Marshal Ben Thompson's Historic Gambling Table and Sam Houston Signed Land Grants to Sell
A legendary 19th century gambling table that previously belonged to gunfighter and 1880 Austin City Marshal Ben Thompson, is part of a 500 item auction January 13th.
Waco, TX (PRWEB) January 6, 2007 -- A legendary 19th century gambling table that previously belonged to gunfighter and 1880 Austin City Marshal Ben Thompson, is part of a 500 item auction January 13th, which includes an autographed book by outlaws Cole Younger and Frank James, a famous silver-mounted parade saddle used in a 1970’s Rose Bowl Parade and land grants signed by Sam Houston.
Marshal Ben Thompson was a colorful character, frequently making his living from gambling. His Roulette table was on display at the Texas Ranger Museum for 15 years. It is now back on the auction block after being sold by Christies in the mid 1990’s. “I’ve known about it and where it has been for 30 years,” said Tom Burks, former curator of the Texas Ranger Museum. “It was mentioned in the court papers when he was killed, and became part of the estate of his business partner.”
One of the highlights of the auction is the 1903 autobiography of outlaw Cole Younger, signed by him and Jesse James’ brother Frank at one of their Wild West Shows.
The Rose Bowl saddle was made by Ted Flowers, a man who made silver show saddles famous with his beautiful designs throughout much of last century. The complete silver saddle set with matching headstall contains over 1000 individual mountings. The tooled California Poppy and Diamond Design group is valued at $10,000-$15,000.
Items connected to other famous Texans include rare Texas land grants signed by the illustrious Sam Houston and firearms once belonging to well-decorated Texas Ranger John Aycock. Aycock has a distinguished career, and was recognized for saving a child from a kidnapper in Llano County.
The 500 piece auction includes Wild West Show objects such as a rare 101 Ranch saddle and original Buffalo Bill posters. Other important collector pieces are early Colts & Winchesters, additional Texas Ranger firearms and badges, 20 pieces of early fine horn furniture, including a rack that is attributed to the famous maker Wenzel Friedrich whose patrons included Queen Victoria. There is also a pair of marked O.K. Petmecky spurs with double buttons, Western bronzes, original western paintings by artists like Charles Beckendorf, Heinie Hartwig, Jack Bryant, Cynthia Watkins Bryant and Robert Summers; edged weapons, an arrowhead collection, early Civil War items, Native American bead work and artifacts, movie posters, additional spurs, Hamley wooly chaps, saddles, gambling items, a Bohlin collection including a remarkable, engraved gold-finish single action, Navajo rugs, an 8’ marble top saloon back bar, antique gun cabinets and cases. Plus 100’s of other unique western artifacts.
The preview is all day Friday, January 12th and the auction is Saturday, January 13th starting at 10 am at 900 East Loop 340 in Waco, Texas. For more information visit www.asauction.com or contact A&S Antique Auction Company in Waco, Texas at 254-799-6044.
Editor note: photos available upon request, see www.asauction.com/current.php -- plus many more.
For More Information Contact
Amy McMurrough
Marketing and Public Relations
2137 Surrender Ave.
Austin, TX 78728
512-252-7200 Fax: 512-252-7229
www.McMurrough.com
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