Denver Old West Auction

Auction Details

The only known photograph of Billy the Kid (the “Upham tintype”), a signed and numbered serigraph from Andy Warhol’s "Cowboys and Indians" series, and an extensive collection of new-to-market Buffalo Bill and Wild West memorabilia are among the highlights at Brian Lebel’s 22nd annual Old West Auction, June 25, 5pm at the Denver Merchandise Mart.

The 130-year old tintype of Billy the Kid is the only authenticated photograph of The Kid known to exist, and is widely regarded as the most important photograph of the American West. Extensively studied and documented, the photograph is nearly as famous as its infamous subject. A tintype of Billy’s friend, Dan Dedrick (to whom Billy gave his tintype), is included in the lot, along with other photos and letters from the Dedrick family and their descendants. Another piece of history can be found in J.A. Garrett’s Colt Single Action, which has documentation linking it to the Johnson County War.

Fine Western art at this year’s sale includes an important Edward Borein watercolor, "California Vaquero", from the estate of noted Borein collector Katherine Haley. A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures. The Old West Auction will offer its first ever Andy Warhol, the 1986 Mother and Child, signed and numbered "TP 18/36". Other Western artists to be offered include Harry Jackson, Will Crawford, Nick Eggenhofer, Ross Stefan, Eric Michaels, Remington Schuyler, Joe Beeler and Ralph Lillywhite.

The personal collection of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West performer, Jordan Cottle will be offered for the first time, and includes a hand-drawn, hand signed, banner with original signatures from such noted Wild West performers as W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Annie Oakley, Frank Butler, Johnny Baker and others. One of W.F. Cody’s personal pocket watches is for sale, as are original copies of the (unconsummated) divorce proceedings from his wife, Louisa Cody, in which a witness accuses her of trying to poison her famous husband.

Fine saddles, spurs, bits, bridles and other cowboy items from noted names such as Bohlin, Visalia, Ortega, and Buermann will be offered. Native American artifacts for sale include a beaded Omaha man’s warshirt, pipe bags, Navajo textiles, parfleche items and Apache baskets. Hollywood cowboy items include a John Wayne movie hat and “The Lone Ranger,” Clayton Moore’s Colt Single Actions.

A full color catalog is available for purchase, and Internet, phone and absentee bidding are available. The live auction is held in conjunction with the 22nd annual Old West Show, an expo-style sale with 200 national dealers in Western antiques, art and merchandise. General admission to the Show is $5 and early buy-in is available.
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Three pair of fancy Cowboy Boots1 - Three pair of fancy Cowboy Boots
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Inlaid longhorns with stars and moons on both front and back. Brown with dark brown wing tips and heels. 11 1/2” x 11 1/2” tall; b) Tooled leather
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00) = 1,600.00
 
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Lot of Four (4) Butterfly and Flower Boots2 - Lot of Four (4) Butterfly and Flower Boots
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Black on black with white and red butterflies. Red edge on stepped top with pinked edge white trim. 10 3/4” x 12 1/2” tall; b) Fancy black wing tip
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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Lot of Four (4) Pairs of Fancy Cowboy Boots3 - Lot of Four (4) Pairs of Fancy Cowboy Boots
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Mexican made black boots with rattlesnake inlays of embossed leather for a snakeskin look. 11 3/4” x 14” tall; b) Black Mexican made boots with gol
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Lot Five (5) fancy inlaid Eagle Cowboy Boots4 - Lot Five (5) fancy inlaid Eagle Cowboy Boots
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Black with blue tops and detailed white and brown eagles, colored stitching on toes. 12” x 17” tall; b) Tony Lama cream on brown with eagle wing ti
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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Fabulous Stewart Boots5 - Fabulous Stewart Boots
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Stewart Fine Hand Made Boots - Tucson, Arizona. Finely tooled in a multi floral pattern with roses at center and acorns front and back. Detailed, engr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,700.00) = 2,700.00
 
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Two Pair of Fine Custom-order Rocket Buster Boots6 - Two Pair of Fine Custom-order Rocket Buster Boots
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Lone Star State boot, Texas inlaid along top on the outside, Lone Star along inside. Inlays of yellow rose, Texas flags, horseshoes, and oil derric
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
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Lot of Five (5) Cast Iron Gallery Targets7 - Lot of Five (5) Cast Iron Gallery Targets
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Prussian soldier, marked A.J. Smith on back and 60 on front of base, this shape shown in the E.C. Evans catalog as #60. 7 5/8” overall, drop down s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Lot of Eight (8) Cast Iron Gallery Targets8 - Lot of Eight (8) Cast Iron Gallery Targets
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Pair of Roosters, 13 stamped into bottom tang, circle R stamped on other side. 4 1/2” tall; b) Squirrel, sitting pose, concave off side. 6 1/4” tal
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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Lot of Five (5) Cast Iron Gallery Targets9 - Lot of Five (5) Cast Iron Gallery Targets
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Indian in Canoe, great figure, white paint turning from rust. 9 1/4” long; b) Pair (2) of Indian heads with headdress 4 1/2” tall; c) Club or 3 lea
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
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Lot of Four (4) Cast Iron Gallery Targets10 - Lot of Four (4) Cast Iron Gallery Targets
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Running squirrel, white park repaint, 7” tall with cast base; b) Running tiger or lion most likely by W.F. Mangels, large 12” long by 8” tall, deta
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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American Airlines Poster11 - American Airlines Poster
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Original vintage travel poster Arizona / American Airlines image of cowboy and cowgirl by Fred Ludiken (1900-1982) with vivid colors, c. 1960. 39&qu...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
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The Stampede Lithograph Poster by Ed Borein12 - The Stampede Lithograph Poster by Ed Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Bucking horse I-See-U 1923 for the Canadian Championships/ Calgary/July 9 to 14 1923. Spectacular drawing of a wild bronc with cowboy holdin’ on. Post
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to grovecapta.. for (1,300.00 + 260.00BP) = 1,560.00
 
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Toreo Gran Rodeo Cowgirl Lithograph13 - Toreo Gran Rodeo Cowgirl Lithograph
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Early 20th century canvas mounted poster with cowgirl graphics measuring 42” x 13 1/2”. Vertical 1/2 sheet by Erie Litho Co. Vivid colors, some slight
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Hopkins and Allen Agency Display14 - Hopkins and Allen Agency Display
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Early counter style gun rack, holds 5 rifles. All lithographed tin with uprights mounted on shelf and 10” square legs with advertising on all sides Ho
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,400.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (5,000.00) = 5,000.00
 
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John Phillips (20th C. American)15 - John Phillips (20th C. American)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
From the Top 18” x 24” Framed to 25 3/4” x 31 3/4” Oil on canvas Signed lower left J. Phillips PROVENANCE: Ex: Denver Art Museum Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,300.00) = 1,300.00
 
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Vintage Karl Bodmer (1809-1893) Aquatint Engraving Arikara Warrior16 - Vintage Karl Bodmer (1809-1893) Aquatint Engraving Arikara Warrior
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
(PACHTUWA-TCHA), c. 1839, paper measures 17 1/4” x 23 3/4” with a site size of 13 x 17”; Litchfield, Connecticut Historical Society provenance shield,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,000.00) = 4,000.00
 
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Hopkins and Allen Prairie Girl17 - Hopkins and Allen Prairie Girl
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Original lithograph advertising for the Hopkins and Allen firearms company. Colorful image of beautiful cowgirl showing off her revolver. 26” x 9 1/2”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Scott Rogers18 - Scott Rogers
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Yellowstone Bison 14”h x 20 1/2”l x 7”w Bronze AP/30 Brown patina
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
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W.H.M. Cox (d. 1909)19 - W.H.M. Cox (d. 1909)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Smokey Joe 24 1/2” x 14” Framed to 32” x 22” Oil on Canvas Signed and dated lower right Cox was active in the Colorado Springs area in the 1870s and
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,500.00) = 4,500.00
 
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May Dillingham Folk Art Indian20 - May Dillingham Folk Art Indian
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Oil on Canvas 18” x 14” framed to 21 1/2” x 17 1/2” Signed on reverse May Dillingham / Pottsdam N.Y. / Aug 26-’89 - From sister May to Bro. Bertie Ins
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (300.00) = 300.00
 
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Unsigned Saloon Nude21 - Unsigned Saloon Nude
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Classic reclining figure popular in the bars and saloons of the west, c. 1880s 29 1/4” x 46 1/4” Oil on canvas. Shows quality restoration. Surface age
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,300.00) = 2,300.00
 
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Full Body Mount Standing Grizzly Bear22 - Full Body Mount Standing Grizzly Bear
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
High quality taxidermy mount of a 6’ tall bruin standing with open mouth. Overall with the base this specimen rises almost 8’. The hair and hide are i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,500.00) = 4,500.00
 
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Cyrus Edward Dallin (1861-1944)23 - Cyrus Edward Dallin (1861-1944)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Scout 37”tall x 36” long, 12” deep Bronze Signed in bronze C. E. Dallin 8/30 Copyright 1912 Casting date unknown, on 1 1/4” marble base
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
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James Earl Fraser (1876-1953)24 - James Earl Fraser (1876-1953)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
End of Trail 28” tall, 30” long, 9” deep Bronze Signed in bronze J.E. Fraser 38/150 Casting date unknown
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Wilson Hurley (1924-2008)25 - Wilson Hurley (1924-2008)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Spring Snow in the Sandias 24” x 40” Framed to 34” x 50” Oil on canvas Signed lower left Water damage to left side of canvas PROVENANCE: Ex: Denver Ar
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (11,500.00) = 11,500.00
 
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Raphael Lillywhite (1891-1958)26 - Raphael Lillywhite (1891-1958)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pack Burro 24” x 30” Framed to 29 1/2” x 35 1/2” Oil on masonite Signed lower left Raphael Lillywhite
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Michael Coleman27 - Michael Coleman
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Black Bears-Nimpskish River 24” x 30” Oil on board Signed lower right Michael Coleman
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to nickl3022184 for (5,000.00 + 1,000.00BP) = 6,000.00
 
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Cyrus Edward Dallin (1861-1944)28 - Cyrus Edward Dallin (1861-1944)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Massasoit 41” tall, 15” wide, 13” deep, on 2” base Bronze Signed on bronze C.E. Dallin 1914 6/30 Casting date unknown. (Note: description previously s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Dave Powell CA (b. 1954)29 - Dave Powell CA (b. 1954)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Praying to Sindi 30” x 40” Framed to 39” x 50” Oil on Canvas Signed lower left Dave Powell CA
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 8,000.00 - 12,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
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Remington Schuyler (1884-1955)30 - Remington Schuyler (1884-1955)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pair of Pulp Cover Illustrations in large format 31” x 22” each Framed to 39” x 30” Oil on board Signed lower right Remington Schuyler
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,250.00) = 3,250.00
 
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Ross Stefan (1934-1999)31 - Ross Stefan (1934-1999)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pueblo Evening 22” x 30” Framed to 31 1/2” x 39 1/4” Oil on Canvas Signed lower right Ross Stefan Ex: Denver Art Museum; Harmsen Museum of Art Exhibit
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
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William Matthews (b. 1949)32 - William Matthews (b. 1949)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Buffalo 18 1/2” x 18 1/2” Shadow box framed to 28 1/2” square Watercolor on paper Signed lower right William Matthews Gallery tag attached to reverse.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Linda Tippetts (b. 1944)33 - Linda Tippetts (b. 1944)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
The Sacred Lodge 18” x 24” Framed to 25” x 31” Oil on Masonite Signed lower right Inscribed lower right Where Brothers Begin – Promises are Spoken – N
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (200.00) = 200.00
 
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Thomas deDecker (b. 1951)34 - Thomas deDecker (b. 1951)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Native American Campsite 16” x 20” Oil on board Signed lower right
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,150.00) = 1,150.00
 
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“Cowboy” Chuck Ryan35 - “Cowboy” Chuck Ryan
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot includes: belt & holster rig, revolvers, boots, buckle, spurs, photos, book. Belt and holster rig with a pair of Great Western single action...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for (4,500.00) = 4,500.00
 
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Montie Montana Shirt and Pants36 - Montie Montana Shirt and Pants
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Turk shirt with embroidered floral design, blue yoke, Montie’s famous Rocking MM brand on chest and over pockets on pants. 2 pair of pants, one with r
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Buck Jones Personal Belt Buckle37 - Buck Jones Personal Belt Buckle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
3-piece sterling and gold set, most likely made by the Srour Company in Los Angeles in the late 1920s or early 1930s for mega cowboy movie star Buck J
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (5,000.00) = 5,000.00
 
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Tim McCoy Movie Poster38 - Tim McCoy Movie Poster
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
“Cornered” c.1932 Lithograph poster, 40” x 27” Morgan Litho Co. Framed in step style to 51” x 38”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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Pair of Buffalo Ranch Lithographs39 - Pair of Buffalo Ranch Lithographs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
“Real Wild West” posters 55 1/2” x 20” each. Colorful and exciting graphics. a) Cowboys - Cowgirls - Indians - Mexicans “History Blended with Pleasant
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Gary Keithley Melba, ID Custom Qualey Pattern Spurs40 - Gary Keithley Melba, ID Custom Qualey Pattern Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Extra large size with 2 3/4”- 30 pt rowels. Sterling conchos and buckles. Conchos are 2 1/4” with synthetic rubies. Inside marked with Gary’s maker-ma
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,250.00) = 3,250.00
 
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Miller Bit & Spur Spurs41 - Miller Bit & Spur Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Single diamond pattern silver inlaid spurs. Heavy drop shank holding 2 1/4” - 20 point rowels. Double heel chains and basketweave straps. All original
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Impressive Bill Adamson Spurs42 - Impressive Bill Adamson Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A very significant pair of large spurs, double mounted with steerheads over full silver overlay on one side and cut out silver card suit pattern on th
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (5,000.00) = 5,000.00
 
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Denny Lytle & James L. Mower Spurs43 - Denny Lytle & James L. Mower Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Intricately engraved gunmetal spurs by the sought after Utah makers. Bottom row of domed buttons with central scroll engraved 1 3/8” dome. Early Calif
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
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Gary Wiggins Swan Spurs44 - Gary Wiggins Swan Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Marker-marked WIGGINS 178-03 3 of 12 inside the heelband. Fully silver mounted swan spurs with brass beaks, brass and silver trim, swinging buttons, e
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Mark Dahl (TCA) Heart Spurs45 - Mark Dahl (TCA) Heart Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Early pair of Mark Dahl, Deeth, Nev maker-marked and dated 1985 silver inlaid heart pattern spurs with heart-shaped chap guard and rowel pin cover. 2
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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Full Mounted Ron Bliss Spurs46 - Full Mounted Ron Bliss Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
California style spurs with split heelband and multiple silver domes, an homage to Rex Schnitger. Off-side has 5 raised squares inlaid in silver and e
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Herman Wells, Penwell, Texas Intricate Iron Spurs47 - Herman Wells, Penwell, Texas Intricate Iron Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Fine gunmetal engraved spurs featuring stylized diamond pattern 2 3/4” shanks holding a 2 1/2” rowel, fine inlaid edges, swinging buttons, inside mark
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (650.00) = 650.00
 
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Canon City Colorado Prison Spurs48 - Canon City Colorado Prison Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Classic double or full mounted spurs with turned up buttons. Shanks with chap guard and bird head ends holding a 1 7/8” rowel. Engraving worn and slig
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to cntyguy for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
 
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Bill Adamson Full Mounted Texas Spurs49 - Bill Adamson Full Mounted Texas Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Crockett marked spurs with Adamson mark under button. The 1” band is decorated with raised Kelly Bros. style steerhead on one side and star with cresc
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Bill Adamson (b. 1929) Eagle & Dice Spurs50 - Bill Adamson (b. 1929) Eagle & Dice Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Large Texas pattern spurs with copper eagle and pair of dice mountings on 1 1/4” bands. High hook shanks with silver and copper overlays holding a fin
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00) = 1,600.00
 
Details...Bookmark