Fine lot of 4 artifacts related to the famous Texas gunfighter, John Wesley Hardin, including 2 original signatures, collected together in a double-sided frame.
Clockwise from left:
a) Original gambling chip from the Acme Saloon, where Hardin was killed on August 19, 1895. White chip with gold “ACME” on front, "R.B. Stevens / Prop." printed verso. 1 1/2" diameter.
b) Authentic shot card with original Hardin signature. Nine of hearts playing card, with four bullet holes executed by Hardin, signed and dated “J.W. Hardin / July 4, ‘95” (approximately six weeks before his death). 4 1/2" x 2 1/2". This is the best example of a Hardin shot card we’ve ever seen.
c) Original Hardin calling card. "JOHN W. HARDIN Esq. / ATTORNEY AT LAW / OFFICE 200 ½ El Paso / Wells Fargo Bldg. PRACTICE IN ALL COURTS". 2 1/8" x 3 1/8".
d) Original chit from the Wigwam Saloon, signed by Hardin. Dated May 8, 1895 (three months before he was killed), for “½ gal. whiskey 2.00 / Pint Rye .30” and signed in black ink, “J.W. Hardin”. Clipped, lined ledger paper with blue THE WIGWAM head stamp, spindle hole upper left. 2 1/4" x 3 7/8".
The artifacts have been expertly framed between Plexiglass to show both the front and the reverse of each item. Framed to 18" x 28".
In the center of the framed display is copy of a Hardin image, beneath which is mounted a brass plaque that reads: "John Wesley Hardin / Deadliest Texas Gunfighter / 1853-1895".
Provenance: Includes original Robert McNellis signed and notarized sworn statements for both the playing card and the calling card. Includes auction description from Alexander Autographs, Inc., Connecticut describing the Wigwam chit.
Lot 144, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $23,600.