Auction Date:2012 Sep 30 @ 10:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Rare partly-printed DS, signed “W. B. Masterson,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, May 16, 1878. Summons to Dodge City reads, in part: “The State of Kansas to the Sheriff of Ford County…You are hereby commanded to notify The City of Dodge City Kansas that she has been sued by George M. Hoover.” Reverse bears an endorsement which reads, “As commanded by this writ, I summoned the within named City of Dodge City on the 16th day of May 1878, by delivering to E. F. Colburn to clerk of said city a certified copy of the within Summons and of the indorsement thereon.” Signed at the conclusion by Masterson as Sheriff, with a charge of $65 noted to the left of his signature, Further notation at the bottom states “Suit brought for recovery of damages; amount claimed $600.” Matted and framed, so both sides may be viewed, to an overall size of 11.5 x 14. The frame, in turn hooks onto a framed display with a portrait of Masterson, a name plaque, and a printed biography, to an overall size of 21.5 x 37.5. A central vertical fold, two horizontal folds, scattered light toning, and slight show-through from writing on reverse, otherwise fine condition.
At the request of Chief Deputy Marshal Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson arrived in Dodge City in 1877 to help gain control of the lawless, gunslinging cowboys and buffalo hunters that gave the city its reputation as ‘Hell on the plains.’ He joined his two brothers on the force, taking a position as a sheriff’s deputy. Within a few months, he was elected Sheriff of Ford County. Though he received great recognition for his actions as Sheriff, he remained quick to draw and responded with deadly force on the turn of a dime. A month before signing this summons, Masterson’s brother Ed, Marshal of Dodge City, was shot and killed in the line of duty; Bat watched from across the street and immediately opened fire on the shooter and his boss, killing one and severely injuring the other. This incident marked the beginning of the end for the group of famous Dodge City lawmen. Bat was voted out of office in 1879 and headed west, making a living as a drifting gambler once again before joining Earp and Holliday in their new lives in Tombstone.
This incredibly rare document, signed during his brief period as sheriff, marks the height of Dodge City’s legendary history. It captures an illustrious time in which the core figures of America’s Old West – Wyatt and James Earp, all three of the Masterson brothers, Doc Holliday and Big Nose Kate – could all be found in one rough-and-tumble city.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.Preview.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
Paypal address: mandy@rrauction.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
A buyer's premium of 20% will be added to all winning bids. RR Auction prefers cash, check, or wire payments. For winning bids of $5,000 our less, clients may choose to pay via credit card or PayPal for an additional 2.5% convenience fee. You are obligated to honor any bid(s) you make, and you authorize us to charge your credit card for any unpaid winnings. Your bid is a contract. Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 390 is due by Monday, August 27, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges. Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.
Further descriptions
Please feel free to call (603) 732-4280 or email (stacey.jordan@rrauction.com) us with any questions regarding items in our auction.