BAT MASTERSON

In 1880, BAT MASTERSON BORROWS MONEY FROM THE MAYOR OF DODGE CITY

Partly-printed DS, signed “W. B. Masterson,” one page both sides, 8 x 13.75, April 10, 1880.

An amazingly rare indenture detailing a mortgage agreement between Masterson and his longtime friend R. M. Wright, who would later be mayor of Dodge City. In part: “Made this 10th day of April A. D. 1880, between W. B. Masterson, an unmarried man of Ford County, in the State of Kansas of the first part, and R. M. Wright…W. B. Masterson has this day executed and delivered his certain promissory note…I promise to pay to R. M. Wright on order the sum of Seven Hundred and Thirty Six Dollars with interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum from date.” Boldly signed by Masterson in the lower right.

Impressively matted and framed so that the reverse can be seen, and hinged against a large 32 x 28 framed display featuring an image and engraved plaque.

This document dates to fifteen months after Masterson was appointed US deputy marshal, a capacity in which he arrested notorious horse thief ‘Dutch’ Henry Borne, brought prisoners held at Fort Leavenworth to Dodge City to stand trial for murder, and became embroiled in the Royal Gorge Railroad War. Despite his status as a famous lawman, he was voted out of office as Dodge City’s sheriff later on in 1879. He was indeed unmarried at this time, and the 1880 census of Dodge City listed him as living with a ’19-year-old concubine.’ An exceedingly desirable piece of the Old West.

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FAQ

How can I tell if my autograph is authentic?

Authenticating an autograph is a complex process that entails numerous factors such as the paper, ink, and penmanship. Comparing these elements to known examples is crucial in determining authenticity. If you lack experience in this area, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of professionals who can handle the task with expertise.

How are autographs priced?

The value of an autograph is influenced by various factors, including rarity, condition, content, and association. Accordingly, assigning a general value to letters can be challenging. This uniqueness is what adds thrill to autograph collecting and makes pricing a demanding task.

Are autographs a good investment?

The autograph market is subject to fluctuations like any other market and is sensitive to factors such as supply, demand, and the overall state of the economy. The autograph market differs from other markets as the availability, or supply, of autographs stops after an individual’s death. With the growth of the internet increasing the number of collectors and erasing geographical boundaries, there has been an upsurge in demand for autographs worldwide. Due to ongoing demand and limited supply, autograph prices have inevitably risen over the years, as witnessed by the Brams Collection. It is not advisable to invest in autographs for financial gain, as the autograph market is not especially “liquid” and does not pay dividends. Nevertheless, we believe that autographs are a stable financial investment that should increase in value over time. However, the rate of increase cannot be predicted or guaranteed with precision.

Are all your autographs and Items on your website?

We have a vast collection of autographs and items that are currently not uploaded on our website. If you do not find what you are looking for, please get in touch with us and we will be delighted to search our inventory for you.

What does a first-time buyer need to know?

Many advise collectors to specialize in a particular area of interest. However, your collection should provide you with personal satisfaction, and not focus solely on making a profitable investment or following the current trend. Always aim for top-quality pieces within your budget, recognizing that items not reaching your standard will remain mediocre. As a collector, it is essential to understand the market and ask pertinent questions before purchasing. Forming a trusted relationship with dealers can help them find desirable pieces to add to your collection.

How do you guarantee authenticity?

At Brams Collection, we pride ourselves on our extensive collection of authentic source materials. Our founder, Daniel Brams, is an expert in ink, paper, and penmanship, and has a deep understanding of the history of autographs and authentication techniques. We offer an unconditional guarantee of authenticity to the original purchaser, with no time limit. In addition, we promise competitive prices, prompt and courteous service, and a satisfaction guarantee.

My search returned no results. What should I do?

If you have conducted a thorough search using accurate spelling of the name or subject, and are unable to locate the item you desire, please reach out to us via our contact page. Our team will diligently search our inventory for autographs or items that may align with your interests.

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We accept a variety of payment methods including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, debit cards, wire transfers, U.S. money orders, and checks drawn on American banks. For new customers, payment for purchases will be requested in advance. Existing clients are typically invoiced with a net 30-day payment term.

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Please contact us, whether you desire to purchase an item of historic significance or to sell your valuable piece of history.

$30000