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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Edward Borein Ephemera180 - Edward Borein Ephemera
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 3 original printed Christmas cards for Lucille & Edward Borein, each with pen and ink graphics by Ed.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 600.00
Sold to 88sasso for 480.00
 
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Edward Borein (1875-1945)181 - Edward Borein (1875-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
California Vaquero 14 5/8” x 19 5/8” (under mat) Framed to 31 1/2” x 28” Watercolor Signed lower left Edward Borein PROVENANCE: Ex: Katherine Haley /
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60,000.00 - 90,000.00
Sold to floor for 120,000.00
 
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Edward Borein (1872-1945)182 - Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Untitled illustration for The Pinto Horse (Chapter VI) 6 1/4” x 8 1/2” Framed to 12 1/2” x 13 1/2” Pen and Ink Signed lower right
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,100.00
 
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Edward Borein (1872-1945)183 - Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
La Musica 6” x 8” Pen and Ink Original source for etching #272
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for 800.00
 
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Vel Miller and Edward Borein Bronzes184 - Vel Miller and Edward Borein Bronzes
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Buffalo Skull with Pipe Bag 4” tall x 6” x 8 1/2” with oval wood base 9/75 by Miller (b. 1936), c. 1987; b) Blackfoot Warrior 6” tall x 6 1/2” x 3
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 400.00
 
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Edward Borein (1872-1945)185 - Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
2 unsigned drawings a) Rearing horse with cowboy 4” x 2 1/8” Framed to 15” x 12 1/2” Pen and Ink on paper; b) 3 cowboys with 2 steers 7” x 12” Framed
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for 900.00
 
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Edward Borein Ephemera186 - Edward Borein Ephemera
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Original window card advertising the book The Pinto Horse with colorful Borein graphics, 15” x 11”; b) Full September 1908 magazine Sunset with fra
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for 250.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis187 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Potter ”The North American Indian; Vol.12“ 16” x 12”, framed & matted to 24” x 20” Silver Bromide Print Brown ink on paper Embossed stamp lower ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for 2,250.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis188 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Spokan Camp Vintage photogravure on Japanese tissue paper, plate No. 243 with Curtis’ 1910 copyright. Depicts Spokan tipis among tall pine trees. John
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to floor for 400.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis189 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Taos Water Girls “The North American Indian; Vol.16” 16” x 12”, framed and matted to 24” x 20” Silver Bromide Print Brown ink on paper Original source
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for 3,000.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis190 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A Gray Day in the Bad Lands Vintage Japanese tissue photogravure tipped on Holland Van Gelder, plate No. 86, with Curtis’ 1905 copyright and John Andr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for 3,000.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis191 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A Stormy Day - Flathead Vintage photogravure on Holland Van Gelder paper, plate No. 233 with Curtis’ 1910 copyright. Depicts Flathead camp scene with
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for 2,250.00
 
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Steven J. Rapp Custom Knife192 - Steven J. Rapp Custom Knife
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Steven is a master at the art of the San Francisco style knife. In 1998 he was given the “Wooden Sword Award” from Ken Warner in Knives 1998. Winner o
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,500.00 - 6,500.00
Sold to floor for 4,000.00
 
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R. T. Frazier Pueblo, CO Set193 - R. T. Frazier Pueblo, CO Set
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A wonderful matching set of hard-to-find studded cowboy gear. The best Frazier had to offer. Belt and holster, both triangle marked, belt is scalloped
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 7,500.00 - 9,500.00
Sold to floor for 11,000.00
 
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J.A. Garrett’s Colt Single Action194 - J.A. Garrett’s Colt Single Action
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Important Johnson County War revolver with impeccable provenance. This Colt with serial number 11876 is listed in the list of “Arms and Accouterments
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25,000.00 - 35,000.00
Sold to floor for 40,000.00
 
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Leo Carrillo Ceremonial Presentation Badge195 - Leo Carrillo Ceremonial Presentation Badge
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A beautiful jeweler’s made gold and diamond Portland Police Chief badge. This is a truly beautiful custom, 2 1/2” diameter finely engraved five pointe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 8,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 7,500.00
 
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Al Furstnow Holster with Colt196 - Al Furstnow Holster with Colt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Colt Single Action Army revolver .45 caliber with 4 3/4” barrel. Great stag grips that have been with the gun for a long time. The metal is all gray w
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for 2,750.00
 
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Jim Shoulders’ 1949 I-R-A Trophy Buckle197 - Jim Shoulders’ 1949 I-R-A Trophy Buckle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Champion Bull Rider buckle, 2 5/8” x 3 5/8” high relief gold bucking bull reverse engraved Presented by Hamley & Company & McCabe Silversmit...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for 12,000.00
 
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Jim Shoulders’ Houston Fat Stock Show & Rodeo Buckle198 - Jim Shoulders’ Houston Fat Stock Show & Rodeo Buckle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Champion Bareback Rider 1956 Won by: Jim Shoulders Rope edge, high relief bucking horse and rider. Nelson Co. Sterling/10K. 2 9/16” x 3 1/2”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for 6,000.00
 
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Jim Shoulders’ Grand National Rodeo Buckle199 - Jim Shoulders’ Grand National Rodeo Buckle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Champion Bull Rider” – “Grand National Rodeo – Cow Palace 1955 Oval trophy buckle, high relief bull. Mark on reverse Visalia Stock Saddle Co. S.F. Cal
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for 7,000.00
 
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