December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Very rare Bat Masterson autograph letter signed ''W.B. Masterson'', dated 31 December 1905 from New York City, where the fabled figure of the Wild West era was, in his continually-evolving career as gambler, lawman and saloon keeper, then a newspaperman for the New York Morning Telegraph. Letter is addressed to a ''Mr. Watson F. Masterson'' of Ramsey, West Virginia and reads in full: ''Dear Sir. Without going into details can assure you that we are not related; even remotely. My father was born in this state eighty years ago and moved to Illinois where I was born fifty one years ago. There are a great many families of Mastersons in Missouri and Iowa none of whom are related to mine. My father had but one brother and he was several years the eldest and has been dead about forty years and died without issue. Very respectfully. W.B. Masterson''. Includes original postmarked envelope. Originally acquired from a Charleston, West Virginia man whose father personally received the letter from Masterson. Comes with a photocopy of a newspaper article discussing this provenance. Letter measures 7.75'' x 10.25'' on two pages with a few words underlined in pencil and two extremely small holes, one on each page. Near fine condition.
Scarce Treasure From the Wild West Days -- Bat Masterson Autograph Letter Signed -- ''...My father was born in this state eighty years ago and moved to Illinois where I was born fifty one years...
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