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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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G. S. Garcia White Shotgun Chaps81 - G. S. Garcia White Shotgun Chaps
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
White horsehair shotgun chaps. Well marked with small block letters. 95% of hair intact, overall very good with some extra stitching on belt and cuffs
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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Leon Andrews, Ponca City, Oklahoma Custom Bit & Spur Set81A - Leon Andrews, Ponca City, Oklahoma Custom Bit & Spur Set
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Texas style gal-leg spurs with card suit overlays on the band, finely engraved legs and 12 point rowels. The matching bit is a classic gal leg curb st
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Deerlodge Horsehair Bridle82 - Deerlodge Horsehair Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Deerlodge prisonmade horsehair bridle with light background, red and turquoise geometric designs and American flags on the cheeks. All original leathe
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Deerlodge Horsehair Bridle83 - Deerlodge Horsehair Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Prisonmade, hitched horsehair bridle, reins, romal with light background with bright and colorful geometric, triangular designs. Pair of early round a
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,300.00) = 2,300.00
 
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Yuma Arizona Prison Bridle84 - Yuma Arizona Prison Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Colorful hitched horsehair bridle with bright pink, turquoise, orange, red, white and yellow diamonds over black background. 5 tassels across forehead
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,900.00) = 1,900.00
 
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Early Native American Silver Bridle85 - Early Native American Silver Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Plains or southern plains bridle, all original. Very unusual to find with the original leather. Finely detailed with 1 3/4” naja and 3” pierced round
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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Complete Ortega Headstall & Reins with Bit86 - Complete Ortega Headstall & Reins with Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Rawhide headstall constructed of double-8 plait, whipped, gaucho and herringbone knots. Matching closed reins with romal and Ortega maker-marked leath
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 6,500.00 - 7,500.00
Sold to floor for (4,500.00) = 4,500.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega fancy Braided Rawhide Hobbles87 - Luis B. Ortega fancy Braided Rawhide Hobbles
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Flat-laced, eight strand body, red colored Spanish lacing on stainless steel center ring. Six-pointed red star on herringbone knot. 1 1/16” wide. Exce
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Quirt88 - Luis B. Ortega Quirt
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
16” long, (32” overall) marked on popper Luis Ortega, with owners name H. Collins. Body of quirt has 8 buttons with red accents, 3 dark sections of fi
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Light Hackamore or Bosalito89 - Luis B. Ortega Light Hackamore or Bosalito
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Braided black rawhide body with natural tapering noseband and heel knot accented with black and red interweaves. White leather hanger. Fine condition,
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,900.00) = 1,900.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Brown Presentation Reins90 - Luis B. Ortega Brown Presentation Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Sixteen-strand braided black kangaroo show reins 1/4” wide and 49” in length with 12 engraved sterling ferrules on each rein and a silver slider. Rein
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,600.00) = 3,600.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Working Reins with Romal91 - Luis B. Ortega Working Reins with Romal
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Dark brown braiding with Luis’ characteristic buttons and signature carved inside the leather popper, c. 1940s-50s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,300.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to nickl3022184 for (700.00 + 140.00BP) = 840.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Brown Presentation Reins92 - Luis B. Ortega Brown Presentation Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Sixteen-strand braided russet colored kangaroo show reins 1/4” wide and 4’ in length with 10 engraved sterling ferrules on each rein and a silver slid
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Show Bridle93 - Luis B. Ortega Show Bridle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Maker-marked with the name Luis B. Ortega carved inside the leather popper. Richly patinated rawhide show headstall and matching closed 3/8” reins wit
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 5,500.00 - 7,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,750.00) = 3,750.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Pencil Bosalito94 - Luis B. Ortega Pencil Bosalito
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Approximately 12” in length, this elegant and fine pencil bosal with original braided leather hanger is constructed of 14-strand cheeks and 24-strand
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Reata95 - Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Reata
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Appx 33’ rawhide reata with Luis B. Ortega carved into the hondo along with FIESTA ‘41. Excellent condition. Probably made by Luis for Santa Barbara F
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to 88sasso for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
 
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Jay Adcock Reata96 - Jay Adcock Reata
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
4 strand rawhide rope with tight button and hondo. Approx 40’, marked on hondo with the Adcock brand. Light color, tight braid, high quality as always
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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2 Headstalls with El Gato and Results Bits97 - 2 Headstalls with El Gato and Results Bits
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Fancy Ortega style braided rawhide headstall with natural buttons. Attached to a silver overlaid loose-jaw Results maker-marked half-breed bit. Fin
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
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Luis and Rose Ortega’s Navajo Rug98 - Luis and Rose Ortega’s Navajo Rug
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Ganado or Thunderbird Lodge, Canyon de Chelley area. Commercially spun yarns in aniline dyed red and black, and natural white and gray. Striking geome
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,700.00) = 2,700.00
 
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Extraordinary Edward H. Bohlin Spurs99 - Extraordinary Edward H. Bohlin Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
One-of-a-kind, special order Edward H. Bohlin filigreed spurs, constructed of 14k, 18k & 22k gold and sterling silver, this custom pair of spurs...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 15,000.00 - 25,000.00
Sold to floor for (19,000.00) = 19,000.00
 
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