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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Engraved Uberti Yellowboy 1866*300 - Engraved Uberti Yellowboy 1866*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Presentation rifle by A. Uberti & C. Gardone V.T. Italy with Iver Johnsons – Fitchburg, Mass. U.S.A. markings. Model 66 in .38 SP barrel marking...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 2,000.00
 
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Special Order Winchester Model 1894*301 - Special Order Winchester Model 1894*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Left of frame, bear hunting scene, right side receiver, scroll with elk. Marked under frame Engraved by John A. Gough 1923 – New Haven. Conn. U.S.A. 2
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for 2,250.00
 
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Lot of 2 Vintage Rifles with Scabbard*302 - Lot of 2 Vintage Rifles with Scabbard*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Winchester Model 1894 .30 W.C.F. Rifle, 26” octagon barrel, Serial #171898, later checkering, added tacks for decorative look. Mfg. 1899 Frame is b
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for 2,250.00
 
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Gene Autry Commemorative Carbine*303 - Gene Autry Commemorative Carbine*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Limited Edition Gene Autry Tribute Winchester #004 of 300, sanctioned by both Gene Autry and The Autry Museum of Western Heritage in Los Angeles. Prod
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 900.00
Sold to stageten for 2,280.00
 
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Springfield Trapdoor Carbine304 - Springfield Trapdoor Carbine
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Model 1873 (1890 variation) .45-70 cal. with saddle sling ring and bar. Cleaning rod compartment and door. Clear E.S.A. cartouche with 1896 mark, seri
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,600.00
Sold to floor for 1,250.00
 
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Harrington and Richardson Trapdoor Commemorative*305 - Harrington and Richardson Trapdoor Commemorative*
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Created by the firm to honor the 100th centennial year of The Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. This elaborate “Enlisted Mans” carbine is engraved
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,600.00
Sold to floor for 1,100.00
 
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Sheble & Fisher Model 1840 Sabre306 - Sheble & Fisher Model 1840 Sabre
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Civil War era Heavy Cavalry Sword, commonly called “Old Wristbreaker.” 35 1/2 inch plain curved blade with two fullers, 1 1/4 inches wide at the ricas
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for 600.00
 
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Lot of Two (2) Large Bowie Knives307 - Lot of Two (2) Large Bowie Knives
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Massive and impressive knife with one piece round stag antler handle. Iron pommel cap, ferrule, and crossguard all beautifully and delicately inlai
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to circusreb for 2,400.00
 
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Lot of Two (2) Large Bowie Knives308 - Lot of Two (2) Large Bowie Knives
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Ricasso marked Sam’l Wragg - Furnice Hill, Sheffield 11 3/4” blade with 3 1/4” false edge, smooth edges, well worn with surface pitting. 16 7/8” ov
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for 1,300.00
 
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Lot of Three (3) Antique Dirks309 - Lot of Three (3) Antique Dirks
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Three double edge knives known as dirks a) Ricasso marked both sides, Mappin Brothers - Sheffield with sunburst. On other side Queen’s Cutlery Works –
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for 600.00
 
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