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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Lot of 2 W.F. Cody Photographs150 - Lot of 2 W.F. Cody Photographs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Printed 10” x 8” hand colored image of Cody signed “W.F. Cody Buffalo Bill - to the Wamblee Lovers (Cottles) July 22nd 1915” in original frame with
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Incredible Hand-Drawn, Autographed Canvas Banner by the Stars of Buffalo Bill's Wild West151 - Incredible Hand-Drawn, Autographed Canvas Banner by the Stars of Buffalo Bill's Wild West
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
One-of-a-kind, large canvas banner with sketches and autographs of the biggest names of the Wild West, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, Fran
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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The Scrapbook – Cottle’s personal Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Scrapbook152 - The Scrapbook – Cottle’s personal Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Scrapbook
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Important and historical mementos of the Wild West. 14” x 11” and 2” thick leather book giving us a look into the life of Jordan Cottle and his connec
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to floor for (18,000.00) = 18,000.00
 
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Dave McGary153 - Dave McGary
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Trophies of Honor 43” x 17”, figure 35” Bronze with paint and patina Signed at bottom in bronze 10/30 - 1994 Warrior Series/Masterwork Bronze of Crow
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 15,000.00 - 20,000.00
Sold to floor for (8,000.00) = 8,000.00
 
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John Coleman CA154 - John Coleman CA
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pariskaroopa Two Crows 35” high overall x 18” x 11”d Bronze on 3” wood base Signed in the base John Coleman, 32/35 Bodmer - Catlin Series The Crow tri
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (13,000.00) = 13,000.00
 
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John Coleman CA155 - John Coleman CA
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Creation Passing 30” total on 3 1/2” wood and marble base Bronze 35/75
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
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Harry Jackson (1924-2011)156 - Harry Jackson (1924-2011)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pony Express III Bronze/cast #143 8 1/4”h x 10” Signed and dated 1977 with thumbprint, WFS mark Provenance: Ex: Denver Art Museum/Cortlandt S. Dietler
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
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Lot of Two (2) Buckles by Eddy Hulbert - Montana Silversmith157 - Lot of Two (2) Buckles by Eddy Hulbert - Montana Silversmith
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
2 Sterling belt buckles by Hulbert a) Trophy buckle with gold accents, 4 corner horseshoes, central horseshoe with horsehead in high relief. 2” x 3” w
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for (1,300.00) = 1,300.00
 
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Mehl Lawson CA158 - Mehl Lawson CA
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Valdez 9” x 17” Bronze Signed in base Lawson, CA Valdez 4/25 Exhibited at the 2006 Masters of the American West.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to 88sasso for (2,500.00 + 500.00BP) = 3,000.00
 
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Joseph Krausz (b. 1936)159 - Joseph Krausz (b. 1936)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Vanishing Glory 30”h x 19”l x 13”d with 1 1/4” marble base Bronze, 25/26 Polychrome paint and colored patina, c. 1995 Estate of noted Northern Califor
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,250.00) = 2,250.00
 
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Joseph Krausz (b. 1936)160 - Joseph Krausz (b. 1936)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Counting Coup 26”h x 21”l x 17”w, 2” base Bronze, number 5/26 Polychrome paint with colored patina, c. 1983 Estate of noted Northern California collec
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
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Scott Rogers (b. 1961)161 - Scott Rogers (b. 1961)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Calling the Buffalo 18 1/2”h x 12”l x 10 1/2”w Bronze 19/30
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Curt Mattson (b. 1956)162 - Curt Mattson (b. 1956)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Blue Monday 16”h x 15 1/4”l x 8 1/4”w Bronze 15/16 Gray patina
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer163 - Nick Eggenhofer
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
The Long Trek 10 3/4” x 16 3/4” Framed to 20” x 26” Gouache Signed lower right EXHIBITED: Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,750.00) = 4,750.00
 
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Olaf Wieghorst Drawings164 - Olaf Wieghorst Drawings
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Doodles 16” x 18” Framed and matted to 28” x 30” Pencil and ink on paper Signed lower right O-Wieghorst 1977
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer (1897-1985)165 - Nick Eggenhofer (1897-1985)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Posse AKA: Three That Drygulched the Ranch Foreman 7” x 11” Framed to 13 1/2” x 17 1/2” Pen & Ink/Drybush Signed lower right Eggenhofer
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,750.00) = 3,750.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer (1897-1985)166 - Nick Eggenhofer (1897-1985)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Moving to the Reservation 11 3/8” x 19 5/8” Framed to 18 3/8” x 26 1/2” Pen & Ink Signed lower right Exhibited: Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,750.00) = 3,750.00
 
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Illustration of Col. John Schuyler Crosby167 - Illustration of Col. John Schuyler Crosby
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Vignette of Crosby’s service surrounding the main figure of him. 21” x 15” image Bottom left: From Press Artists Association, dated 1912 with monogram
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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Frank Hoffman (1888-1958)168 - Frank Hoffman (1888-1958)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Stage Coach Stop 16 1/4” circle Framed to 26” square Drybrush/Ink/Watercolor Signed lower right Hoffman Inscribed lower left To George/Frank Hoffman
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer169 - Nick Eggenhofer
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Stagecoach Hold Up 9 1/2” x 15” framed to 20” x 25 1/2” Pen & Ink / dry brush on paper Signed lower right Notations by artist in pencil lower ri...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,500.00 - 7,500.00
Sold to floor for (4,500.00) = 4,500.00
 
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Don Crowley ( b. 1926 )170 - Don Crowley ( b. 1926 )
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Beauty and the Beast 20” x 15” framed and matted to 31” x 25 1/2” Oil on Board Signed lower right Don Crowley
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00) = 1,600.00
 
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Thomas deDecker171 - Thomas deDecker
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Remembering a Loved One 10” x 8” Oil on board Signed lower left
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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6 Will Crawford Cowboy Drawings on paper172 - 6 Will Crawford Cowboy Drawings on paper
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) “Clawson laughed shortly. Yu’ wouldn’t, “ he added with intolerance”. Page laid on bottom, caption added at bottom right above signature. Image 25”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 14,000.00 - 16,000.00
Sold to floor for (9,000.00) = 9,000.00
 
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Will James (1892-1942)173 - Will James (1892-1942)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Untitled (For Dora) Bucking Horse 27” x 21” Framed to 36” x 30” Pen and Ink Sketch Signed and dated lower right Will James 1911 with Sombrero drawing
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 20,000.00 - 25,000.00
Sold to floor for (7,500.00) = 7,500.00
 
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Will James (1892-1942)174 - Will James (1892-1942)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pilgrims 15” x 13” Framed to 24” x 21” Graphite on paper Signed lower left Will R. James III - .19 Titled in margin -Pilgrims- A early unpublished wor
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
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Will James (1892-1942)175 - Will James (1892-1942)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Here’s Hoping… 13” x 12” framed to 23” x 22” Watercolor and pencil on paper Signed and dated lower left with III – ’25 Inscribed lower right and title
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25,000.00 - 35,000.00
Sold to floor for (17,000.00) = 17,000.00
 
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Edward Borein176 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Walpi 8” x 14” Framed and matted to 15” x 21” Etching and drypoint on paper Signed lower right Edward Borein Pictured: #215 Etchings of Edward Borein
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
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Edward Borein177 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Sitting Pretty No. 1 6 15/16” x 4 15/16” Framed and matted to 14” x 12” Etching and drypoint on paper Signed lower right Edward Borein Pictured: #65 E
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Edward Borein178 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
The Edge of the Painted Desert 5 15/16” x 8 13/16” Framed and matted to 14” x 17” Etching and drypoint on paper Signed lower right Edward Borein Pictu
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Edward Borein179 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
California Vaqueros 7 15/16” x 6 11/16” Framed and matted to 15” x 13” Etching and drypoint on paper Pictured: #54 Etchings of Edward Borein by John G
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
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Edward Borein Ephemera180 - Edward Borein Ephemera
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 3 original printed Christmas cards for Lucille & Edward Borein, each with pen and ink graphics by Ed.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 600.00
Sold to 88sasso for (400.00 + 80.00BP) = 480.00
 
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Edward Borein (1875-1945)181 - Edward Borein (1875-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
California Vaquero 14 5/8” x 19 5/8” (under mat) Framed to 31 1/2” x 28” Watercolor Signed lower left Edward Borein PROVENANCE: Ex: Katherine Haley /
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60,000.00 - 90,000.00
Sold to floor for (120,000.00) = 120,000.00
 
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Edward Borein (1872-1945)182 - Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Untitled illustration for The Pinto Horse (Chapter VI) 6 1/4” x 8 1/2” Framed to 12 1/2” x 13 1/2” Pen and Ink Signed lower right
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Edward Borein (1872-1945)183 - Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
La Musica 6” x 8” Pen and Ink Original source for etching #272
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Vel Miller and Edward Borein Bronzes184 - Vel Miller and Edward Borein Bronzes
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Buffalo Skull with Pipe Bag 4” tall x 6” x 8 1/2” with oval wood base 9/75 by Miller (b. 1936), c. 1987; b) Blackfoot Warrior 6” tall x 6 1/2” x 3
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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Edward Borein (1872-1945)185 - Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
2 unsigned drawings a) Rearing horse with cowboy 4” x 2 1/8” Framed to 15” x 12 1/2” Pen and Ink on paper; b) 3 cowboys with 2 steers 7” x 12” Framed
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Edward Borein Ephemera186 - Edward Borein Ephemera
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Original window card advertising the book The Pinto Horse with colorful Borein graphics, 15” x 11”; b) Full September 1908 magazine Sunset with fra
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (250.00) = 250.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis187 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Potter ”The North American Indian; Vol.12“ 16” x 12”, framed & matted to 24” x 20” Silver Bromide Print Brown ink on paper Embossed stamp lower ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,250.00) = 2,250.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis188 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Spokan Camp Vintage photogravure on Japanese tissue paper, plate No. 243 with Curtis’ 1910 copyright. Depicts Spokan tipis among tall pine trees. John
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis189 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Taos Water Girls “The North American Indian; Vol.16” 16” x 12”, framed and matted to 24” x 20” Silver Bromide Print Brown ink on paper Original source
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis190 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A Gray Day in the Bad Lands Vintage Japanese tissue photogravure tipped on Holland Van Gelder, plate No. 86, with Curtis’ 1905 copyright and John Andr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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Edward Sheriff Curtis191 - Edward Sheriff Curtis
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A Stormy Day - Flathead Vintage photogravure on Holland Van Gelder paper, plate No. 233 with Curtis’ 1910 copyright. Depicts Flathead camp scene with
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,250.00) = 2,250.00
 
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Steven J. Rapp Custom Knife192 - Steven J. Rapp Custom Knife
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Steven is a master at the art of the San Francisco style knife. In 1998 he was given the “Wooden Sword Award” from Ken Warner in Knives 1998. Winner o
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,500.00 - 6,500.00
Sold to floor for (4,000.00) = 4,000.00
 
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R. T. Frazier Pueblo, CO Set193 - R. T. Frazier Pueblo, CO Set
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A wonderful matching set of hard-to-find studded cowboy gear. The best Frazier had to offer. Belt and holster, both triangle marked, belt is scalloped
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 7,500.00 - 9,500.00
Sold to floor for (11,000.00) = 11,000.00
 
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J.A. Garrett’s Colt Single Action194 - J.A. Garrett’s Colt Single Action
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Important Johnson County War revolver with impeccable provenance. This Colt with serial number 11876 is listed in the list of “Arms and Accouterments
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25,000.00 - 35,000.00
Sold to floor for (40,000.00) = 40,000.00
 
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Leo Carrillo Ceremonial Presentation Badge195 - Leo Carrillo Ceremonial Presentation Badge
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A beautiful jeweler’s made gold and diamond Portland Police Chief badge. This is a truly beautiful custom, 2 1/2” diameter finely engraved five pointe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 8,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for (7,500.00) = 7,500.00
 
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Al Furstnow Holster with Colt196 - Al Furstnow Holster with Colt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Colt Single Action Army revolver .45 caliber with 4 3/4” barrel. Great stag grips that have been with the gun for a long time. The metal is all gray w
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,750.00) = 2,750.00
 
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Jim Shoulders’ 1949 I-R-A Trophy Buckle197 - Jim Shoulders’ 1949 I-R-A Trophy Buckle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Champion Bull Rider buckle, 2 5/8” x 3 5/8” high relief gold bucking bull reverse engraved Presented by Hamley & Company & McCabe Silversmit...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (12,000.00) = 12,000.00
 
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Jim Shoulders’ Houston Fat Stock Show & Rodeo Buckle198 - Jim Shoulders’ Houston Fat Stock Show & Rodeo Buckle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Champion Bareback Rider 1956 Won by: Jim Shoulders Rope edge, high relief bucking horse and rider. Nelson Co. Sterling/10K. 2 9/16” x 3 1/2”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (6,000.00) = 6,000.00
 
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Jim Shoulders’ Grand National Rodeo Buckle199 - Jim Shoulders’ Grand National Rodeo Buckle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Champion Bull Rider” – “Grand National Rodeo – Cow Palace 1955 Oval trophy buckle, high relief bull. Mark on reverse Visalia Stock Saddle Co. S.F. Cal
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (7,000.00) = 7,000.00
 
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