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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Three Rawhide Reatas410 - Three Rawhide Reatas
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Very high quality 71 ft California rope with round honda and multicolored button and two well used supple lariats.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Dave Shelly – Cody, Wyoming Riding Skirt and Vest411 - Dave Shelly – Cody, Wyoming Riding Skirt and Vest
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Matching fringed Cowgirl tanned Elk hide superbly detailed, this elegant ensemble is virtually unused. Fine condition, c. 1920s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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Lincoln County Relic Revolver412 - Lincoln County Relic Revolver
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Remington .36 caliber Navy model c. 1860s found in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Dug up, completely rusted and non-operating condition.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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Roswell Harness Shop Spur Straps413 - Roswell Harness Shop Spur Straps
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Rare maker-marked straps on a large pair of Texas style spurs in a Kelly Bros pattern. Straps are well marked but trimmed at the belly.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Three Sterling Belt Buckles414 - Three Sterling Belt Buckles
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
(a) Edward H. Bohlin, Hollywood Calif sterling oval with rope edge and saddle plate; (b) 1986 Champion Bull Rider sterling & 10K; (c) Oval Garc...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Improved Order of the Redman415 - Improved Order of the Redman
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Grouping of 5 carved oak frames containing badges, ribbons, suspension medals from the organization Imp’d O.R.M., T.O.T.E., celluloid, brass, paper, l
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,300.00) = 1,300.00
 
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The Improved Order of the Redman416 - The Improved Order of the Redman
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Collection of costumes and regalia for members of “Redman” a) Three-piece Red Men costume manufactured by Louis E. Stilz & Bro. of Philadelphia....
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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Crow Beaded Belt417 - Crow Beaded Belt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
41” x 2 1/4” harness leather belt with beaded panel featuring human figures, lodges, and trees. Classic pink beads on edges, deep reds, blues, and gre
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Folk Art Crescent Moon Ranch Mailbox418 - Folk Art Crescent Moon Ranch Mailbox
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
From the famous Cody, Wyoming Crescent Moon Ranch on the North Fork of the Shoshone River. This folk art mailbox in the shape of the crescent moon was
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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Framed Fancy Studded Chaps419 - Framed Fancy Studded Chaps
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Mounted by nails on hardboard and enclosed in a glass shadow box. Two-tone overlaid studded and fringed batwings. These have nickel concho decorations
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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