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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Flashy Ted Flowers Texas Star Parade Saddle71 - Flashy Ted Flowers Texas Star Parade Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Full monel parade rig with bridle, bit, breastcollar and serapes. All complete and in great condition with all pieces intact. 28” long tapaderos, quil
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for 5,500.00
 
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Garcia Saddlery, Salinas, California72 - Garcia Saddlery, Salinas, California
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Flower tooled roping saddle, Garcia marked bridle with silver and gold shield marked 101, California spade bit also marked Garcia. In very good overal
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 2,300.00
 
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Impressive D. E. Walker Visalia Show Saddle73 - Impressive D. E. Walker Visalia Show Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Brown with flower tooling and fixed corona. This elegant saddle has 24” tapaderos and matching martingale and bridle with Visalia show bit. There are
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 9,000.00 - 14,000.00
Sold to floor for 22,000.00
 
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F. A. Meanea Cowboy Cuffs74 - F. A. Meanea Cowboy Cuffs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Excellent condition with clear Cheyenne WYO?. maker-mark. Line and drape tooling with central double line box, 6 1/2” tall with triple snap closures.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for 800.00
 
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R.T Frazier His and Hers Saddles75 - R.T Frazier His and Hers Saddles
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pair of saddles by the famous Pueblo maker. Tooling in a sunburst design on each corner with round skirts. Well marked with 13” and 14” seats. Marked
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for 2,300.00
 
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Visalia Stock Saddle Co. Batwing Chaps76 - Visalia Stock Saddle Co. Batwing Chaps
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Fancy spotted chaps with stars and circles on corners, double row of studs down each leg and spotted pockets. Nice sharp San Francisco saddlery mark i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,000.00
 
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C. H. Collison Silver Mounted Show/Parade Saddle77 - C. H. Collison Silver Mounted Show/Parade Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Very decorative two-tone floral carved 1940s saddle with tapaderos adorned with engraved diamonds and half-diamonds plus oversized domed silver corner
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,800.00 - 2,400.00
Sold to floor for 2,500.00
 
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Rare Mardueno 19th c. Spade Bit78 - Rare Mardueno 19th c. Spade Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Scroll chasing in long leaf pattern, 4 1/2” bar, double slobber chain, excellent condition, possibly unused.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for 1,100.00
 
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D.E. Walker, Visalia, California79 - D.E. Walker, Visalia, California
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Plain saddle with double row of line tooling. Southwest style conchos in strings and wrapped horn. Sterling plate on cantle with initials D.S.15 1/2”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,100.00
 
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Lot of Two (2) Eddy Hulbert Curb Bits80 - Lot of Two (2) Eddy Hulbert Curb Bits
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Standard high port curb bit with thin cheeks and engraved silver buttons; b) A fine silver overlaid interchangeable bit. Curved cheekpieces with ov
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for 1,000.00
 
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