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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Will James Books to Cal Godshall430 - Will James Books to Cal Godshall
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 2 books for James’ good friend, Cal. a) HOME RANCH. 1935 1ST. SIGNED AND INSCRIBED, WILL JAMES ’35. Has terrific b/w photo glued to inside of f
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Will James Books431 - Will James Books
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 14 misc. books a) FLINT SPEARS. 1938 1st ED. Book has some slight use wear to spine ends and corners. Dj has use wear and some small chips from
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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Will James Books – Illustrated Editions432 - Will James Books – Illustrated Editions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
4 Color Classics a) LONE COWBOY. 1937. In original Box. Color art cover on box. Price sticker on end of box. Box has slight use wear and fade to one s
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Will James Books – First Editions433 - Will James Books – First Editions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Here are the 26 books of WILL JAMES, as published by Scribner’s, including the 4 rarest titles, each in the true first state; Each book is a First Edi
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 3,500.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Will James Books – Signed434 - Will James Books – Signed
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
GROUP OF 5 SIGNED WILL JAMES BOOKS 5 of James’ first 8 Scribner’s books each boldly signed Will James and the year. a) Cowboys North and South, 1925,
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Will James and Related Books435 - Will James and Related Books
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of books by Will James, illustrated by James, or with James writing. a) WILL JAMES BOOK OF COWBOY STORIES. 1952. Pub. LONDON. Scribner’s and Phoen
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
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Will James Books – First Editions with Jackets436 - Will James Books – First Editions with Jackets
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 6 scarce volumes all with original dust covers. a) SUN UP. 1ST ED. A. Junior Literary Guild. 1931. Color dj has some wear to edges, some paper
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Will James Books – 1st Editions437 - Will James Books – 1st Editions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 6 Scarce books with one signed a) SUN UP. Color Classic. 1931 Scribner’s A. ORIGINAL DRAWING – of tapadero? SIGNED WILL JAMES ’31. Book is very
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to animationl.. for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
 
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Will James Book from the Library of Luis Ortega438 - Will James Book from the Library of Luis Ortega
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 5 books with attached bookplate of Luis B. Ortega. a) SMOKY. Pub. A.L.Burt. Has Fox Film Corp. photo of Will James Frontispiece. Book is very g
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Will James Reference Books439 - Will James Reference Books
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Amaral, Anthony. The Gilt Edge Cowboy. 1967, Ills. VG. Dj. From personal collection of Luis Ortega with his bookplate laid affixed. Clippings and r
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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