[Rarebooks] FS - - Western Americana - - SHERIFFS of the WEST !! - - Buckingham Books, ABAA

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The following titles are offered for sale by BUCKINGHAM BOOKS. Please review today's listings. If you have an interest in any of the books, please contact  us at sales at buckinghambooks.com   or   call us anytime at (717) 597-5657. Also remember to visit our website   www.buckinghambooks.com

Buckingham Books specializes in new, used and rare FIRST EDITION Western Americana and Mystery books. Our Western Americana Section offers books about the development of the American West. Books in the mystery field include not only Mystery, but also Detective, Espionage, and Adventure Fiction. All books in our inventory are First Editions, unless clearly stated otherwise. 

All books are subject to prior sale. We accept checks and all major credit cards. Pennsylvania residents must add 6% sales tax. Books may be returned within 7 days of receipt with PRIOR NOTIFICATION to Buckingham Books. Books are mailed upon receipt of payment. U.S. shipping charges are $8.50 for the first book and $2.00 per each additional book. It is our preference to ship via U.P.S., but we can accommodate U.S. Postal shipments via First Class or Priority Mail. All shipments outside the U.S. and all oversized books will be charged actual shipping, insurance, and handling costs. All parcels are insured.

1. POE, JOHN W. THE DEATH OF BILLY THE KID. Boston & New York: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1933. First edition. Cloth, 60pp. A deputy sheriff under Pat Garrett, Poe urged Garrett to investigate a report that Billy the Kid was at Ft. Sumner. He was present when Garrett killed the Kid. Lincoln County War expert Maurice Fulton provides an excellent introduction. An exceptionally fine copy. The very scarce dust jacket has 3 very short closed tears (1/4"-1/2") to bottom edge of front panel, is price-clipped, and is lightly rubbed. $200.00 SIX GUNS 1741. KID 192. (6516)


2. DYKES, JEFF. LAW ON A WILD FRONTIER. FOUR SHERIFFS OF LINCOLN COUNTY. Washington: Potomac Corral of the Westerners, 1969. First edition. Stiff printed wrappers, 25pp., illus., map. An outstanding work on Billy The Kid, The Lincoln County War, and four men who served as sheriff: William Brady, Pat Garrett, John Poe, and George Curry. Fine copy. $40.00 (1514)


3. [ARIZONA]. CARMONY, NEIL B. [EDITED BY]. GUNFIGHT IN APACHE COUNTY, 1887. THE SHOOTOUT BETWEEN SHERIFF C. P. OWENS AND THE BLEVINS BROTHERS IN HOLBROOK, ARIZONA. AS DESCRIBED BY WILL C. BARNES. Tucson: Trail To Yesterday Books, [1997]. First edition. Signed by Carmony. Pictorial wrappers, 44pp., intro., appendices, sources and references, illus., maps, index. The Blevins brothers were suspected horse thieves and when Owens went to arrest one of the brothers he was greeted by four men with six-guns in hand. When the shooting stopped Owens was unhurt and the four men were either dead or wounded. Several bystanders watched the action from a safe distance, including rancher Will Barnes, who later wrote about the incident. As new. $25.00 (8451)


4. BALL, LARRY D. DESERT LAWMEN. THE HIGH SHERIFFS OF NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA, 1846-1912. Albuquerque: Univ. of NM Press, [1992]. First edition. Cloth, 414pp., preface, notes, biblio., index, maps, illus. Fine in dust jacket. The breadth and detail of Ball's study, which includes informative lists of sheriffs, legal hangings, and lynchings, make this volume the definitive work on frontier law enforcement. $85.00   (9612)

5. PARSONS, CHUCK & GARY P. FITTERER. CAPTAIN C.B. MCKINNEY. THE LAW IN SOUTH TEXAS. [Wolfe City: Henington Pub. Co.], 1993. With an Introduction by Charles C. McKinney, Jr. First edition. Signed by the author. Fabricoid, xi(1), 147pp., intro., acknow., num. illus., biblio., index. Life of Charles Brown McKinney, Texas Ranger and later sheriff of La Salle County, who was struck down in the prime of life in the performance of his duty, "In the Protection of Outraged Female Innocence" as it is expressed on the east side of his tombstone monument. Ambushed by James White who was to be arrested for a criminal assault upon a little girl of 11 years. Fine copy, without dust jacket, as issued. $85.00 (9791)

6. [RUBEL, JAMES LYON]. MACRAE, MASON. THE SHERIFF OF ELK RIDGE. New York: Edward J. Clode, Inc., [1935]. First edition. First book using this pseudonym. Pseudonym of James Lyon Rubel. Very good bright copy in dust jacket with small chips missing from head and toe of spine, but not affecting any of the lettering. A story of savage warfare on Elk Ridge ... on one side hot-tempered Red and his friends and on the other side, the ruthless jackals of a corrupt law. Alone against both Red, his best friend, and Red's enemies is Flip Nickerson, the sheriff. The result is not only a bloody battle but also the story of a friendship that gives way to duty. Sharp dust jacket art. $200.00 (13523)

7. BOESSENECKER, JOHN. LAWMAN, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HARRY MORSE, 1835-1912. Norman: Univ. of OK Press, 1998. First edition. Cloth, 366pp., num. illus., 2 maps, preface, notes, biblio., index. Harry Morse's career as a lawman spanned 5 decades. As Sheriff of Alameda County, California in 1864, he began a dangerous life fighting such notorious California outlaws as Narato Ponce, Juan Soto, Narciso Bojorques, and Tibuacio Vasquez. Morse captured the legendary stagecoach robber, Black Bart, and eventually became San Francisco's foremost private detective. An excellent biography. Fine in dust jacket. $45.00 (17187)

8. [TOM MIX]. CLARK, J.B.M. [COMPILED AND EDITED BY]. THE WEST OF YESTERDAY AND TONY'S STORY. Los Angeles: The Times-Mirror Press, 1923. First edition. 8vo. Original blue, pictorial cloth, 162 pp., foreword, preface, frontis., [Tom Mix photograph], illustrated. Tom Mix's own story includes material on outlaws during his days as a lawman. Also material on cowboys, ranching, and mining. Six Guns 1521 says, "Scarce." "Has information about outlaws during the time Mix served as a sheriff before he went into motion pictures." Light rubbing to cover, else very good copy. $350.00 HERD 1506. SIX GUNS 1521. (20605)

9. O'NEAL, BILL. CAPTAIN HARRY WHEELER. ARIZONA LAWMAN. Austin: Eakin Press, [2003]. First edition. 8vo. Limited Collector's Edition. Limited to 100 numbered copies, signed by the author. Pictorial cloth, gold stamping on front cover and spine, introduction, illustrated, plates, maps, endnotes, bibliography, index. Harry Wheeler was one of the most dedicated, controversial, and lethal peace officers ever to serve Arizona. He was the only member of the Arizona Rangers to hold every rank in that notable company. He won election three times as sheriff of Cochise County; he also served on the Douglas police force and as a mounted customs officer. Wheeler was driven by a powerful sense of duty and an inner need for public service. An extraordinary marksman with pistol or rifle, he employed his skills with firearms on the side of law and order, wearing one badge after another throughout his career. He died in 1925 of natural causes. Fine without dust jacket, as issued. $100.00 (21045)

10. ALEXANDER, BOB. FEARLESS DAVE ALLISON. BORDER LAWMAN. A TRANSITIONAL LAWMAN ON A TRANSITIONAL FRONTIER. Silver City: High-Lonesome Books, [2003]. First edition. Signed by the author. Limited to 500 copies. 8vo. Cloth, gilt stamping on front cover and spine, marbled endpapers, [6], 285 [3] pp., preface and acknowledgments, introduction, illustrated from photographs, chapter notes, bibliography, index. A biography of William Davis "Dave" Allison, Arizona Ranger, Texas sheriff, Texas Ranger, Roswell, New Mexico Chief of Police, personal bodyguard of Col. William C. Greene during the mine stikes at Cananea, Mexico in 1906, livestock inspector, and a man General George S. Patton described as "the most noted gunman here in Texas." As new in dust jacket. $55.00 (21661)

11. DEARMENT, ROBERT K. JIM COURTRIGHT OF FORT WORTH. HIS LIFE AND LEGEND. Fort Worth: T C U Press, [2004]. First edition. 8vo. Cloth, xv [1], 287 pp., acknowledgments, introduction, illustrations, plates, portraits, afterword, notes, bibliography, index. A biography of Timothy Isaiah "Jim" Courtright, 1845-1887. "Longhorn Jim" was at various times city marshal, deputy sheriff, deputy U.S. marshal, private detective, and hired killer. He was killed in a shootout with Luke Short in Fort Worth in February 8, 1887. Fine in fine dust jacket. $55.00 (21698)

12. HANSEN, CARL. HARROWING ADVENTURES OF AN OLD-TIME COWBOY AND SHERIFF. Roswell: Pioneer Printing, Inc., 1989. First edition. 8vo. Signed by both editors. Cloth, 81 pp., illus., index. Edited by Clarence S. and Joan N. Adams. An interesting account of the life and unique experiences of Carl Hansen, who grew up in Otero County, New Mexico in the early 1900's. His life spanned the time of horse and buggy days in New Mexico through his witnessing the first atomic bomb explosion at Trinity Site. Fine without dust jacket, as issued. $45.00   (22141)

13. FLEMING, ELVIS E. J.B. "BILLY" MATHEWS. BIOGRAPHY OF A LINCOLN COUNTY DEPUTY. [Las Cruces]: Yucca Tree Press, [1999]. First edition. Cloth, frontis., x, 102 pp., illustrated, acknowledgments, maps, foreword, introduction, sources, index. A biography (1847-1904) of Jacob Basil "Billy" Mathews, a Lincoln County, New Mexico deputy sheriff and participant in the Lincoln County War. Fine in dust jacket. $55.00 (22103)

14. SCANLAND, JOHN MILTON. LIFE OF PAT F. GARRETT AND THE TAMING OF THE BORDER OUTLAW. A HISTORY OF THE "GUN MEN" AND OUTLAWS, AND A LIFE-STORY OF THE GREATEST SHERIFF OF THE OLD SOUTHWEST. [Colorado Springs: J.J. Lipsey Rare Books, 1952]. First edition thus. 8vo. Pictorial wrappers, [2], 42 pp., illustrated. A facsimile reprint of one of the most sought items of New Mexicana, about the sheriff who pursued and killed Billy the Kid. It was originally published just after Garrett's death in 1908. Near fine copy. This little booklet has become elusive in the past few years. $35.00 SIX GUNS 1951. ADAMS 150 121. (22300)

15. ALEXANDER, BOB. SHERIFF HARVEY WHITEHILL, SILVER CITY STALWART. [Silver City: High-Lonesome Books, 2005]. First edition. 8vo. Signed by the author. Limited to 500 hardcover copies. Blue cloth, gold stamping on front cover and spine, marbled endpapers, [6], 311 [1] pp., introduction, preface and acknowledgments, illustrated, plates, portraits, chapter endnotes, afterthought, bibliography, index. Introduction by Robert K. DeArment. Harvey Whitehill was a major figure in the old west as Sheriff of Silver City, New Mexico. He was sheriff at a time when Siver City was every bit the hotbed for outlaws as was Tombstone, Dodge City, and Deadwood. Whitehill jailed Billy the Kid, knew the infamous rustler John Kinney, lived through the Apache Wars, and bested Pat Garrett at the voting polls. More detective than gunman, he solved the Gage train robbery. Built at the edge of the Gila Wilderness, mining and cattle town Silver City needed a steady hand to guide it through its most violent years. Harvey Whitehill was that central figure in the community through six terms as elected sheriff. Fine in fine dust jacket. $45.00 (22461)

16. RAINE, WILLIAM MACLEOD. FAMOUS SHERIFFS & WESTERN OUTLAWS. Garden City: Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc., 1929. First edition. 8vo. Decorated green cloth, red endpapers, [8], 294 pp. Biographical sketches of men who were gunfighters in their day, and from both sides of the law. Six Guns 1784 says, "One of the author's earlier nonfiction books, and one in which he covers the subject fairly thoroughly." Internal front portion of spine beginning to weaken, evidence of removal of small label from front fly leaf, else very good in price-clipped dust jacket with moderate wear to foot of spine and extremities. $55.00 (22526)

17. ALEXANDER, BOB. JOHN H. BEHAN: SACRIFICED SHERIFF. [Silver City: High-Lonesome Books, 2002]. First edition. Limited to 500 copies. Signed. Grey cloth, marbled endsheets, [6], 307 [3] pp., introduction, preface, acknowledgments, illustrated from photos, bibliography, index. Introduction by Paula Mitchell Marks. The publisher says, "John Harris Behan....was a true frontiersman of the early Arizona Territory. Long portrayed as a villain in the Tombstone conflicts, and the nemesis of Wyatt Earp, Sacrificed Sheriff presents the story of a 40 year lawman and public servant who was skilled with gun and horse, yet who consistently fought crime and arrested bad guys without killing anyone. Behan also was a Civil War volunteer, twice a State Legislator, and Yuma Prison Superintendent." Fine in dust jacket. $55.00 (22827)

18. TISE, SAMMY. TEXAS COUNTY SHERIFFS. [Albuquerque: Privately printed, 1989]. First edition. Thick quarto. Black cloth with Texas Star and lettering on front cover and spine stamped in gold, xiv, 594 pp., introduction, illustrated, plates, portraits. In 1827, Stephen F. Austin received authorization for the establishment of constitutional government in Texas. In 1828 the first sheriff was appointed in Texas. This book is the most complete and accurate compiling of information on Sheriffs that existing records support. Each Texas county is represented and the accompanying photographs of the Texas Sheriffs add much to the completeness of each county. Fine, unread copy without dust jacket, as issued. $100.00 (24115)

19. FULLER, HENRY C. "A TEXAS SHERIFF." A VIVID AND ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF SOME OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS MURDER CASES AND FEUDS IN THE HISTORY OF EAST TEXAS, AND THE OFFICERS WHO RELENTLESSLY PURSUED THE CRIMINALS TILL THEY WERE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE AND PAID THE FULL PENALTY OF THE LAW. Nacogdoches: Baker Printing Co., 1931. First edition. 8vo. Pictorial wrappers, 80 pp., double column, illustrated, plates, portraits. Six Guns 784 says, "Scarce." "Tells about many Texas murders, including the one by Bill Mitchell of James Truitt, the result of one of Texas' many feuds. The author also touches upon the Border-Wall-Broocks feud." One tiny corner chip to the top and rear fore-edge, else near fine copy. $175.00  SIX GUNS 784. (24197)

20. COLLIER, WM. R. AND EDWIN V. WESTRATE. DAVE COOK OF THE ROCKIES, FRONTIER GENERAL, FIGHTING SHERIFF, AND LEADER OF MEN. NY: Rufus Rockwell Wilson, Inc., 1936. First edition. 8vo. Cloth, xv [1], 224 pp., frontis. [portrait of General David J. Cook], acknowledgment, introduction, illustrated. An interesting account of the life of this well-known pioneer. "A history of this famous Colorado detective, with an extended account of the capture of Musgrove and his gang, as well as other outlaws."---Ramon Adams. Fine, bright, tight copy in price-clipped dust jacket with light wear to spine ends and the extremities. $100.00 SIX GUNS 466. (24275)

21. MCGINTY, BILLY. THE OLD WEST AS TOLD BY BILLY MCGINTY. AS TOLD BY BILLY MCGINTY TO GLENN L. EYLER. N.P.: Ripley Review, Publishers, 1937. First edition. 8vo. Signed by Billy McGinty. Pictorial wrappers, 108 (2) pp., illustrated. Autobiography of an old-time cowboy and broncho rider who worked on ranches in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Kansas. Includes a chapter on his experiences as deputy sheriff in Clifton, Arizona in the 1890's. As told to Glenn L. Eyler. Six Guns 1406: "Has information on Tulsa Jack Blake and other Oklahoma outlaws..." Only one copy located in NUC (the rebound and stamped Lilly Library copy). Light wear to the fore-edges, else near fine copy housed in a cloth clamshell case with gold stamping on the spine. $1000.00 HERD 1402. SIX GUNS 1406. (23725)

22. HATLEY, ALLEN G. BRINGING THE LAW TO TEXAS. CRIME AND VIOLENCE IN NINETEENTH CENTURY TEXAS. LaGrange: Centex Press, 2002. First edition. Signed by the author. 8vo. Cloth, xxvi, 198 pp., acknowledgments, introduction, illustrated, plates, portraits, epilogue, appendices, endnotes, index. For the first time, the accurate, entertaining, and sweeping story of how the lawmen and courts worked to establish the rule of law during the first fifty-five years (1846-1900) of the Lone Star State is told. In addition to the Texas Rangers, the exploits and sacrifices of the various sheriffs, constables, deputies, town marshals, and municipal police officers in Texas during the nineteenth century, is told in quite some detail. Fine in dust jacket. $45.00 (25158)

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