel and taped interviews, photos, rare handwritten manuscripts and other research documents. Estimated value between $80,000-$120,000.
  • Virgil Earp’s Colt Revolver: Virgil, one of Wyatt’s three brothers and Deputy U.S. Marshal for south-eastern Arizona Territory. Estimated value between $20,000 and $30,000.
  • Nathan Earp’s Remington Ball and Cap Revolver: Nathan was a noted lawman and Wyatt Earp’s grandfather. Estimated value between $6,000 and $8,000.
  • Josephine Earp’s Personal Effects: Includes riding crop, opera glasses and jewelry. Estimated value between $800 and $1,200.

Check out the video below, and get the the full story on the items and more details on the auction from azcentral.com by clicking here.

(Photo and information credit to azcentral.com)

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