Denver Old West Auction

Auction Details

Brian Lebel's 23rd Annual Old West Auction will offer 418 lots of fine Western art, antiques, artifacts and collectibles from the 19th through the 21st centuries. The auction will be held live at the Denver Merchandise Mart on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 5pm Mountain time. Some highlights of this year's auction include:

A rare Reward Poster for the arrest of the infamous brothers Frank and Jesse James; a Parker Shotgun that belonged to Frank Butler of Buffalo Bill's Wild West fame; a rare Taber cabinet card of the most famous stagecoach robber of all time, Black Bart; a performance-used Buffalo Bill's Wild West parade flag; a pair of Borein watercolors; original Molesworth furniture and an oil painting by F. Mizen of Wyatt Earp.

The auction also includes antique and historic firearms, Native American art and artifacts, 19th century photography, Western fine art, advertising lithos, saloon and gambling items, spurs, saddles, bits, bridles, boots, books and more.

Fine art offerings include notable deceased and contemporary artists such as Edward Borein, Charlie Russel, Glenna Goodacre, John Banovich, Nick Eggenhofer, Fritz Scholder, Carl Oscar Borg, Dave Powell, Ace Powell, Mehl Lawson, ADM Cooper, Ross Steffan, Gary Niblett, Nicholas Firfires, Raphael Lillywhite, Olaf Seltzer, WHD Koerner, Robert Elwell, Bob Scriver, Eric Michaels, William Acheff, and Gary Earnest Smith.

Cowboy artists and craftsmen include Bill Adamson, Ed Bohlin, GS Garcia, Mario Hanel, Gary Keithly, Kelly Bros., McChesney, Schnitger, Shipley, Chas Weldon, Tad Mizwa and others.

Fine Native American arts and artifacts include beadwork, textiles, baskets, pottery, and quillwork from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Roy Rogers' boots, John Wayne's Nudies hat, Dale Evans' dresses, Tom Mix's hat and Montie Montana's gun are among the "Hollywood Cowboy" offerings. A gold guitar pin given as a gift and inscribed by Elvis is also being sold, as is a personal photo album that belonged to Zane Grey.

Over 200 original photographs from Buffalo Bill's Wild West will be sold (individually and in lots), along with an impressive selection of 19th and early 20th century American photographs.

Historic firearms include train robber Bill Carlisle's revolver, a large collection of early Deringers, a rare and early air gun, a Sharps Buffalo Rifle, and other antique, modern and relic guns.
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C.P. Shipley, Kan City MO Spurs205 - C.P. Shipley, Kan City MO Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Well maker-marked C.P. Shipley and Kan City MO inside the heelband of both spurs, silver inlaid heelband with a inlaid elongated diamond shank. This c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to huntery for (900.00 + 189.00BP) = 1,089.00
 
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L.D. Stone - San Francisco Spurs206 - L.D. Stone - San Francisco Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Horseshoe pattern inlays and shaped band, 2” long shanks with small 1 1/4” rowel. Well marked inside band of both spurs. Straps with period stamped hi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,200.00 - 3,600.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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Basket or Water Carrier Bit207 - Basket or Water Carrier Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Exquisitely engraved California style spade bit patterned after the G. S. Garcia No. 65 with attribution to Bob McBride’s (El Gato) premier engraver P
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Kelly Bros Double-Mounted Texas Spurs208 - Kelly Bros Double-Mounted Texas Spurs
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Straight shank with full mountings, double diamonds and spades. Well marked #26 spurs made with swinging buttons. Professionally restored rowels, othe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Kissing Bird Spade Bit209 - Kissing Bird Spade Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Silver inlaid California spoon-spade bit with twisted wire and seven silver buttons on each cheek. Slobber chains and original rein chains. This is th
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to floor for (350.00) = 350.00
 
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Eddie Hulbert Bridle with Unmarked G.S. Garcia Bit210 - Eddie Hulbert Bridle with Unmarked G.S. Garcia Bit
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
4 graduated silver conchos per side 1 1/2” to 1” with horseshoe buckles, all showing classic Hulbert design. The crescent moon bit has silver 1 3/8”
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Canon City Headstall and Matching Natural Colored Reins211 - Canon City Headstall and Matching Natural Colored Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Unused classic braided set with engraved decorative hardware. Large domed conchos with 5 point star design, floral engraved slides and ends, and leaf
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00) = 1,600.00
 
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Edward Bohlin Bridle with Don Ellis Reins212 - Edward Bohlin Bridle with Don Ellis Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Diamond pattern maker-stamped in multiple places, silver ferrules, reins signed twice. Very good overall condition, circa 1950s.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 4,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,250.00) = 3,250.00
 
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Miles City Saddlery Saddle213 - Miles City Saddlery Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Fine floral carved #2 loop seat saddle. 13” seat, 5 1/2” cantle, and 18” swells. Nickel horn. Marked Miles City Saddlery – Miles City Mont. – Makers
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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Miles City Saddlery Batwing Chaps214 - Miles City Saddlery Batwing Chaps
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Card suit pattern, studded chaps. Custom tooled belt with the initials, A.C.H. Excellent condition overall, nickel studs forming a heart, club, diamon
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,250.00) = 3,250.00
 
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Mario Hanel 1/2 Scale Sample Saddle215 - Mario Hanel 1/2 Scale Sample Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
California half seat saddle with 7” long angora bags and 6 1/2” monkey nose tapederos. Seat is 7 1/2”, condition is as new.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for (4,750.00) = 4,750.00
 
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Mario Hanel 1/2 Scale Saddle216 - Mario Hanel 1/2 Scale Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
California style with 11 1/2” taps, 7 1/4” seat, Sam Stagg rigged 1/2 seat.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
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Tad Mizwa, Houston, Texas Miniature Saddle217 - Tad Mizwa, Houston, Texas Miniature Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
“The Tom Mix Saddle” in 40% scale. The saddle is a faithful reproduction of the saddle on display in the Tom Mix Museum in Dewey, Oklahoma. Letter fro
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for (6,500.00) = 6,500.00
 
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Tad Mizwa Miniature Saddle218 - Tad Mizwa Miniature Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Multi-Heart Saddle, made to represent a circa 1930s style saddle. Tad’s description of this saddle is, “Exactly 150 sterling silver, hand engraved hea
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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J.H. Hafer, Montrose, Colo Salesman Sample Saddle219 - J.H. Hafer, Montrose, Colo Salesman Sample Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Miniature saddle maker-marked by Hafer on back of cantle. Basketstamped with attached saddlebags. Iron oxbow stirrups, 4 1/4” seat, 3/8” cantle. Circa
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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Tad Mizwa Texas Miniature Saddle220 - Tad Mizwa Texas Miniature Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Yorktown “Apple Horn” style saddle. Texas stars representing a circa 1850s - 1860s half seat. Described by Tad as, “Handmade rawhide covered tree. Hal
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,750.00) = 1,750.00
 
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Tad Mizwa, Houston, Texas Miniature Saddle221 - Tad Mizwa, Houston, Texas Miniature Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Fancy loop seat saddle with rope edge horn and cantle, detailed sterling slotted conchos and studs. Featuring carved Texas Longhorn figures on each jo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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John Kittleson 1/2 Size Saddle222 - John Kittleson 1/2 Size Saddle
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Cowboy Artist of America past member and noted saddle maker, horseman, and wood carver. Floral and leaf carving, square skirt, loop seat with taps. Mi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,250.00) = 1,250.00
 
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Pair of Luis B. Ortega Fancy Romals223 - Pair of Luis B. Ortega Fancy Romals
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Each measuring 1/2” wide and 46” including the leather popper, both have the name LUIS B. ORTEGA carved into the leather popper. The fancier one has n
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,400.00) = 1,400.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega fancy Rawhide Reins224 - Luis B. Ortega fancy Rawhide Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Signed (carved) LUIS B. ORTEGA inside the leather popper, these fancy two-tone braided rawhide show reins are 1/4” wide with a half-inch romal. Both r
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,750.00) = 1,750.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Presentation Reins225 - Luis B. Ortega Presentation Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Signed inside the leather popper LUIS ORTEGA. Closed black rawhide 3/8”wide, 46” long reins with 16 engraved sterling ferrules and a 43” long, 1/2” wi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,500.00) = 2,500.00
 
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Luis Ortega Rawhide & Leather Bosal226 - Luis Ortega Rawhide & Leather Bosal
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
/4” braided leather cheeks with a 13 1/2” long tapered 32 plait rawhide noseband interwoven with black and red leather accents. Heel knot also feature
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,100.00) = 1,100.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Reata227 - Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Reata
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
32’ four-strand Reata with LUIS B. ORTEGA carved into the hondo plus the initials J.L. on the opposite side. Overall good condition with some evidence
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,600.00) = 1,600.00
 
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Luis B. Ortega Working Reins228 - Luis B. Ortega Working Reins
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Maker-signed LUIS B. ORTEGA inside the leather popper, with the name of the original owner. The quarter-inch, 16-strand closed rawhide reins are affix
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to skeeter21 for (500.00 + 105.00BP) = 605.00
 
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Raphael Lillywhite229 - Raphael Lillywhite
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Horseplay 24” x 30” Framed to 30” x 38” Oil on board Signed lower left Exhibit tags on reverse: Colorado Historical Society / Harmsen Museum of A
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 7,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Raphael Lillywhite230 - Raphael Lillywhite
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Phantom Ranch 24” x 30” Framed to 37 1/2” x 31 1/2” Oil on board Signed lower left
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 8,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for (2,000.00) = 2,000.00
 
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Raphael Lillywhite231 - Raphael Lillywhite
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Cowhands on the Watch 24” x 30” Framed to 38” x 32” Oil on board Signed lower left and dated 1947 Display tags: Colorado Historical Society / Harm
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 8,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,000.00) = 3,000.00
 
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Raphael Lillywhite232 - Raphael Lillywhite
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Shorty at the Mailbox 24” x 30” Framed 32” x 38” Oil on board Signed lower left
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 8,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,250.00) = 3,250.00
 
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Louis Glanzman233 - Louis Glanzman
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
These Thousand Hills 22” x 37” Framed to 31 1/2” x 46” Oil on board Signed lower right
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 7,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to abinsteamb.. for (3,000.00 + 630.00BP) = 3,630.00
 
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William Acheff234 - William Acheff
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Still Life with Acoma Pot and Chiles 8” x 12” Framed to 13 3/8” x 17 1/4” Oil on canvas Signed lower right, and dated 1978, and signed on reverse
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 7,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (1,800.00) = 1,800.00
 
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Marjorie Reed235 - Marjorie Reed
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Early Pioneers 30” x 38” framed to 40” x 48” Oil on wallboard Signed lower right Shown: Page 31 “All Aboard – the Life and Work of Marjorie Reed” (
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to cactusaz49 for (2,500.00 + 525.00BP) = 3,025.00
 
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Gary Niblett (b. 1943)236 - Gary Niblett (b. 1943)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Evening Calls 18” x 24” Framed to 25” x 31” Oil on canvas Signed lower right
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,500.00) = 1,500.00
 
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Phil Starke237 - Phil Starke
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A Visit to the Gravesite of Geronimo’s Son 20” x 30” Framed to 27” x 37” Oil on canvas
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to floor for (600.00) = 600.00
 
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Gene Zesch238 - Gene Zesch
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
And Then Suddenly This Morning, I noticed She Didn’t Look Good 19 1/2” x 9 1/4” x 8 1/2” Bronze 3/30 Cast from the original woodcarving and hand pain
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (1,200.00) = 1,200.00
 
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Gene Zesch239 - Gene Zesch
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
I’ve Done About All I Can – It’s Time To Call A Vet 14” x 8” x 8 1/4” Bronze 1/50 Cast from the original woodcarving and hand painted.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (900.00) = 900.00
 
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John Banovich240 - John Banovich
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Twins 24” x 48” Framed to 37” x 58” Oil on canvas Signed lower right, dated 1990
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 10,000.00 - 14,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,000.00) = 4,000.00
 
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Glenna Goodacre241 - Glenna Goodacre
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Fry Bread 15” x 23” x 14” Bronze 7/20
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (3,250.00) = 3,250.00
 
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Glenna Goodacre242 - Glenna Goodacre
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Potter of Zia 27” h x 17” x 17” Bronze 1/15 Oct 1977 Featured: Equus - The Renaissance West Premier, Denver, Colorado 1977 Provenance: Ashton Esta
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 7,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for (4,000.00) = 4,000.00
 
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Wanted Poster, “The Black Kid”243 - Wanted Poster, “The Black Kid”
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Madera County, California. June 25, 1900, for the hold up of 2 stages between Chinese and Yosemite Valley. This wanted poster searches for the identit
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (1,000.00) = 1,000.00
 
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Tintype of Stage Robber / Booking Mug Shot244 - Tintype of Stage Robber / Booking Mug Shot
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
a) Interesting early image (1870) with info attached to reverse: hand-canceled stamp in period ink, and clipped article announcing the robber as “Fran
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (300.00) = 300.00
 
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Mourning Broach with Lawman245 - Mourning Broach with Lawman
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Tintype of man with classic 5-point star badge in enameled broach. Back has loop and T-bar pin. 1 7/8” x 1 /2”. Circa 1870s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Bill Carlisle - Wyoming Train Robber - Revolver and Related Items246 - Bill Carlisle - Wyoming Train Robber - Revolver and Related Items
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
These items were in the collection of the noted lawman George Carroll, Sheriff of Laramie County, Wyoming and U.S. Marshal: a) A very rare and importa
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for (8,500.00) = 8,500.00
 
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Edward Borein247 - Edward Borein
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Charros in Mission Courtyard 14 7/8” x 19 1/8” Framed to 26 1/4” x 31” Watercolor on illustration board Signed lower left Edward Borein Harold Davidso
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60,000.00 - 80,000.00
Sold to floor for (70,000.00) = 70,000.00
 
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Edward Borein (1872-1945)248 - Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Cowboy Herding Cattle 15 1/2” x 20 1/2” Watercolor on paper Signed lower right Edward Borein Provenance: Purchased from artist, descended through Cla
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 30,000.00 - 40,000.00
Sold to floor for (11,000.00) = 11,000.00
 
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W. H. D. Koerner249 - W. H. D. Koerner
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
The Gunfighter 30” x 24” Framed to 35 1/2” x 29 1/2” Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower left Koerner 09
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 20,000.00 - 25,000.00
Sold to floor for (19,000.00) = 19,000.00
 
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Two Roy Rogers’ Vintage Shirts250 - Two Roy Rogers’ Vintage Shirts
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Lot of 2 shirts: a) First is a movie-worn shirt from films, Bells of San Angelo and Man from Cheyenne, navy blue wool shirt with pearl buttons and w
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for (1,750.00) = 1,750.00
 
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Lot of Four Dale Evans’ Dresses251 - Lot of Four Dale Evans’ Dresses
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
4 of Dale’s Chevy Show Ensemble dresses, used in many of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans television shows: a) A cotton dress with large apple designs and g
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to floor for (800.00) = 800.00
 
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Roy Rogers Personal Edward H. Bohlin Spurs on his Custom Eagle Boots252 - Roy Rogers Personal Edward H. Bohlin Spurs on his Custom Eagle Boots
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
1930s Edward H. Bohlin silver overlaid, Hollywood, California, maker-marked stainless steel spurs with 2 1/2" shanks, 1 3/4" cookie-cutter...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 15,000.00 - 25,000.00
Sold to floor for (14,000.00) = 14,000.00
 
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Roy Rogers’ and Dale Evans’ Rodeo Badges253 - Roy Rogers’ and Dale Evans’ Rodeo Badges
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
A fine collection of personal pinback badges from the personal collection of Roy and Dale, and displayed in the Roy Rogers & Dale Evans Museum: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to floor for (400.00) = 400.00
 
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Roy Rogers’ Personal Custom Barry Wood Knife254 - Roy Rogers’ Personal Custom Barry Wood Knife
Brian Lebel's Old West Events
Barry B. Wood, Maker, Venice, Calif. 1975 inside sterling silver butterfly case, Mk 2 spl. Serial #180. Cast Roy Rogers deep relief blade marked Shaw-
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to joseb1970 for (2,250.00 + 472.50BP) = 2,722.50
 
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