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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Unusual Pictorial Navajo Textile250 - Unusual Pictorial Navajo Textile
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Six individual, uniquely depicted cows, one in profile. Stepped fret border design, all hand spun, mostly Churro wool yarn, aniline dyed black and bro
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for (8,000.00) = 8,000.00
 
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Andy Warhol (1928-1987)251 - Andy Warhol (1928-1987)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Mother and Child Cowboys and Indians Series (1986) T.P. 18/36 Unique in color 36” x 36” image Serigraph, screenprint on Lenox Museum Board Signed and
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 8,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for (16,000.00) = 16,000.00
 
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Two Navajo Yei Rugs252 - Two Navajo Yei Rugs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) 48” x 29” Five Yei figures in earthtones on a gold field and stepped outside border. Fine condition c. 1940s; b) 29” x 27” Two Yei-bi-chei figures
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Eastern Sioux Embroidered Vest253 - Eastern Sioux Embroidered Vest
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A fine leather vest with silk thread decoration, in large red floral pattern, with fringed bottom. Excellent condition, c. 1900.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Man’s Nez Perce Floral Vest254 - Man’s Nez Perce Floral Vest
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Large leaves of dark green with red, yellow and blue beads, on light blue background on commercial cloth, c.1890-1900.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Cree Man’s Vest255 - Cree Man’s Vest
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Finely decorated with silk embroidery with tight flowers and leaves. Pinked edge collar and pockets, bone buttons, excellent condition, bright colors.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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F. B. Fiske Silver Print of Sitting Bull256 - F. B. Fiske Silver Print of Sitting Bull
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Standing Rock Agency, Fort Yates, N. Dak. colored 9 1/2” x 7” image, framed to 18 1/2” x 15 1/2”, original photo taken by William Notman, Montreal, wh
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Joe Scheuerle (1874-1948), Drawing with Signatures257 - Joe Scheuerle (1874-1948), Drawing with Signatures
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pow Wow at Montezuma’s Lodge, Feb 17. 1915 5 1/2” x 4” Mixed Media on Card Hand-drawn card done by Joe Scheuerle to commemorate a gathering at the hom
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Bill Owen CA (b. 1942)258 - Bill Owen CA (b. 1942)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Longhorn 12”h x 27 1/2”w x 9 3/4”d Bronze 15/45 Greenish/gray patina
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (5,000.00) = 5,000.00
 
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Lot of 4 Buffalo Bill Wild West Programs259 - Lot of 4 Buffalo Bill Wild West Programs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Colorful covers with interesting stories. Cody insisted that his programs be of the highest quality. a) 1899, 64 pages plus 4 of advertisements. Corne
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (350.00) = 350.00
 
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Lot of Buffalo Bill Wild West Ephemera260 - Lot of Buffalo Bill Wild West Ephemera
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) 1907 Die-cut “Indian Head” Advance Courier. Very colorful with 32 pages from a performance at Madison Square Garden. Excellent condition overall wi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Vintage Stone-Litho of W.F. ”Buffalo Bill” Cody261 - Vintage Stone-Litho of W.F. ”Buffalo Bill” Cody
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lithograph portrait, circa 1880s, by W.J. Morgan and Co., Cody formally attired in jacket and Stetson hat; includes imprinted signature Yours Truly –
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to blowtorchb.. for (1,300.00 + 260.00BP) = 1,560.00
 
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The Life of Buffalo Bill in 3 Reels Lithograph262 - The Life of Buffalo Bill in 3 Reels Lithograph
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Circa 1913 poster by the Buffalo Bill - Pawnee Bill Film Co., fine colors, 42” x 28” linen backed and framed to 47” x 33”. Some staining and shows a f
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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W.F. Cody Photograph by Stacy263 - W.F. Cody Photograph by Stacy
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Oversize lightweight lithographed card with oval image of Cody c. 1900. This image of Buffalo Bill was believed taken in 1896 and used in many of his
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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Vintage Buffalo Bill Cody Lithograph264 - Vintage Buffalo Bill Cody Lithograph
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A fabulous c. 1905 promotional poster of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody taken from an original 1889 painting by Rosa Bonheur. 40” x 27” image, framed
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,400.00) = 2,400.00
 
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Buffalo Bill’s Trip to the Grand Canyon265 - Buffalo Bill’s Trip to the Grand Canyon
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Scare group of 4 photographic images of William Cody’s trip to the North Rim with Brigham Young’s son John W. Young. With a scheme to bring Internatio
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Wild West Cowboy Photograph266 - Wild West Cowboy Photograph
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Great image of 6 Wild West show performers with fantastic equipment. Oversize mounted image c.1890s, 9 3/4” x 7 3/4” image on 13 1/2” x 10 1/2” photo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Buffalo Bill Cody and the Williams Family267 - Buffalo Bill Cody and the Williams Family
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Three (3) images of Cody and Friends a) 5” x 7” original image of the Williams Ranch outside Cody, Wyoming circa 1896. On the right is Mr. Goodman (Co
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to pilot*west for (1,700.00 + 340.00BP) = 2,040.00
 
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W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Signed Photograph268 - W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Signed Photograph
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
9” x 7” mounted photograph by Gessford N.Y. signed To my friend - H.G. (?) Ridgely - W.F. Cody Buffalo Bill 1909 Image of the great showman in beaded
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
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Cody Cigars Bartop Punchboard269 - Cody Cigars Bartop Punchboard
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Unused vintage saloon style gambling punchboard, excellent overall. Image of W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. 11 1/4” x 10 3/8” x 3/4”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 600.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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Letter and Photos of W.F. Cody270 - Letter and Photos of W.F. Cody
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Typed and hand signed one page letter to J.T. McCaddon (famous circus personality) on Buffalo Bill’s Wild West letterhead, Valdosta, GA. October 11, 1
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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A Buffalo Bill Pocket Watch271 - A Buffalo Bill Pocket Watch
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
W.F. Cody engraved on case. American Watch Co. (Waltham Watch Co.) Foggs Pat. c. 1876 per serial number. Silveroid case, key wind with bone handled ke
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (7,000.00) = 7,000.00
 
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Important Buffalo Bill/Yellow Hand (Yellow Hair) Letter272 - Important Buffalo Bill/Yellow Hand (Yellow Hair) Letter
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Handwritten one page letter documenting one of the most important and notable battles of the Indian Wars. Written in response to Myra A. Streeter of M
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 14,000.00 - 18,000.00
Sold to floor for (11,000.00) = 11,000.00
 
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Annie Oakley - Buffalo Bill Cabinet Cards273 - Annie Oakley - Buffalo Bill Cabinet Cards
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pair of Brisbois, Chicago, Cabinet Card photographs of the famous wild west personalities. Classic bust images with Annie wearing her multitude of sho
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,900.00) = 1,900.00
 
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William F. Cody vs Louisa Cody – Divorce Depositions274 - William F. Cody vs Louisa Cody – Divorce Depositions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Binders with original set of personal typed depositions in the bitterly contested divorce between W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Plaintiff, and Louisa Cody
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (5,500.00) = 5,500.00
 
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Walter Putney’s Colt Model 1878275 - Walter Putney’s Colt Model 1878
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Outlaw and member of the famous “Hole in the Wall Gang,” Putney was a rancher, rustler and bank robber. He was associated with the gang as early as 18
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 10,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to floor for (7,000.00) = 7,000.00
 
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Santa Fe Daily New Mexican 1882276 - Santa Fe Daily New Mexican 1882
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Framed edition of original newspaper announcing the sale of The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid – The Noted Desperado of the Southwest by Pat F. Garre
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (350.00) = 350.00
 
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Rare Photograph of Charles Bowdre277 - Rare Photograph of Charles Bowdre
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Locket on pin, photo in spinning frame. 1 1/8” x 7/8” image mounted behind glass. Charles Bowdre (1848 – December 23, 1880) was an American cowboy and
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (10,000.00) = 10,000.00
 
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Poe, John W. THE TRUE STORY OF THE KILLING OF “BILLY THE KID”278 - Poe, John W. THE TRUE STORY OF THE KILLING OF “BILLY THE KID”
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
(NOTORIOUS NEW MEXICO OUTLAW). Los Angeles: Privately printed by E.A. Brininstool, c. 1923. No. 242 of a limited edition of 250 copies, “printed for p
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Billy the Kid Tintype and Dan Dedrich Lot279 - Billy the Kid Tintype and Dan Dedrich Lot
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
PLEASE NOTE: BIDS WILL NOT BE EXECUTED "ON LINE" for this specific lot. If you are unable to attend the auction, you can arrange ABSENTE...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100,000.00 | Estimate : 300,000.00 - 400,000.00
 
 
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Juan Patron – Signed, Handwritten Document280 - Juan Patron – Signed, Handwritten Document
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Headed Territory of New Mexico – County of Lincoln Certification for horse brand executed by Patron as sheriff. Dated 1878, in part for the purpose of
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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McSween Receipt – Lincoln County War281 - McSween Receipt – Lincoln County War
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A receipt signed by Susan McSween: Lincoln, Lincoln Co. N.M. Feby 26th, 1979. Drawn by J.L. Baker for $608.85 collected by A.A. McSween. A single shee
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to floor for (550.00) = 550.00
 
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Pat Garrett Letter282 - Pat Garrett Letter
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Handwritten and signed letter in pencil, in part Dear Wife ...going to Santa Fe to the governor’s inauguration send me my dress suit and Prince Albert
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to animationl.. for (1,400.00 + 280.00BP) = 1,680.00
 
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Colt Single Action Revolver283 - Colt Single Action Revolver
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
.45 LC cal., 7 1/2” barrel, serial #82514 mfg. 1882. The gun is mechanically excellent with great aged and slightly shrunk ivory grips, customized fro
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,800.00) = 2,800.00
 
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Colt Single Action Revolver284 - Colt Single Action Revolver
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Nice gray cowboy gun, .38 W.C.F., 7 1/2”, serial #153064, circa 1893. Excellent 2-piece stag grips, action needs work and trigger has been replaced.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,200.00 - 2,800.00
Sold to floor for (2,150.00) = 2,150.00
 
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Colt Single Action Revolver285 - Colt Single Action Revolver
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Smooth silver gray revolver in .45LC caliber, 5 1/2” barrel, and 2-piece “eagle” grips. Serial #126625. Shows nice even wear and is mechanically excel
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,200.00) = 2,200.00
 
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Engraved Colt Single Action Revolver286 - Engraved Colt Single Action Revolver
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Stag gripped cowboy gun, showy holster piece in .44 cal, with 4 3/4” barrel and thick re-nickel over the engraving. Serial #158539 mfg. 1894.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (2,100.00) = 2,100.00
 
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Colorado Lawman Collection - Carl Aude287 - Colorado Lawman Collection - Carl Aude
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Montclair, Colorado Marshall and Deputy Sheriff. a) 6 point star badge “Montclair Marshall”; b) 5 point star badge “Deputy Sheriff”; c) Elgin pocket w
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 4,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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Collection of Colorado Prison Badges288 - Collection of Colorado Prison Badges
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
5 obsolete badges from the State of Colorado spanning the years of the Canon City Prison. a) Very early “Guard • Colo • State Penitentiary”; 1 3/4” ac
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Savage Revolving Fire-Arms Co. Navy Revolver289 - Savage Revolving Fire-Arms Co. Navy Revolver
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
.36 caliber percussion revolver, c.1861 to 1865. Total production of about 20,000, 7 1/8” barrel, 2-piece walnut grips. Standard address markings, ser
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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Engraved Remington 1861 Navy Revolver290 - Engraved Remington 1861 Navy Revolver
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Scroll engraving consistent with factory style, 2-piece walnut grips appear original and have very interesting markings on the butt (see photo). Seria
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Manhattan Series 2 Pocket Model Revolver291 - Manhattan Series 2 Pocket Model Revolver
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Fully engraved frame with roll engraved stagecoach robbery cylinder scene. High finish 2-piece walnut grips. .31 caliber, desirable 5” barrel. Serial
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
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19th Century Sheffield Multi-Blade Knife292 - 19th Century Sheffield Multi-Blade Knife
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Known as a Coachman’s or Horseman’s knife and having multiple utility blades and devices including: unmarked 4 1/2" and 3 1/2" cutting bla...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Pair of Fancy Colt Single Action Revolvers*293 - Pair of Fancy Colt Single Action Revolvers*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Enhanced with contemporary scroll engraving and heavy stag grips these Colts are both 4 3/4”, .45 caliber with matching numbers. Both show pitting and
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,250.00) = 4,250.00
 
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Wild West Show Fancy Fringed Holster294 - Wild West Show Fancy Fringed Holster
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Great vintage double loop holster with stepped star conchos tied with long leather and knots on each loop, basketstamped body and 6” fringe. Fits a Co
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (5,000.00) = 5,000.00
 
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Samuel Sherlock Holster295 - Samuel Sherlock Holster
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Extremely rare Portland, Oregon maker-mark. c. 1860s. “Slim Jim” style unusual tooling on the front and the makers stamp “Sherlock & Co. Portlan...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 500.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Sharps 1874 Sporting Rifle by Pedersoli*296 - Sharps 1874 Sporting Rifle by Pedersoli*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
.45/70 caliber Sporting rifle with 32” blued octagon barrel with an adjustable rear sight. The remaining metal parts are case colored. This rifle has
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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Henry Rifle by A. Uberti*297 - Henry Rifle by A. Uberti*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Model 1860 Henry, brass frame in .45 cal. 24 1/4” barrel with sling swivels. As new in the original box. Manufactured in Italy. * Refer to page 169 fo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to rowde for (700.00 + 140.00BP) = 840.00
 
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Winchester 1873 Sporting Rifle by A. Uberti*298 - Winchester 1873 Sporting Rifle by A. Uberti*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Cased colored, .45 LC caliber, 24 1/4” octagon barrel. As new in the original box. Manufactured in Italy. * Refer to page 169 for FFA information.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Winchester 1866 Carbine by Uberti*299 - Winchester 1866 Carbine by Uberti*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
.45 cal, brass frame with 19” barrel. As new in original box. Manufactured in Italy. * Refer to page 169 for FFA information.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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