Denver Old West Auction

Auction Details

Brian Lebel's 23rd Annual Old West Auction will offer 418 lots of fine Western art, antiques, artifacts and collectibles from the 19th through the 21st centuries. The auction will be held live at the Denver Merchandise Mart on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 5pm Mountain time. Some highlights of this year's auction include:

A rare Reward Poster for the arrest of the infamous brothers Frank and Jesse James; a Parker Shotgun that belonged to Frank Butler of Buffalo Bill's Wild West fame; a rare Taber cabinet card of the most famous stagecoach robber of all time, Black Bart; a performance-used Buffalo Bill's Wild West parade flag; a pair of Borein watercolors; original Molesworth furniture and an oil painting by F. Mizen of Wyatt Earp.

The auction also includes antique and historic firearms, Native American art and artifacts, 19th century photography, Western fine art, advertising lithos, saloon and gambling items, spurs, saddles, bits, bridles, boots, books and more.

Fine art offerings include notable deceased and contemporary artists such as Edward Borein, Charlie Russel, Glenna Goodacre, John Banovich, Nick Eggenhofer, Fritz Scholder, Carl Oscar Borg, Dave Powell, Ace Powell, Mehl Lawson, ADM Cooper, Ross Steffan, Gary Niblett, Nicholas Firfires, Raphael Lillywhite, Olaf Seltzer, WHD Koerner, Robert Elwell, Bob Scriver, Eric Michaels, William Acheff, and Gary Earnest Smith.

Cowboy artists and craftsmen include Bill Adamson, Ed Bohlin, GS Garcia, Mario Hanel, Gary Keithly, Kelly Bros., McChesney, Schnitger, Shipley, Chas Weldon, Tad Mizwa and others.

Fine Native American arts and artifacts include beadwork, textiles, baskets, pottery, and quillwork from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Roy Rogers' boots, John Wayne's Nudies hat, Dale Evans' dresses, Tom Mix's hat and Montie Montana's gun are among the "Hollywood Cowboy" offerings. A gold guitar pin given as a gift and inscribed by Elvis is also being sold, as is a personal photo album that belonged to Zane Grey.

Over 200 original photographs from Buffalo Bill's Wild West will be sold (individually and in lots), along with an impressive selection of 19th and early 20th century American photographs.

Historic firearms include train robber Bill Carlisle's revolver, a large collection of early Deringers, a rare and early air gun, a Sharps Buffalo Rifle, and other antique, modern and relic guns.
Chas Weldon “I Love You” Saddle102Chas Weldon “I Love You” Saddle
Made by the renowned contemporary saddle maker in 1995 for a 25th anniversary present, this unique and exquisite pair of matching floral carved saddle
Start Price : 5,000.00 | Estimates : 10,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to floor for (8,000.00 + 1,680.00) x 1 = 9,680.00
Chas Weldon “I Love You Too” Saddle103Chas Weldon “I Love You Too” Saddle
Made by the renowned contemporary saddle maker in 1995 for a 25th anniversary present, this unique and exquisite pair of matching floral carved saddle
Start Price : 5,000.00 | Estimates : 10,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to floor for (8,000.00 + 1,680.00) x 1 = 9,680.00
Two-Tone Brown Parade Saddle - Kahle & Son, San Diego, California104Two-Tone Brown Parade Saddle - Kahle & Son, San Diego, California
Ornate, decorative & very impressive sterling silver and gold full parade ensemble with matching Bridle and Martingale. The two-tone brown elegant flo
Start Price : 10,000.00 | Estimates : 20,000.00 - 30,000.00
Sold to floor for (21,000.00 + 4,410.00) x 1 = 25,410.00
Hollywood Saddlery Silver Parade Saddle105Hollywood Saddlery Silver Parade Saddle
Fully floral carved & sterling mounted with heavy engraved, round & domed conchos and silver spots. Finely engraved full cantle, gullet, and swell cap
Start Price : 2,500.00 | Estimates : 5,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (7,000.00 + 1,470.00) x 1 = 8,470.00
Bob Scriver106Bob Scriver
Hang in There Cowboy 18” including base Bronze 27/100, 1982
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00 + 378.00) x 1 = 2,178.00
Bob Scriver107Bob Scriver
Tail Stander 20” including base Bronze 33/150, 1981
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00 + 630.00) x 1 = 3,630.00
Bob Scriver108Bob Scriver
Range Mother 3” Bronze 112/250, 1975
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimates : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (300.00 + 63.00) x 1 = 363.00
Thomas Molesworth Trademark Club Chair109Thomas Molesworth Trademark Club Chair
Chimayo weaving, leather, studs, and native fir make this a classic Molesworth burl chair. Leather side panels. Slight sun fading but overall fine con
Start Price : 2,000.00 | Estimates : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for (14,000.00 + 2,940.00) x 1 = 16,940.00
Thomas Molesworth Accent Pieces110Thomas Molesworth Accent Pieces
Lot of 2 fine western burl items. Floor lamp 5’ tall with later silhouette wildlife shade. Petite side table, 22” tall with 13” diameter round top,
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimates : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00 + 420.00) x 1 = 2,420.00
Thomas Molesworth Club Chair111Thomas Molesworth Club Chair
Fine original burl chair with polychrome routed panels. Decorated with a Native American archer on each side panel, most likely the work of Russell Bl
Start Price : 2,500.00 | Estimates : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (25,000.00 + 5,250.00) x 1 = 30,250.00
Thomas Molesworth Club Chair112Thomas Molesworth Club Chair
The mate to the previous lot with routed Indian Lodges on each panel. Slightly different textile patterns and leather reinforced back cushion. The lea
Start Price : 2,500.00 | Estimates : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (20,000.00 + 4,200.00) x 1 = 24,200.00
Molesworth Keyhole Chair113Molesworth Keyhole Chair
Routed mule deer on chair back. Off white leather seat.
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,750.00 + 787.50) x 1 = 4,537.50
Keyston Bros. San Francisco Sterling Silver & Gold Parade Saddle114Keyston Bros. San Francisco Sterling Silver & Gold Parade Saddle
Classic California saddle with 21" tapederos. Deep flower tooled in the Northern California style and decorated with sterling shield corners wi...
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimates : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,000.00 + 840.00) x 1 = 4,840.00
Champion coin operated kiddie ride115Champion coin operated kiddie ride
Champion coin operated kiddie ride (circa 1975) Refurbished with a high quality saddle. A true classic. Excellent condition. A few transportation
Start Price : 1,500.00 | Estimates : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00 + 336.00) x 1 = 1,936.00
Parker Shotgun belonging to Frank Butler119Parker Shotgun belonging to Frank Butler
Serial #95819 is a 12 gauge DH hammerless, shipped directly to Annie Oakley’s husband Frank Butler c/o Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, Troy NY, May 26, 1900
Start Price : 5,000.00 | Estimates : 10,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to floor for (32,500.00 + 6,825.00) x 1 = 39,325.00
Glass Target Ball from Annie Oakley, with Booklet120Glass Target Ball from Annie Oakley, with Booklet
a) Found in Annie’s traveling trunk along with 6 other target balls. The trunk and 4 other matching balls are now on display in the Buffalo Bill Histo
Start Price : 600.00 | Estimates : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00 + 252.00) x 1 = 1,452.00
Two Annie Oakley Items121Two Annie Oakley Items
2 rare pieces of Annie Oakley memorabilia: a) An original signature of Annie’s on a calling card of Alice M. Clement. 2” x 3 3/8” excellent condition
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00 + 336.00) x 1 = 1,936.00
Annie Oakley to Lulu Bell Parr Postcard122Annie Oakley to Lulu Bell Parr Postcard
Very nice note on an ’08 postcard to the famous Lulu Parr on the S.S. Merion, from Annie, handwritten in ink.
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimates : 600.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00 + 252.00) x 1 = 1,452.00
Inscribed Annie Oakley Cabinet Card123Inscribed Annie Oakley Cabinet Card
Beautiful image of Annie with shooting medal and her classic hat, by Baker’s Art Gallery, Columbus, Ohio. Lithographed signature on front under the ph
Start Price : 1,500.00 | Estimates : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00 + 420.00) x 1 = 2,420.00
Annie Oakley Cabinet Card124Annie Oakley Cabinet Card
Stacy card of Annie with her shooting medals. Faded signature below image Sharp clear image, overall fine.
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (750.00 + 157.50) x 1 = 907.50
Annie Oakley Cabinet Card125Annie Oakley Cabinet Card
Brisbois card of Annie with shotgun. Crossed pistols on floor beside the standing sharpshooter. Image is stained and dirty and mount is chipped at bot
Start Price : 600.00 | Estimates : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00 + 231.00) x 1 = 1,331.00
Annie Oakley Cabinet Card126Annie Oakley Cabinet Card
Card by Richard Fox, Publisher of the Police Gazette, New York, showing Annie in fancy dress with her shooting table cover draped behind her. On rever
Start Price : 900.00 | Estimates : 1,800.00 - 2,400.00
Sold to floor for (2,250.00 + 472.50) x 1 = 2,722.50
William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Letters127William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Letters
Two framed letters for W.F. Cody: a) A.L.S. From Harrisburg, PA., May 18 (1910 penciled in) on Buffalo Bill’s / Pawnee Bill’s stationery. Signed “Hon
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00 + 231.00) x 1 = 1,331.00
Large Photographs of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West128Large Photographs of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West
a) 7 1/2” x 9 1/2” image on 10” x 12” photo card. Cowboy performers on horseback. Very clean but washed-out image; b) 7 1/4” x 9 1/4” on 10” x 12” mo
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (300.00 + 63.00) x 1 = 363.00
Rare J.C.H. Grabill Photograph of Cody & Friends129Rare J.C.H. Grabill Photograph of Cody & Friends
Mammoth image on card by Grabill, Deadwood, S.D. of William F. Cody and entourage. Seen just after page 406 of “The Lives and Legends of Buffalo Bill,
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimates : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00 + 231.00) x 1 = 1,331.00
2 Buffalo Bill Wild West Letters1302 Buffalo Bill Wild West Letters
Pair of letters relating to the Wild West: a) Early letter on scarce Buffalo Bill Wild West Co. letterhead, London, July 21st 1887. Cody writes attor
Start Price : 400.00 | Estimates : 800.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for (400.00 + 84.00) x 1 = 484.00
Early Images of William F. Cody, Ned Buntline and Grand Duke Alexis131Early Images of William F. Cody, Ned Buntline and Grand Duke Alexis
a) Stage image of a young Cody as he dressed as the guide for the famous hunt with the Grand Duke Alexis. Image is on card by Warrens of Boston. Origi
Start Price : 600.00 | Estimates : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (800.00 + 168.00) x 1 = 968.00
Autographed Stacy Photograph of W. F. Cody132Autographed Stacy Photograph of W. F. Cody
5” x 7” on fancy white mount. These types of images were specially made for Cody to give to people he considered more important than the general publi
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00 + 231.00) x 1 = 1,331.00
W. F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody by Stacy133W. F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody by Stacy
Lot of 3 Cabinet Card images by the Brooklyn, New York photographer. His trademark “Wild West” cards with Cody in full performance dress. All standard
Start Price : 600.00 | Estimates : 1,200.00 - 1,600.00
Sold to floor for (700.00 + 147.00) x 1 = 847.00
W. F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Woodburytype Cabinet Card134W. F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Woodburytype Cabinet Card
Great early image of Cody. The much sought after “Woodburytype” cabinet card. Regal pose of Buffalo Bill with his Winchester ’73.
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (900.00 + 189.00) x 1 = 1,089.00
W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Letter to Irving Beacon135W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Letter to Irving Beacon
Signed letter to Irving R. Beacon dated March 27th, 1901 regarding the particulars that earned Cody the Medal of Honor. Typed letter is from Cody’s se
Start Price : 1,500.00 | Estimates : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00 + 336.00) x 1 = 1,936.00
Buffalo Bill “W.F. Cody” Marked Pistol Bit136Buffalo Bill “W.F. Cody” Marked Pistol Bit
A very unusual configuration of the Cody pistol bit by North & Judd. Cast iron with engraved solid nickel mountings. Iron shows heavy rust on outer ed
Start Price : 1,250.00 | Estimates : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,250.00 + 472.50) x 1 = 2,722.50
W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Letter to Mrs. Wood137W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Letter to Mrs. Wood
Handwritten letter in ink to Architect Mrs. A. W. Wood, dated July 7th, 1912, on gold embossed letterhead with original envelope. Signed, “Yours Truly
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimates : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (400.00 + 84.00) x 1 = 484.00
W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Letter138W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody Letter
Letter regarding the display of a Buffalo Bill’s Wild West parade flag to be carried by the infantry in an upcoming parade. Dated May 26th, 1916. Bold
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimates : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (800.00 + 168.00) x 1 = 968.00
1920s Swedish Buffalo Bill Lithograph1391920s Swedish Buffalo Bill Lithograph
“In the Days of Buffalo Bill / Vasterns Hjalte” art by Rohman Universal 1922, Swedish 35” x 24” Provenance: Christies, London 2005 Private Collecti
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,300.00 + 273.00) x 1 = 1,573.00
Buffalo Bill in 3 Reels Three-Piece Poster Set140Buffalo Bill in 3 Reels Three-Piece Poster Set
2 Colorful Lithographs circa 1910 of Buffalo Bill Cody’s foray into the world of movie making with the Buffalo Bill – Pawnee Bill Film Co. There were
Start Price : 1,500.00 | Estimates : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,250.00 + 472.50) x 1 = 2,722.50
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Parade Flag141Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Parade Flag
Painted buffalo on cloth, stitched in center of blue flag. This parade flag was used in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West performances. Only two are known to s
Start Price : 15,000.00 | Estimates : 30,000.00 - 40,000.00
Sold to floor for (40,000.00 + 8,400.00) x 1 = 48,400.00
Sharps 1863 Saddle Ring Carbine142Sharps 1863 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial #79985, R. S. Lawrence Pat – April 12th 1859, C. Sharps Pat – Oct. 5th 1852, barrel marking, New Model 1863, 22” standard barrel. Heavy use, de
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00 + 357.00) x 1 = 2,057.00
U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle143U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle
Model 1888 .45-70 circa 1863-1888. Rifle with ramrod and bayonet combo approved by Teddy Roosevelt while he was Secretary of the Navy. All original an
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,050.00 + 220.50) x 1 = 1,270.50
U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle144U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle
Model 1884 with original socket bayonet and leather sling. Block marked 1884, serial #471272. Leather frog with brass US in place on bayonet. 1889 ins
Start Price : 450.00 | Estimates : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (700.00 + 147.00) x 1 = 847.00
Historic Indian Wars Period U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Carbine145Historic Indian Wars Period U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Carbine
Model 1873 serial #41254, unaltered condition. Well-used 45-70 cal., Morning Star style symbol stamped into the stock on the left side. This trapdoor
Start Price : 4,000.00 | Estimates : 8,000.00 - 12,000.00
Sold to floor for (12,000.00 + 2,520.00) x 1 = 14,520.00
I & H Sorby – Custer Battlefield Dag146I & H Sorby – Custer Battlefield Dag
Classic circa 1850 Dag, 11” x 2 1/4” Description from page 46 of Early Knives & Beaded Sheaths of the American Frontier, by John Baldwin, as follows:
Start Price : 7,500.00 | Estimates : 15,000.00 - 20,000.00
Sold to floor for (41,000.00 + 8,610.00) x 1 = 49,610.00
Custer Range Colt Single Action Army147Custer Range Colt Single Action Army
Serial #4549, in the correct range for Custer battlefield relic revolver. U.S. martially marked, Ainsworth inspected. John A. Kopec letter of authenti
Start Price : 5,000.00 | Estimates : 10,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to floor for (9,500.00 + 1,995.00) x 1 = 11,495.00
Ledger Drawing by White Bull148Ledger Drawing by White Bull
Ledger paper, ink and pencil. Important drawing by the man many believed killed George Custer. The earliest known drawing (most likely executed right
Start Price : 10,000.00 | Estimates : 20,000.00 - 30,000.00
Sold to floor for (30,000.00 + 6,300.00) x 1 = 36,300.00
Eric Michaels149Eric Michaels
Little Bighorn – June 25th, 1876 30” x 50” Oil on board Signed lower left Eric Michaels
Start Price : 6,000.00 | Estimates : 12,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to floor for (14,000.00 + 2,940.00) x 1 = 16,940.00
Eric Michaels150Eric Michaels
Reluctant Retreat 18” x 24” Framed to 27” x 33” Oil on board Signed lower left Eric Michaels
Start Price : 2,500.00 | Estimates : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,250.00 + 682.50) x 1 = 3,932.50
Fritz White CA151Fritz White CA
Iron Shirt 28” t x 12” w x 11” d Bronze Signed in Bronze F. White 7/24
Start Price : 1,500.00 | Estimates : 3,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00 + 231.00) x 1 = 1,331.00
Fritz White152Fritz White
Pawnee 20” t x 11” w x 8” d including pedestal Bronze Signed in bronze F. White CA 18/24
Start Price : 750.00 | Estimates : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (600.00 + 126.00) x 1 = 726.00
Robert A Winter153Robert A Winter
Blue Coats Hat 14” x 18” Framed to 21” x 25” Oil on board Signed lower left Robert A Winter
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimates : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00 + 210.00) x 1 = 1,210.00
Plains Cree Beaded Pad Saddle154Plains Cree Beaded Pad Saddle
18” x 15” with beaded tabs, floral and geometric designs in red, blue, green, pink and butterscotch. Yarn tassels have glass tubular beads and there i
Start Price : 2,250.00 | Estimates : 4,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for (4,500.00 + 945.00) x 1 = 5,445.00