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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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.
Choose Your Layout > Switch to Grid View Switch to List View
Stetson Hat Advertising Poster400 - Stetson Hat Advertising Poster
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Large format counter poster on cardboard with art by Charles Hargess. Printed by McCandlish Litho Co., 23” x 18” with original folding stand and compa
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Lot of Four (4) Pairs of Pee Wee Boots401 - Lot of Four (4) Pairs of Pee Wee Boots
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Showy red and black with yellow cowboys, bucking horses and hearts. Finish cracking, leather pulls. Sloping riding heels, 10 1/4” x 12” tall; b) Da
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,700.00) = 1,700.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Leonard Reedy (1899-1956) - Lot of Two (2) Watercolors402 - Leonard Reedy (1899-1956) - Lot of Two (2) Watercolors
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Untitled (Cowboy Roping a Steer) 8” x 11”, framed to 15” x 18”; b) Untitled (Cowboy Following a black Steer) 8” x 11 1/4”, framed to 15 1/2” x 18 1
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Complete Miniature Chuck Wagon403 - Complete Miniature Chuck Wagon
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
12” body, 21” overall with tongue, all the tools, and accessories, buckets, bedrolls, tarps, firewood, branding iron, lantern and driving whip. Fully
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Leonard Reedy (1899-1956)404 - Leonard Reedy (1899-1956)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pair of untitled Watercolors 8” x 11” each Framed to 15 1/2” x 19 1/2” Cowboy and Wolves, signed lower right Mounted Navajo, signed lower left
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Collection of Cowboy Kitsch – Horses, Horses, Horses405 - Collection of Cowboy Kitsch – Horses, Horses, Horses
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) A matched pair of huge gold tone steeds with removable parade saddles, heavy cast bases, 15 1/4”h x 14 1/2” long; b) Tarnished horse with removable
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
More Cowboy Kitsch – More horses, horses, and more horses plus cast ashtrays, bookends, etc.406 - More Cowboy Kitsch – More horses, horses, and more horses plus cast ashtrays, bookends, etc.
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) End of the Trail ashtray, 7” tall by 7 1/2” deep, copyright 1927 Armour Bronze; b) Charging Horse ashtray, c. 1918 Armour Bronze, 7 1/2” tall by 10
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (150.00) = 150.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Lot of Buffalo Bill and 101 Ranch Ephemera407 - Lot of Buffalo Bill and 101 Ranch Ephemera
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) A Peep at Buffalo Bill’s Wild West a lithographed book in large format, 12” x 10”, 20 pages including covers. Very good condition with slight spine
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
Sold to floor for (350.00) = 350.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Main & Winchester Saddle Pony408 - Main & Winchester Saddle Pony
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Early wooden stitching horse or harness vase. Standard style with large 19” x 5” vise clamps. Seat is 27” x 11” of hardwood and the horse stands 45” o
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
Details...Bookmark
3 Vintage Rawhide Reatas409 - 3 Vintage Rawhide Reatas
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of three nice early cowboy leather ropes, two approximately 38 ft and the other is 53 ft. Two of these have the King’s Saddlery tags from back whe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
Pair of “Buffalo Bill” Cap Guns420 - Pair of “Buffalo Bill” Cap Guns
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Two cast iron single shot cap guns by Stevens. One with 50% original Japanning remaining. Both are in excellent condition and are 11 3/4” long, c. 189
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 350.00
Sold to floor for (350.00) = 350.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Tanned Hide Shirt from Dances with Wolves421 - Tanned Hide Shirt from Dances with Wolves
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Movie worn shirt used in the Oscar winning film by the shirt’s maker. Very high quality and authentically recreated buffalo hunters fringed pullover.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Will James Ephemera422 - Will James Ephemera
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) COWBOYS NORTH AND SOUTH. THE FIRST FIVE YEARS. Newsletters of the Will James Society. Soft Bound. 1st. Edition. 1993; b) Nevada Magazines. 1966. “J
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Winchester Carbine with Lincoln County History423 - Winchester Carbine with Lincoln County History
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Winchester Model 1873, 3rd model Saddle Ring Carbine with engraved sideplate. .44-40 cal. Serial number 87125, shipped March 13, 1882. Left side-plate
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,750.00) = 2,750.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Lot of 2 Contemporary Flintlock Rifles424 - Lot of 2 Contemporary Flintlock Rifles
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) An Italian made 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle new in the box. Made in .54 caliber with eagle markings on the case colored lock, 34 1/2” half round barre
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Nick Eggenhofer Illustration Collection425 - Nick Eggenhofer Illustration Collection
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A very nice grouping of books and dime novels all illustrated by the master. Unless otherwise noted, signed means by Eggenhofer. Most came from the es
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Will James’ Handwritten Letter426 - Will James’ Handwritten Letter
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
To Shorty Jack Miller. 10 1/2” x 8 1/4” letter is pencil on paper, dated Dec. 24/‘35. Great content regarding a set of longhorns James sold with a goo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Will James Limited Edition427 - Will James Limited Edition
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Very rare, Lone Cowboy, 250 copies, signed and dated drawing ’30 1st. by Scribners. Drawing of picketed horse. Spine has some loss of finish at title,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,900.00) = 1,900.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Will James Books - Signed with Drawings428 - Will James Books - Signed with Drawings
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 4 books all with dust jackets. a) COWBOYS NORTH AND SOUTH. 1929. ORIGINAL DRAWING and INSCRIPTION-SIGNED BILL JAMES ’29 on free front end. Book
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Will James Books – Signed First Editions429 - Will James Books – Signed First Editions
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 5 Books each signed by James, with dust jackets. a) SMOKY. 1ST ED. SIGNED WILL JAMES III ’26. Book has use wear to spine ends and corners and o
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (500.00) = 500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (700.00) = 700.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to animationl.. for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
Details...Bookmark
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
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Wyoming Cattle Books440 - Wyoming Cattle Books
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
6 Important Wyoming Cattle Books: a) GREENBURG, Sixty Years, 1932, 1st Ed. wraps, front cover illus. by Will James, vg+, handsome folder/slip case .
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Colorado Ranch Books441 - Colorado Ranch Books
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
5 Colorado Cattle Books a) 2007 Colorado Brand Book, fine, red cloth; over 30,000 registered brands and earmarks, livestock laws and definitions. b)
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (100.00) = 100.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Books of Cowboy Life442 - Books of Cowboy Life
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Group of 5 books depicting historic ranches and cowboy life. All first editions, 2 signed by authors, artists, recommended titles. a) ALLRED, DYKES an
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to floor for (250.00) = 250.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Progressive Men of the State of Wyoming443 - Progressive Men of the State of Wyoming
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A Merrill “Aristocrat of the Cow Country” Progressive Men of the State of Wyoming Illustrated. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1903. -xvi, [19]-965...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (550.00) = 550.00
 
Details...Bookmark