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- 12 Rare and Valuable Relics From the Wild West (wealthgang.com)
Wild West Relics: Priceless Pieces of American History
The Wild West, a period of cowboys, outlaws, and iconic showdowns, continues to capture our imagination. While Hollywood has brought these legends to life on the big screen, the true historical value lies in the rare memorabilia that survived from this era. From Billy the Kid’s sole confirmed photograph to personal belongings of Doc Holliday, these artifacts offer a tangible link to a bygone era.
A Rare Glimpse of Billy the Kid:
In a time long before smartphones, photographs were a rarity. This makes the only confirmed image of Billy the Kid exceptionally valuable.
The tintype, taken around 1880 outside a New Mexico saloon, shows the outlaw with his Winchester rifle and Colt .45. In 2011, this iconic photo sold for an astounding $2.3 million.
Jesse James’s Notorious Revolver:
The firearms of Jesse James always attract attention, but the revolver purportedly used by Bob Ford to kill the outlaw holds a particularly grim fascination. Despite debate over its authenticity, this Smith & Wesson sold for $350,000. Its history includes a theft from a Missouri museum, a ransom by British antique dealers, and finally, a high-profile auction.
Doc Holliday’s Personal Treasures:
Doc Holliday, the legendary gambler and gunslinger, continues to draw significant interest from collectors. His frock coat, initially expected to sell for a modest sum, fetched an astonishing $55,000 at auction. Even his dental chair sold for $40,000, demonstrating the enduring fascination with this iconic figure.
Wanted Posters and Native American Artifacts:
Original wanted posters are highly sought-after by collectors. A Pinkerton circular offering a $2,000 reward for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid brought in $4,500 at auction.
Native American artifacts also command high prices. A Blackfoot war bonnet from the late 19th or early 20th century, once valued at $6,000, recently sold for over $11,000.
Wyatt Earp: A Name That Commands Attention:
Anything associated with Wyatt Earp, the famed lawman of Tombstone, generates significant excitement among collectors. A Colt .45 believed to have been carried by Earp during the O.K. Corral shootout sold for a remarkable $225,000.
Other Notable Collectibles:
The revolver Wild Bill Hickok reportedly carried when he was murdered in Deadwood is another prized piece of Wild West history. Memorabilia from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, such as a banner featuring Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, also attracts collectors.
A legal document signed by Bass Reeves, a prominent U.S. Marshal, fetched $11,500, while a collection of tintypes and albumen photos of Jesse James and his family sold for $11,000.
Even signed playing cards and handwritten letters from figures like Doc Holliday and Wild Bill Hickok are highly valued by collectors of Wild West memorabilia.
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- 12 Rare and Valuable Relics From the Wild West (wealthgang.com)