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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Charles Winfield Miller (1922-1995)320 - Charles Winfield Miller (1922-1995)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
The Skeptic 9” x 7 1/2” Oil on canvas Signed lower left
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for 800.00
 
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Ron Stewart (b. 1941)321 - Ron Stewart (b. 1941)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Out of the Mist 48” x 30” Framed to 59” x 41” Oil on canvas Signed lower left Ron Stewart
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,400.00
 
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Lone Wolf [Hart Merriam Schultz] (1882-1965)322 - Lone Wolf [Hart Merriam Schultz] (1882-1965)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Blackfoot Elder 9 1/2” x 7 1/2” Framed 16 1/2” x 13 1/2” Watercolor Signed lower left Lone Wolf
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 800.00
 
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Gary Kapp (b. 1942)323 - Gary Kapp (b. 1942)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Untitled Flute Player 14” x 11” Framed to 21 1/2” x 18 1/2” Oil on board Signed lower left Gary Kapp
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 250.00
 
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Heinie Hartwig (b. 1939)324 - Heinie Hartwig (b. 1939)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Land of the Eagles 30” x 40” Framed to 35” x 45” Oil on board Signed lower right Heinie Hartwig
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for 2,250.00
 
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Buck McCain (b. 1949)325 - Buck McCain (b. 1949)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Northern Plains Maiden 36” x 28” Oil on canvas Signed lower right McCain
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,000.00
 
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Marjorie Reed (1915-1996)326 - Marjorie Reed (1915-1996)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Untitled Bucking Horse 18” x 14” Framed to 22” x 18” Oil on board Signed lower right Marjorie Reed
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,900.00
 
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Marjorie Reed (1915-1996)327 - Marjorie Reed (1915-1996)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Untitled Cowboy with Pack Horse 12” x 16” Framed to 18” x 22” Oil on board Signed lower left Marjorie Reed
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for 1,200.00
 
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Marjorie Reed (1915-1996)328 - Marjorie Reed (1915-1996)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Titled on label on reverse Roundin’ Up the Bunch by Marjorie Reed 15.00 8” x 10” Framed to 12 1/2” x 14 1/2” Oil on board Signed lower right Marjorie
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,000.00
 
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E. P. Allen329 - E. P. Allen
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
12” x 9” Framed to 16” x 14” Oil on Canvas Signed l / r E.P. allen / ’16 Early let ’er buck mustached cowboy
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for 700.00
 
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Wes Chapman (1929-1995)330 - Wes Chapman (1929-1995)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A pair of historical, framed paintings – each 25” x 14” Oil on board Billy the Kid Signed lower left Pat Garrett Signed lower center
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 4,500.00
Sold to floor for 500.00
 
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1861 Navy Revolver and Rig331 - 1861 Navy Revolver and Rig
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
The grips on this well worn gun have Lincoln County history. The early and worn belt and slim jim holster match up very well with the Navy. The bottom
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for 1,600.00
 
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Dave Shelly Bronc Belt332 - Dave Shelly Bronc Belt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Four buckle belt with studded club at center. Belt is 7” at swell with 3 nickel conchos at each end. Excellent condition with like new color. Well mar
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 500.00
Sold to floor for 100.00
 
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Laton Alton Huffman Lot of four (4) Images333 - Laton Alton Huffman Lot of four (4) Images
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) #383 Jerk-line twelve on the old freight road. Neg, print copyright by L. A. Huffman Miletown 1883. Titled at bottom (black), 8 1/2” x 10 3/4”, mat
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for 4,000.00
 
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Al Martin Napoletano (b. 1920)334 - Al Martin Napoletano (b. 1920)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Riding High 14” x 10 1/2” framed to 22 1/2” x 19” Pen and Ink Signed lower right Attached gallery info on reverse
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for 350.00
 
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Charles J. Belden, Pitchfork, Wyoming335 - Charles J. Belden, Pitchfork, Wyoming
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Collection of scare and desirable 8” x 10” images by noted cowboy photographer Belden. a) Early Morning in the Cow Camp z-t / Belden stamp on reverse
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,000.00
 
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Charles Beil (1894-1976) 7 Piegans336 - Charles Beil (1894-1976) 7 Piegans
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Seven Bronzes marked in base C.A. Beil with title, foundry mark and “D.F.1968” Cast for Western Arts Inc. (Richard Flood) Set # 23 of edition of 30 a)
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to puffer for 780.00
 
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C. D. Kirkland, Cheyenne, Wyoming337 - C. D. Kirkland, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Views of Cow-Boy Life & The Cattle Business 3 Vintage photographs circa 1880s a) No. 16 Cow Pony; b) No. 52 Pitching Broncho; c) No. 24 Working ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,200.00
 
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C. D. Kirkland, Cheyenne, Wyoming338 - C. D. Kirkland, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Views of Cow-Boy Life & The Cattle Business 5 Vintage photographs circa 1880s a) No. 8 After Dinner; b) No. 10 Dinner on Roundup; c) No. 20 Just...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,400.00
 
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C. D. Kirkland, Cheyenne, Wyoming339 - C. D. Kirkland, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Views of Cow-Boy Life & The Cattle Business 5 Vintage photographs circa 1880s a) No. 71 Bringing up the Horse Cavoy; b) No. 61 Thoroughbred Here...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,500.00
 
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