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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Pair of “Buffalo Bill” Cap Guns420 - Pair of “Buffalo Bill” Cap Guns
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Two cast iron single shot cap guns by Stevens. One with 50% original Japanning remaining. Both are in excellent condition and are 11 3/4” long, c. 189
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 250.00 - 350.00
Sold to floor for (350.00) = 350.00
 
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Tanned Hide Shirt from Dances with Wolves421 - Tanned Hide Shirt from Dances with Wolves
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Movie worn shirt used in the Oscar winning film by the shirt’s maker. Very high quality and authentically recreated buffalo hunters fringed pullover.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Will James Ephemera422 - Will James Ephemera
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) COWBOYS NORTH AND SOUTH. THE FIRST FIVE YEARS. Newsletters of the Will James Society. Soft Bound. 1st. Edition. 1993; b) Nevada Magazines. 1966. “J
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Winchester Carbine with Lincoln County History423 - Winchester Carbine with Lincoln County History
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Winchester Model 1873, 3rd model Saddle Ring Carbine with engraved sideplate. .44-40 cal. Serial number 87125, shipped March 13, 1882. Left side-plate
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,750.00) = 2,750.00
 
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Lot of 2 Contemporary Flintlock Rifles424 - Lot of 2 Contemporary Flintlock Rifles
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) An Italian made 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle new in the box. Made in .54 caliber with eagle markings on the case colored lock, 34 1/2” half round barre
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer Illustration Collection425 - Nick Eggenhofer Illustration Collection
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A very nice grouping of books and dime novels all illustrated by the master. Unless otherwise noted, signed means by Eggenhofer. Most came from the es
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Will James’ Handwritten Letter426 - Will James’ Handwritten Letter
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
To Shorty Jack Miller. 10 1/2” x 8 1/4” letter is pencil on paper, dated Dec. 24/‘35. Great content regarding a set of longhorns James sold with a goo
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
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Will James Limited Edition427 - Will James Limited Edition
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Very rare, Lone Cowboy, 250 copies, signed and dated drawing ’30 1st. by Scribners. Drawing of picketed horse. Spine has some loss of finish at title,
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,900.00) = 1,900.00
 
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Will James Books - Signed with Drawings428 - Will James Books - Signed with Drawings
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 4 books all with dust jackets. a) COWBOYS NORTH AND SOUTH. 1929. ORIGINAL DRAWING and INSCRIPTION-SIGNED BILL JAMES ’29 on free front end. Book
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Will James Books – Signed First Editions429 - Will James Books – Signed First Editions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 5 Books each signed by James, with dust jackets. a) SMOKY. 1ST ED. SIGNED WILL JAMES III ’26. Book has use wear to spine ends and corners and o
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Will James Books to Cal Godshall430 - Will James Books to Cal Godshall
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 2 books for James’ good friend, Cal. a) HOME RANCH. 1935 1ST. SIGNED AND INSCRIBED, WILL JAMES ’35. Has terrific b/w photo glued to inside of f
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Will James Books431 - Will James Books
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 14 misc. books a) FLINT SPEARS. 1938 1st ED. Book has some slight use wear to spine ends and corners. Dj has use wear and some small chips from
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Will James Books – Illustrated Editions432 - Will James Books – Illustrated Editions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
4 Color Classics a) LONE COWBOY. 1937. In original Box. Color art cover on box. Price sticker on end of box. Box has slight use wear and fade to one s
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Will James Books – First Editions433 - Will James Books – First Editions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Here are the 26 books of WILL JAMES, as published by Scribner’s, including the 4 rarest titles, each in the true first state; Each book is a First Edi
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 3,500.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Will James Books – Signed434 - Will James Books – Signed
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
GROUP OF 5 SIGNED WILL JAMES BOOKS 5 of James’ first 8 Scribner’s books each boldly signed Will James and the year. a) Cowboys North and South, 1925,
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Will James and Related Books435 - Will James and Related Books
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of books by Will James, illustrated by James, or with James writing. a) WILL JAMES BOOK OF COWBOY STORIES. 1952. Pub. LONDON. Scribner’s and Phoen
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
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Will James Books – First Editions with Jackets436 - Will James Books – First Editions with Jackets
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 6 scarce volumes all with original dust covers. a) SUN UP. 1ST ED. A. Junior Literary Guild. 1931. Color dj has some wear to edges, some paper
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Will James Books – 1st Editions437 - Will James Books – 1st Editions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 6 Scarce books with one signed a) SUN UP. Color Classic. 1931 Scribner’s A. ORIGINAL DRAWING – of tapadero? SIGNED WILL JAMES ’31. Book is very
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to animationl.. for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
 
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Will James Book from the Library of Luis Ortega438 - Will James Book from the Library of Luis Ortega
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 5 books with attached bookplate of Luis B. Ortega. a) SMOKY. Pub. A.L.Burt. Has Fox Film Corp. photo of Will James Frontispiece. Book is very g
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Will James Reference Books439 - Will James Reference Books
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Amaral, Anthony. The Gilt Edge Cowboy. 1967, Ills. VG. Dj. From personal collection of Luis Ortega with his bookplate laid affixed. Clippings and r
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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