June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Still set in a partial period case with decorative gold border, missing cover. This image shows Virgil Earp on left with Charlie Bassett on right. Both are in period dress attire. There appears to be a U.S. Army belt buckle and holster with the barrel of a pistol sticking out on Virgil's left leg. There is an old hand written note in pencil that reads "Your grandfather bought this from the Earp Family in Monmouth, Illinois many years ago - Wyatt Earp and Charlie Bassett - DO NOT EVER SELL". In examining numerous images of Virgil, Wyatt and the other Earp brothers from this time period, all the characteristics of the face indicate it is Virgil and not Wyatt. Wyatt Earp was born while the family lived in Monmouth, whereas Virgil was born in Hartford, Kentucky; so there is an Earp family connection with the town of Monmouth, Illinois. While Virgil moved around the country later in life, he moved to Dodge City, Kansas in 1877 with Wyatt. He moved to Tombstone in 1879. His most famous incident during his lifetime was the gunfight at O.K. Corral on October 26th, 1881. Virgil, along with his brothers Morgan and Wyatt and in the company of Doc Holliday, went to disarm Frank and Tom McLaury, Ike and Billy Clanton, and Billy Claiborne. At the time, Wyatt was Virgil's temporary assistant marshall. During the fight both McLaury brothers and Billy Clanton were killed. Virgil was shot through the calf. Charlie Bassett moved to Dodge City in 1872 and opened the original Long Branch Saloon. The saloon made famous on the TV series "Gunsmoke", an eventual owner of the saloon was Luke Short. Bassett served as under-sheriff to Bat Masterson in Dodge City, as well as Ed Masterson. Charlie was appointed City Marshall in December 1877. Ed Masterson was killed in Dodge City in 1878. Charlie Bassett and Wyatt Earp were members of the Dodge City Peace Commission in 1883, along with Luke Short and Bat Masterson. In 1883 he moved to Kansas City, Missouri. An incredibly sharp image of two notable Western celebrities.
Item Dimensions: 2 - 1/2" x 3"