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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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David Alderson (TCA) Spade Bit51 - David Alderson (TCA) Spade Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Exquisite workmanship on this Las Cruces bit by the Traditional Cowboy Artist member. Finely engraved cheekpieces hold a 2” domed concho surrounded by
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 4,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Cavalry Saddle Made for Dances with Wolves (1990)52 - Cavalry Saddle Made for Dances with Wolves (1990)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Complete reproduction Model 1859 U. S. Cavalry saddle with accessories made for the Academy Award winning movie that was used in deleted scenes. Was p
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Eddy Hulbert (1898-1960) Montana/Wyoming Cowgirl Spurs53 - Eddy Hulbert (1898-1960) Montana/Wyoming Cowgirl Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Highly coveted silver inlaid Hulbert spurs with E.C. on bands. 1 1/2”-12 pt dotted rowels, engraved upturned button, floral carved two-piece leathers.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,750.00) = 3,750.00
 
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Crockett Del Rio Spurs54 - Crockett Del Rio Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Texas spur No. 252 with maker-mark under buttons. Tapered bands mounted with golden bronze and silver. Chains missing, shows in catalog that these wer
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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Oscar Crockett Pawhuska Pattern Spurs55 - Oscar Crockett Pawhuska Pattern Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Very fine, inside marked O. Crockett, both spurs, Cat Pat No. 131 with 2 1/2” long shanks, 7/8” wide bands, 6 pt rowels, dual heart and raised button
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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August Buermann Inlaid Spurs56 - August Buermann Inlaid Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Mint condition straight shank California style spurs with full inlay on one side, deeply chased and cast off-side. The early marks, Pat’d H Hand Forge
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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C. P. Shipley Kansas City, MO Spurs57 - C. P. Shipley Kansas City, MO Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Cat Pat No. 40 with full coverage overlaid one side, 1 3/16” bands, swinging buttons, floral carved two-piece leathers, engraving patterns differ on e
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
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McChesney No. 33 Spurs58 - McChesney No. 33 Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Single mounted with silver ovals and hearts. Style #2 in the Paul’s Valley catalog. Simple 14 point rowels. Overall in very good condition.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Kelly Bros (1919-1939) Presentation Spurs59 - Kelly Bros (1919-1939) Presentation Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
C.P. Hudson engraved on 5/8” band mounting with classic strap buttons, 2 1/4” long shank, with blunted rowels. Very good condition with strong engravi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (550.00) = 550.00
 
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Tom Johnson (1875-1915) Gal Leg Spurs60 - Tom Johnson (1875-1915) Gal Leg Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Basic leg pattern spur from the Coleman, Texas maker, with spade and diamond overlay. Copper and silver mountings show heavy wear with most of the eng
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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McChesney #8 Pattern Gal Leg Spurs61 - McChesney #8 Pattern Gal Leg Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Stamped with the scarce trademark arm & hammer on the bands, this mark is noted in Lee Jacobs J.R. McChesney, A Lifetime, A Legacy as used to de...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Rex Schnitger (1877-1947) Spurs62 - Rex Schnitger (1877-1947) Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A classic Wyoming pattern with Cheyenne split 1” heeelband, chap guard, and 2 1/2” rowels. Plain iron cowboy spurs in excellent condition with baskets
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (950.00) = 950.00
 
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McChesney Gooseneck Spurs63 - McChesney Gooseneck Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Nice pair of Robert McChesney Pat No. 12 spurs with gooseneck shank and flying goose overlay on band. All original including the off-side goose head r
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Kelly Bros. & Parker Heart Spurs64 - Kelly Bros. & Parker Heart Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Marked K.P. & P. on the 7/8” bands. Overlaid with nickel hearts over copper with alternating stripes on the shank. Initials stamped into the hea...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Crockett Stainless Steel Parade Spurs65 - Crockett Stainless Steel Parade Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Sterling silver overlaid with swinging buttons, 2 1/4” solid 20 point nickel rowels with engraved attached silver washer, unused condition, c. 1950s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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E. F. Blanchard Spurs66 - E. F. Blanchard Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Marked on inside of each spur, No.4 SS – E.F. Blanchard – Yucca – Ariz. Stainless steel with 1 1/2” band, 1 3/4” shanks, 1 1/4” original rowels. Mount
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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G. S. Garcia No. 1 Pattern Eagle Bit67 - G. S. Garcia No. 1 Pattern Eagle Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Originally designed for the Garcia Beauty – the 1904 gold medal winning saddle ensemble exhibited at the St. Louis World’s Fair – this very limited pr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to 1OldSalt for (3,400.00 + 680.00BP) = 4,080.00
 
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G. S. Garcia Silver Inlaid Bit68 - G. S. Garcia Silver Inlaid Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
G. S. Garcia/ Elko, Nev (Dutch N) silver inlaid banana cheek half breed bit. Round slobber bar, iron roller, and all inlays intact. Fine condition, c.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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G.S. Garcia Montana Style Spurs69 - G.S. Garcia Montana Style Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
No. 51 “Montana Style” spurs with #5 rowels on 2 1/2” long shanks, well marked inside each band. Dutch N mark. Vintage tooled straps and 1 3/4” domed
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
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G. S. Garcia Army Bit70 - G. S. Garcia Army Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A very fine, well marked bit. Description from the 1924 Garcia catalog No. 17 U.S. Army Bit. All silver overlaid 2 1/4 inch silver conchas. This is a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00) = 1,600.00
 
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Flashy Ted Flowers Texas Star Parade Saddle71 - Flashy Ted Flowers Texas Star Parade Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Full monel parade rig with bridle, bit, breastcollar and serapes. All complete and in great condition with all pieces intact. 28” long tapaderos, quil
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for (5,500.00) = 5,500.00
 
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Garcia Saddlery, Salinas, California72 - Garcia Saddlery, Salinas, California
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Flower tooled roping saddle, Garcia marked bridle with silver and gold shield marked 101, California spade bit also marked Garcia. In very good overal
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,300.00) = 2,300.00
 
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Impressive D. E. Walker Visalia Show Saddle73 - Impressive D. E. Walker Visalia Show Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Brown with flower tooling and fixed corona. This elegant saddle has 24” tapaderos and matching martingale and bridle with Visalia show bit. There are
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 9,000.00 - 14,000.00
Sold to floor for (22,000.00) = 22,000.00
 
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F. A. Meanea Cowboy Cuffs74 - F. A. Meanea Cowboy Cuffs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Excellent condition with clear Cheyenne WYO?. maker-mark. Line and drape tooling with central double line box, 6 1/2” tall with triple snap closures.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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R.T Frazier His and Hers Saddles75 - R.T Frazier His and Hers Saddles
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pair of saddles by the famous Pueblo maker. Tooling in a sunburst design on each corner with round skirts. Well marked with 13” and 14” seats. Marked
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,300.00) = 2,300.00
 
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Visalia Stock Saddle Co. Batwing Chaps76 - Visalia Stock Saddle Co. Batwing Chaps
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Fancy spotted chaps with stars and circles on corners, double row of studs down each leg and spotted pockets. Nice sharp San Francisco saddlery mark i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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C. H. Collison Silver Mounted Show/Parade Saddle77 - C. H. Collison Silver Mounted Show/Parade Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Very decorative two-tone floral carved 1940s saddle with tapaderos adorned with engraved diamonds and half-diamonds plus oversized domed silver corner
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,800.00 - 2,400.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Rare Mardueno 19th c. Spade Bit78 - Rare Mardueno 19th c. Spade Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Scroll chasing in long leaf pattern, 4 1/2” bar, double slobber chain, excellent condition, possibly unused.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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D.E. Walker, Visalia, California79 - D.E. Walker, Visalia, California
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Plain saddle with double row of line tooling. Southwest style conchos in strings and wrapped horn. Sterling plate on cantle with initials D.S.15 1/2”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Lot of Two (2) Eddy Hulbert Curb Bits80 - Lot of Two (2) Eddy Hulbert Curb Bits
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Standard high port curb bit with thin cheeks and engraved silver buttons; b) A fine silver overlaid interchangeable bit. Curved cheekpieces with ov
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
Details...Bookmark
G. S. Garcia White Shotgun Chaps81 - G. S. Garcia White Shotgun Chaps
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
White horsehair shotgun chaps. Well marked with small block letters. 95% of hair intact, overall very good with some extra stitching on belt and cuffs
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Leon Andrews, Ponca City, Oklahoma Custom Bit & Spur Set81A - Leon Andrews, Ponca City, Oklahoma Custom Bit & Spur Set
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Texas style gal-leg spurs with card suit overlays on the band, finely engraved legs and 12 point rowels. The matching bit is a classic gal leg curb st
Bidding Has Concluded
 
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Deerlodge Horsehair Bridle82 - Deerlodge Horsehair Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Deerlodge prisonmade horsehair bridle with light background, red and turquoise geometric designs and American flags on the cheeks. All original leathe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Deerlodge Horsehair Bridle83 - Deerlodge Horsehair Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Prisonmade, hitched horsehair bridle, reins, romal with light background with bright and colorful geometric, triangular designs. Pair of early round a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,300.00) = 2,300.00
 
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Yuma Arizona Prison Bridle84 - Yuma Arizona Prison Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Colorful hitched horsehair bridle with bright pink, turquoise, orange, red, white and yellow diamonds over black background. 5 tassels across forehead
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,900.00) = 1,900.00
 
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Early Native American Silver Bridle85 - Early Native American Silver Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Plains or southern plains bridle, all original. Very unusual to find with the original leather. Finely detailed with 1 3/4” naja and 3” pierced round
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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Complete Ortega Headstall & Reins with Bit86 - Complete Ortega Headstall & Reins with Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Rawhide headstall constructed of double-8 plait, whipped, gaucho and herringbone knots. Matching closed reins with romal and Ortega maker-marked leath
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,500.00 - 7,500.00
Sold to floor for (4,500.00) = 4,500.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega fancy Braided Rawhide Hobbles87 - Luis B. Ortega fancy Braided Rawhide Hobbles
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Flat-laced, eight strand body, red colored Spanish lacing on stainless steel center ring. Six-pointed red star on herringbone knot. 1 1/16” wide. Exce
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Quirt88 - Luis B. Ortega Quirt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
16” long, (32” overall) marked on popper Luis Ortega, with owners name H. Collins. Body of quirt has 8 buttons with red accents, 3 dark sections of fi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Light Hackamore or Bosalito89 - Luis B. Ortega Light Hackamore or Bosalito
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Braided black rawhide body with natural tapering noseband and heel knot accented with black and red interweaves. White leather hanger. Fine condition,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,900.00) = 1,900.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Brown Presentation Reins90 - Luis B. Ortega Brown Presentation Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Sixteen-strand braided black kangaroo show reins 1/4” wide and 49” in length with 12 engraved sterling ferrules on each rein and a silver slider. Rein
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,600.00) = 3,600.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Working Reins with Romal91 - Luis B. Ortega Working Reins with Romal
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Dark brown braiding with Luis’ characteristic buttons and signature carved inside the leather popper, c. 1940s-50s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,300.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to nickl3022184 for (700.00 + 140.00BP) = 840.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Brown Presentation Reins92 - Luis B. Ortega Brown Presentation Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Sixteen-strand braided russet colored kangaroo show reins 1/4” wide and 4’ in length with 10 engraved sterling ferrules on each rein and a silver slid
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Show Bridle93 - Luis B. Ortega Show Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Maker-marked with the name Luis B. Ortega carved inside the leather popper. Richly patinated rawhide show headstall and matching closed 3/8” reins wit
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,500.00 - 7,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,750.00) = 3,750.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Luis B. Ortega Pencil Bosalito94 - Luis B. Ortega Pencil Bosalito
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Approximately 12” in length, this elegant and fine pencil bosal with original braided leather hanger is constructed of 14-strand cheeks and 24-strand
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Reata95 - Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Reata
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Appx 33’ rawhide reata with Luis B. Ortega carved into the hondo along with FIESTA ‘41. Excellent condition. Probably made by Luis for Santa Barbara F
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to 88sasso for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
 
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Jay Adcock Reata96 - Jay Adcock Reata
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
4 strand rawhide rope with tight button and hondo. Approx 40’, marked on hondo with the Adcock brand. Light color, tight braid, high quality as always
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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2 Headstalls with El Gato and Results Bits97 - 2 Headstalls with El Gato and Results Bits
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Fancy Ortega style braided rawhide headstall with natural buttons. Attached to a silver overlaid loose-jaw Results maker-marked half-breed bit. Fin
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Luis and Rose Ortega’s Navajo Rug98 - Luis and Rose Ortega’s Navajo Rug
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Ganado or Thunderbird Lodge, Canyon de Chelley area. Commercially spun yarns in aniline dyed red and black, and natural white and gray. Striking geome
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,700.00) = 2,700.00
 
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Extraordinary Edward H. Bohlin Spurs99 - Extraordinary Edward H. Bohlin Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
One-of-a-kind, special order Edward H. Bohlin filigreed spurs, constructed of 14k, 18k & 22k gold and sterling silver, this custom pair of spurs...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 15,000.00 - 25,000.00
Sold to floor for (19,000.00) = 19,000.00
 
Details...Bookmark