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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Nez Perce Bear Claw Necklace120 - Nez Perce Bear Claw Necklace
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
On collection tag: Belonged to Chief Moses. 27 bear claws strung with double row of native tanned hide with blue cobalt trade beads. Graduated claws f
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for (9,500.00) = 9,500.00
 
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Blackfeet Beaded and Fringed Leggings121 - Blackfeet Beaded and Fringed Leggings
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
29” total length with 3” X 22” multicolored curvilinear designs on white background strips and great *” long fringe at the sides all on native tanned
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Three Pair of Sioux Beaded Moccasins122 - Three Pair of Sioux Beaded Moccasins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) 9” long with bright chevrons on a green background, b) 11” long with bifurcated tongue, c) 10” long, with checked design. All on native tanned hide
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to windrose for (1,900.00 + 380.00BP) = 2,280.00
 
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2 Pair of Vintage Beaded Gauntlets123 - 2 Pair of Vintage Beaded Gauntlets
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Northern Plateau, fringed with multicolored floral beadwork on native tanned hide. Fine condition, c. 1930s; b) Warm Springs, fringed with tube bea
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Plains Crow Beaded Gauntlets124 - Plains Crow Beaded Gauntlets
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Fully beaded 8” x 9 1/2” cuffs with flowers and leaves on a white background. 8” fringe, hands beaded in similar design, excellent condition, c. 1920s
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Northern Plains Pictorial Pipe Bag125 - Northern Plains Pictorial Pipe Bag
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Light blue, dark blue, red, green and yellow on white field. Crow warrior with hair drop on front, mounted on blue horse. Back side has warrior in ful
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 6,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (6,750.00) = 6,750.00
 
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Crow Polychrome Parfleche Cylinder126 - Crow Polychrome Parfleche Cylinder
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Bonnet case or container, with long fringe on side and bottom. Bold geometric devices in bright colors on native tanned hide. 19” long, fringe 41” lon
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (5,000.00) = 5,000.00
 
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Omaha Man’s Shirt127 - Omaha Man’s Shirt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Multicolored beaded strips across shoulders and down each arm with teepee and geometric patterns in yellow, pink, green and red on white background. B
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 6,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (7,000.00) = 7,000.00
 
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Sioux American Flag Beaded Vest128 - Sioux American Flag Beaded Vest
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
22” x 17” multicolored geometric designs and American Flags on a white field. Fringed at the base, on native tanned hide. Fine condition, c. 1890.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,400.00) = 2,400.00
 
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Kiowa Beaded Doll Cradle129 - Kiowa Beaded Doll Cradle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
21” x 7” loom-woven beadwork on old canvas attached to period tacked boards. Fine condition, c. 1910.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00) = 1,600.00
 
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