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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Visalia Stock Saddle Co. San Francisco380 - Visalia Stock Saddle Co. San Francisco
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Silver mounted brown show saddle with silver plaque on cantle L.P.S. Quilted seat with stitched Visalia, large high domed engraved conchos and corner
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,250.00) = 2,250.00
 
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Hamley Saddlery, Pendleton Wooly Chaps381 - Hamley Saddlery, Pendleton Wooly Chaps
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Canvas lined, leather backed lustrous black batwing angora chaps with elegant floral tooling on the regal billet. Superb condition, c. 1920s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Salesman Sample Half Scale Saddle382 - Salesman Sample Half Scale Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Patterned after the finest 19th century San Francisco saddles, this floral carved, high back, slick fork, square skirt miniature was created by award
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,750.00) = 2,750.00
 
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Tooled Satchel by Brian R. Borrer383 - Tooled Satchel by Brian R. Borrer
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Finely executed in a full coverage flower and leaf pattern by renowned Scottsdale leather artist Borrer, this doctor’s bag style case is 19” long, 10
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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5 Sets of Vintage Decorative Longhorns384 - 5 Sets of Vintage Decorative Longhorns
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A Texas bonanza of horn wall mounts. a) 98” spread with tooled leather center of 2 fighting horses; b) 74” with high quality floral carving on center
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (6,000.00) = 6,000.00
 
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Great Vintage Cowboy Kitsch385 - Great Vintage Cowboy Kitsch
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Cowgirl decor wall plaque, sexy pin-up style nude cowgirl in a shiny gold tone finish. 23” tall by 11” wide and 4” deep, seated against a saddle wi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Molesworth Style Chandelier386 - Molesworth Style Chandelier
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Contemporary wrought iron and mica teepee ceiling light in the style of Thomas Molesworth. Central carolla of a buffalo hunt is 22” in diameter. The c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Moose Antler Chandelier387 - Moose Antler Chandelier
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Hanging ceiling light of shed moose antlers with narrow paddles. Overall 52” tall and 56” in diameter. Contemporary craftsmanship in the rustic Adiron
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Thomas Molesworth Fireplace Screen388 - Thomas Molesworth Fireplace Screen
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lone Cowboy silhouette on three panel screen. 61” x 33” overall with 36” center panel. Black cut-out wrought iron on mesh with riveted frame. Purchase
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,750.00) = 4,750.00
 
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Set of Ivory Poker Chips389 - Set of Ivory Poker Chips
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Set of 90 monogramed poker chips or gaming tokens. Thin with rounded edge, 1 3/8” across. The chips are contained in a carved box with 8 compartments
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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