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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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David Alderson (TCA) Spade Bit51 - David Alderson (TCA) Spade Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Exquisite workmanship on this Las Cruces bit by the Traditional Cowboy Artist member. Finely engraved cheekpieces hold a 2” domed concho surrounded by
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 4,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Cavalry Saddle Made for Dances with Wolves (1990)52 - Cavalry Saddle Made for Dances with Wolves (1990)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Complete reproduction Model 1859 U. S. Cavalry saddle with accessories made for the Academy Award winning movie that was used in deleted scenes. Was p
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Eddy Hulbert (1898-1960) Montana/Wyoming Cowgirl Spurs53 - Eddy Hulbert (1898-1960) Montana/Wyoming Cowgirl Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Highly coveted silver inlaid Hulbert spurs with E.C. on bands. 1 1/2”-12 pt dotted rowels, engraved upturned button, floral carved two-piece leathers.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,750.00) = 3,750.00
 
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Crockett Del Rio Spurs54 - Crockett Del Rio Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Texas spur No. 252 with maker-mark under buttons. Tapered bands mounted with golden bronze and silver. Chains missing, shows in catalog that these wer
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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Oscar Crockett Pawhuska Pattern Spurs55 - Oscar Crockett Pawhuska Pattern Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Very fine, inside marked O. Crockett, both spurs, Cat Pat No. 131 with 2 1/2” long shanks, 7/8” wide bands, 6 pt rowels, dual heart and raised button
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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August Buermann Inlaid Spurs56 - August Buermann Inlaid Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Mint condition straight shank California style spurs with full inlay on one side, deeply chased and cast off-side. The early marks, Pat’d H Hand Forge
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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C. P. Shipley Kansas City, MO Spurs57 - C. P. Shipley Kansas City, MO Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Cat Pat No. 40 with full coverage overlaid one side, 1 3/16” bands, swinging buttons, floral carved two-piece leathers, engraving patterns differ on e
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
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McChesney No. 33 Spurs58 - McChesney No. 33 Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Single mounted with silver ovals and hearts. Style #2 in the Paul’s Valley catalog. Simple 14 point rowels. Overall in very good condition.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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Kelly Bros (1919-1939) Presentation Spurs59 - Kelly Bros (1919-1939) Presentation Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
C.P. Hudson engraved on 5/8” band mounting with classic strap buttons, 2 1/4” long shank, with blunted rowels. Very good condition with strong engravi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (550.00) = 550.00
 
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Tom Johnson (1875-1915) Gal Leg Spurs60 - Tom Johnson (1875-1915) Gal Leg Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Basic leg pattern spur from the Coleman, Texas maker, with spade and diamond overlay. Copper and silver mountings show heavy wear with most of the eng
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
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