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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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.
Choose Your Layout > Switch to Grid View Switch to List View
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00) = 1,600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,700.00) = 2,700.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
Details...Bookmark