AUCTION  / 

Denver Old West Auction

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location451 East 58th Avenue, Denver, Colorado, 90034, United States In Person PreviewLive Preview during the Denver Old West Show at the Denver Merchandise Mart

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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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.
< Prev# Rows102050100Next >123. . .89101112. . .434445
 Choose Your Layout > Switch to Grid View Switch to List View
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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 840.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
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
 
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 1,440.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark