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 A rare, unpublished Will James watercolor will be offered, as well as a number of 1st edition Will James books with original drawings and signatures.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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Joseph Krausz (b. 1936)160 - Joseph Krausz (b. 1936)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Counting Coup 26”h x 21”l x 17”w, 2” base Bronze, number 5/26 Polychrome paint with colored patina, c. 1983 Estate of noted Northern California collec
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,700.00
 
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Scott Rogers (b. 1961)161 - Scott Rogers (b. 1961)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Calling the Buffalo 18 1/2”h x 12”l x 10 1/2”w Bronze 19/30
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for 2,000.00
 
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Curt Mattson (b. 1956)162 - Curt Mattson (b. 1956)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Blue Monday 16”h x 15 1/4”l x 8 1/4”w Bronze 15/16 Gray patina
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,000.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer163 - Nick Eggenhofer
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
The Long Trek 10 3/4” x 16 3/4” Framed to 20” x 26” Gouache Signed lower right EXHIBITED: Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for 4,750.00
 
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Olaf Wieghorst Drawings164 - Olaf Wieghorst Drawings
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Doodles 16” x 18” Framed and matted to 28” x 30” Pencil and ink on paper Signed lower right O-Wieghorst 1977
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,700.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer (1897-1985)165 - Nick Eggenhofer (1897-1985)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Posse AKA: Three That Drygulched the Ranch Foreman 7” x 11” Framed to 13 1/2” x 17 1/2” Pen & Ink/Drybush Signed lower right Eggenhofer
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for 3,750.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer (1897-1985)166 - Nick Eggenhofer (1897-1985)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Moving to the Reservation 11 3/8” x 19 5/8” Framed to 18 3/8” x 26 1/2” Pen & Ink Signed lower right Exhibited: Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for 3,750.00
 
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Illustration of Col. John Schuyler Crosby167 - Illustration of Col. John Schuyler Crosby
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Vignette of Crosby’s service surrounding the main figure of him. 21” x 15” image Bottom left: From Press Artists Association, dated 1912 with monogram
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for 1,500.00
 
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Frank Hoffman (1888-1958)168 - Frank Hoffman (1888-1958)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Stage Coach Stop 16 1/4” circle Framed to 26” square Drybrush/Ink/Watercolor Signed lower right Hoffman Inscribed lower left To George/Frank Hoffman
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,500.00
 
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Nick Eggenhofer169 - Nick Eggenhofer
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Stagecoach Hold Up 9 1/2” x 15” framed to 20” x 25 1/2” Pen & Ink / dry brush on paper Signed lower right Notations by artist in pencil lower ri...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,500.00 - 7,500.00
Sold to floor for 4,500.00
 
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Don Crowley ( b. 1926 )170 - Don Crowley ( b. 1926 )
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Beauty and the Beast 20” x 15” framed and matted to 31” x 25 1/2” Oil on Board Signed lower right Don Crowley
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,600.00
 
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Thomas deDecker171 - Thomas deDecker
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Remembering a Loved One 10” x 8” Oil on board Signed lower left
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for 600.00
 
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6 Will Crawford Cowboy Drawings on paper172 - 6 Will Crawford Cowboy Drawings on paper
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) “Clawson laughed shortly. Yu’ wouldn’t, “ he added with intolerance”. Page laid on bottom, caption added at bottom right above signature. Image 25”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 14,000.00 - 16,000.00
Sold to floor for 9,000.00
 
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Will James (1892-1942)173 - Will James (1892-1942)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Untitled (For Dora) Bucking Horse 27” x 21” Framed to 36” x 30” Pen and Ink Sketch Signed and dated lower right Will James 1911 with Sombrero drawing
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 20,000.00 - 25,000.00
Sold to floor for 7,500.00
 
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Will James (1892-1942)174 - Will James (1892-1942)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Pilgrims 15” x 13” Framed to 24” x 21” Graphite on paper Signed lower left Will R. James III - .19 Titled in margin -Pilgrims- A early unpublished wor
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for 3,500.00
 
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Will James (1892-1942)175 - Will James (1892-1942)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Here’s Hoping… 13” x 12” framed to 23” x 22” Watercolor and pencil on paper Signed and dated lower left with III – ’25 Inscribed lower right and title
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25,000.00 - 35,000.00
Sold to floor for 17,000.00
 
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Edward Borein176 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Walpi 8” x 14” Framed and matted to 15” x 21” Etching and drypoint on paper Signed lower right Edward Borein Pictured: #215 Etchings of Edward Borein
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,700.00
 
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Edward Borein177 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Sitting Pretty No. 1 6 15/16” x 4 15/16” Framed and matted to 14” x 12” Etching and drypoint on paper Signed lower right Edward Borein Pictured: #65 E
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for 900.00
 
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Edward Borein178 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
The Edge of the Painted Desert 5 15/16” x 8 13/16” Framed and matted to 14” x 17” Etching and drypoint on paper Signed lower right Edward Borein Pictu
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for 900.00
 
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Edward Borein179 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
California Vaqueros 7 15/16” x 6 11/16” Framed and matted to 15” x 13” Etching and drypoint on paper Pictured: #54 Etchings of Edward Borein by John G
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for 700.00
 
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