Wild West artifacts to be auctioned in Harrisburg


May 8, 2013 at 8:42a.m.

Wild West artifacts to be auctioned in Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — An auction is scheduled in July for a collection of artifacts purchased as part of a former mayor’s failed bid to build a Wild West museum in Harrisburg.

The collection cost millions of dollars in public money and was purchased by ex-Mayor Steve Reed as part of a failed plan to build museums dedicated to sports, the Wild West and African American history. It includes artifacts of legends such as Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Buffalo Bill and Doc Holliday.

The auction is being run by Guernsey’s of New York City. There will be a preview on July 13-14, followed by five days of auction July 15-20 and a final live auction July 21.

Mayor Linda Thompson estimates it could generate up to $3 million for the financially troubled capital city.