^Lot 389 Lunkenheimer Steam Whistle From Lucky Cuss Mine

For your consideration is this early, Lunkenheimer steam whistle from the Lucky Cuss Mine in Tombstone, Arizona Territory in the 1880-90s. The Lucky Cuss mine in Tombstone, Arizona, was a significant silver mine discovered by Ed Schieffelin in 1877. Initially, he named his first claim "Tombstone" after a soldier's warning that he would only find his tombstone in the San Pedro hills. When the vein ran out, he found a richer one nearby and his brother jokingly called him a "lucky cuss," leading to the mine's name. The Lucky Cuss became one of Tombstone's richest mines, contributing to the town's growth as a major silver mining center. The Lunkenheimer Company, based in Cincinnati, was a prominent manufacturer of steam whistles, particularly for steamboats and other industrial applications such as mine whistles. Their whistles were known for their loud, distinctive sound, which played a crucial role in signaling and safety on the rivers and mines deep underground. This steam whistle is marked on one side reading, "Lunkenheimer", while the other side is marked, "2 1/2". It features a handle off to the side and when pulled, it would produce the whistle sound. The handle is marked reading, "M88". It shows good condition overall with wear present from its age and use over the years, but no major signs of damage is noted. It measures 2 3/4" L x 6" W x 15 7/8" H and weighs 5 pounds and 2 ounces. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. M55