Raynors HCA 2020-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2020
John Selman (1839-1896) former Confederate soldier with 22nd Texas Cavalry was sometimes identified as an outlaw and sometimes a working lawman of the Old West. He is best known as the man who shot John Wesley Hardin in the Acme Saloon in El Paso, Texas, on August 19, 1895. Pocket watch with Keystone case inscribed "John Selman Constable El Paso, Texas." Fine condition. El Paso policeman and Selman's son, John Jr., arrested the mistress of gunman John Wesley Hardin, Beluah M'rose (or "the widow M'Rose"), for "brandishing a gun in public." Hardin confronted the younger Selman over the arrest, and the two men had a verbal dispute. In some accounts, supported by members of Selman's family, Hardin actually pistol-whipped 'Young John' Selman, and threatened his life. After hearing of the argument, the elder Selman approached Hardin, on the afternoon of August 19, 1895. The two exchanged angry words. That night, Hardin went to the Acme Saloon, where he began playing dice. Shortly before midnight, Selman walked into the saloon to confront Hardin. Drawing his gun at the door, he walked up behind Hardin he fired, shooting Hardin in the back of the head, killing him instantly as he went for his gun. As Hardin lay on the floor, Selman fired three more shots into him. Selman was arrested, charged with murder, and stood trial. Selman testified that he had observed that Hardin had seen him enter in the mirror, and Hardin had gone for his gun. Selman swore he fired in self-defense, and a hung jury resulted in his release on bond, pending retrial.
The documentation is a 1998 letter to the consignor detailing the acquisition in 1993 from the Griggs Museum..
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