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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Silver Bohlin Buckle with Lapis on Seidel Belt110 - Silver Bohlin Buckle with Lapis on Seidel Belt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Heavy gauge sterling silver 1-inch, 3-piece, Edward H. Bohlin / Hollywood maker-marked, mounted with blue lapis lazuli on raised flowers. The belt is
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (2,200.00) = 2,200.00
 
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21 Club Bohlinmade Belt with Edward Bohlin Buckle Set111 - 21 Club Bohlinmade Belt with Edward Bohlin Buckle Set
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Child or youth size 25” belt adorned with gold 21 Club round conchos and 21 Club gold gates. These are the same ornaments that were mounted on Jack Kr
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to buckles*com for (4,750.00 + 950.00BP) = 5,700.00
 
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The Lone Ranger Bohlin Gun Rig112 - The Lone Ranger Bohlin Gun Rig
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
From the renowned Seidel Saddlery in Cody, Wyoming comes this 1990’s precision Bohlin sanctioned replica of the iconic “Lone Ranger” Gun Rig as used b
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
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Clayton Moore Lone Ranger Guns113 - Clayton Moore Lone Ranger Guns
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A pair of Colt Custom Shop Single Action Army revolvers ordered engraved on the silver inlaid backstrap Clayton Moore The Lone Ranger and serial numbe
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,500.00
Sold to floor for (9,000.00) = 9,000.00
 
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Northern Plains Rifle Case114 - Northern Plains Rifle Case
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Beaded with fringe and carrying strap. Left side has pumpkin beads on blue field with red, yellow and green bead sections. Right side has yellow, gree
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (6,000.00) = 6,000.00
 
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Beaded Sword Case with Sword115 - Beaded Sword Case with Sword
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
42” upper Missouri beaded case, most likely the work of the Two Kettle Sioux. Made from issued commercial chamois with added bands of quillwork, beads
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 7,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (5,000.00) = 5,000.00
 
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Sioux Dress116 - Sioux Dress
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Beaded yoke with fine fringe. Red, white, yellow, green, dark blue beads on a medium blue field. Original bottom and a line of beadwork on base. Some
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,000.00) = 4,000.00
 
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Cheyenne High-Top Moccasins117 - Cheyenne High-Top Moccasins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Geometric and bug design, 22” tall to the fold. Parfleche soles, c. 1880s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,250.00) = 3,250.00
 
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2 pair of Northern Plains Beaded Moccasins118 - 2 pair of Northern Plains Beaded Moccasins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) 10” long, multicolored geometric design with red buffalo tracks on white. Tab style tongues with tin cones at tips and split. Native tanned hide, h
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Sioux Beaded Vest119 - Sioux Beaded Vest
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
16” x 16 1/4” multicolored geometric designs on commercial tanned hide with trade cloth lining, fair condition showing some bead loss, c. 1890s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,100.00) = 2,100.00
 
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