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Outlaw John Wesley Hardin Collection [182484]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Paper Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Outlaw John Wesley Hardin Collection  [182484]
SOLD
2,700.00USD+ (675.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2024 Jun 08 @ 09:53UTC-7 : PDT/MST
UNCLAIMED MERCHANDISE: In the event that a successful bidder has paid in full for their merchandise but fails to settle outstanding shipping invoices or make arrangements for merchandise pickup within 60 days, HWAC reserves the right to declare the merchandise forfeited. This forfeiture will result in the merchandise becoming the property of HWAC and the successful bidder shall have no claim to or rights over the forfeited merchandise.
A unique collection of four different items from the life of John Wesley Hardin (1853-1895), a hardened criminal, western outlaw and killer, turned lawyer at the end of his life, murdered by a jealous man. Some historians considered Hardin one of the "greatest killers of the American West." Hardin killed more than a dozen people before being caught and sent to a Texas prison. By then, other members of his family had been lynched, taken to the outlaw life. After 16 years in prison, he was let out. He had studied law while in prison, taught Sunday School, and was generally on good behavior. A local El Paso constable, John Selman. Selman was another rough outlaw man that had become a hard drinking law officer, though "only" a constable. He was at odds with the local Marshall, ands was a known killer. Selman thought it his duty to kill Hardin. On the night of August 17, 1895, Hardin was at the Acme saloon in El Paso. Selman was outside, drunk, and apparently waiting to attack Hardin. He didnt wait. Selman walked to the door of the Acme, aimed his pistol at Hardin, and shot him in the heard, then first two more shots to be sure his deed was done. Selman was tried for murder. He didnt make it to the end of the trial, as he was shot by another outlaw, George Scarborough during an argument. Hardin's death is recounted in detail in Charles Siringo's book Riata and Spurs, which differs in detail. A. Cut page from daybook of the Wigwam Saloon, outside of which Selman got shot, a bar bill signed by Hardin in July, 1895. B. Subpoena for John Selman December, 1892 Selman here was called as a state's witness against James Thompson, another El Paso saloon roughian. Selman was a part of the Lincoln County "war" and had declared he was the leader. He was a brazen killer, whose own brother was lynched for his crimes. In 1892 he was elected Constable of El Paso (not noted on this certificate) C. Selman signs as Constable of Precinct 1, El Paso County, Tx, June 17, 1895. Very rare signature of Hardin's killer, particularly as acting as a lawman. D. Framed "business card" of J.W. Hardin. These cards have come into question by a number of historians, including us. Thought to be circa July, 1895. We offer no opinion because we cannot prove or disprove its legitimacy. Texas