AUCTION  / 

Denver Old West Auction

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location451 East 58th Avenue, Denver, Colorado, 90034, United States In Person PreviewLive Preview during the Denver Old West Show at the Denver Merchandise Mart

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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Sioux Turtle Fetish230 - Sioux Turtle Fetish
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Beaded edges of green crosses on white and quilled center in red, yellow, and purple. Dyed horsehair and tin cones on beaded legs and quilled tail. 5
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,200.00
 
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Sioux Hair Drop231 - Sioux Hair Drop
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Beaded and quilled on hide with quill wrapped decoration and fringed base. 16” long with fringe, 2 1/2” wide at top, c. 1880s. Provenance: ex: Maryla
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to floor for 800.00
 
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Nez Perce Belt Pouch232 - Nez Perce Belt Pouch
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
7 1/2” x 6 1/2” flap, beaded pouch with central red, yellow, green morning star inside large blue-on-blue star. Pumpkin colored background with signat
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,100.00
 
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Crow Parfleche Envelope233 - Crow Parfleche Envelope
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Beautifully colored buffalo hide envelope, 27” x 14”, with classic Crow design elements in green, red, yellow and blue, c. 1870s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,500.00 - 6,500.00
Sold to floor for 2,500.00
 
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Northern Plains Tacked Leather Belt234 - Northern Plains Tacked Leather Belt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
9 to 10 rows of brass studs or tacks on heavy commercial leather strip 4” wide, 36” long body, re-attached buckle, c. 1890.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,900.00
 
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Northern Plains Knife Sheath235 - Northern Plains Knife Sheath
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Buckskin case trimmed with yellow and blue beads, 9” x 3”. Red quilled drops on bottom with tin cones on dyed red horsehair, c. 1890s. PROVENANCE: Pi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to baldprairie for 780.00
 
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Cheyenne Moccasins236 - Cheyenne Moccasins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
9 1/2” long. White, blue, yellow and red tipis along edge with green hoof panels. Fair condition with hard soles and slight bead loss, c. 1880s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for 900.00
 
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Southwest Basketry Figural Olla237 - Southwest Basketry Figural Olla
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Western Apache polychrome, woven of willow, devils claw, and painted red yucca root. Animal and cross devices. 12” tall by 13 1/4” across. Enhanced co
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for 2,600.00
 
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Southwest Basketry Bowl238 - Southwest Basketry Bowl
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Western Apache bowl with fine primitive design and two rows of diamonds. Nice weave of enhanced devil claw and willow. 14 5/8” diameter by 3 3/4” deep
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,400.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for 800.00
 
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Southwest Basketry Figural Bowl239 - Southwest Basketry Figural Bowl
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Western Apache, willow and enhanced devils claw with 18 animal (possibly dog) figures, central cross design. 15 1/4” dia and 4” deep. Clean, good weav
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,600.00 - 2,200.00
Sold to floor for 1,300.00
 
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