Santa Fe, New Mexico– June 2024 – More than 100 top-notch dealers from across the United States will set up at Brian Lebel’s June 21-23 Old West Show in historic Santa Fe, New Mexico, offering a tremendous array of Western art and antiques, Native American artifacts, firearms, cowboy apparel, jewelry, home decor, and much more.
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The all-day show on Saturday, June 22 will be followed by an evening auction produced in association with Morphy Auctions and held on-site at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. The auction start time is 5 pm MT (7 pm ET), and all forms of remote bidding will be available, including absentee, by phone, via mobile app, or live online through Morphy Live. All auction goods may be previewed in person during the show on Friday, June 21 from 9-5, on Saturday, June 22 from 9-4, or anytime online. Both the auction and preview are free and open to the public.
The auction’s main categories include Western fine art, cowboy antiques and paraphernalia (saddles, spurs, bits, etc.); Native American relics and clothing; Hollywood cowboy memorabilia, Old West gambling and saloon items; antique and contemporary belt buckles and other silverwork; antique advertising and lithography; and Western decorative arts and furniture. The comprehensive mix of merchandise encompasses antique, vintage, and modern items, and spans all collector price points.
Brian Lebel is especially enthusiastic about the quality and variety of goods to be auctioned this year, describing the event as “potentially one of the most exciting sales we’ve had in more than 34 years. We’ll be offering artworks by premier Western artists of the past and modern day, with an important and historical California masterwork by James Walker leading the group.”
Painted circa 1877, Walker’s (English/American, 1818-1899) oil-on-canvas titled Judges of the Plains depicts powerful rancheros of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, including members of the trailblazing Sepulveda, Verdugo, Pico, del Valle, and Lugo families. The artwork measures 30 3/16 by 50 3/16 inches (sight) and is signed by J. Walker. Its unbroken line of provenance begins with the painting’s sale by the artist directly to the Ignacio del Valle family. In 1924, it was purchased privately by the Rubel family. Its next owner was Los Angeles art broker Carl Schaefer Denzel, who sold it to its current owner in 2012. Those wishing to view a detailed condition report with additional historical details may do so on Morphy’s website. Estimate: $400,000-$500,000
The June art selection also includes works by Harry Jackson, James Bama, Lon Megargee, and Will James, as well as some of today’s most-collected artists, like Mark Maggiori, William Matthews, Scott Rogers, and Buckeye Blake. An especially fine oil-on-canvas by William Gilbert Gaul (1855-1919, member N.A.D.) is untitled but known as Indian by Campfire. It captures the essence of what Gaul absorbed during his many trips to the American West from 1882 through 1891 when he lived on Army posts and with Indian tribes. It is worth noting that Gaul is renowned for his portrait of Sitting Bull, which was painted from life. Indian by Campfire, which is artist-signed and measures 39½ inches by 29½ inches, is expected to sell for $35,000-$55,000.
A breathtaking witness to history is the documented Colt .45 Single Action Army Revolver with pearl grips, No. 147306, from a legendary 10-gun shipment sent to the Dalton Gang and with ownership attributed to either Bob or Emmett Dalton. This showy gun, purportedly engraved by Colt master engraver Cuno Helfricht, was shipped from the Colt factory on August 18, 1892, to a Kansas hardware store. Historical documentation indicates that each of the five Dalton Gang members received two Colts the day before the ill-fated Coffeyville Raid when they attempted to rob two banks simultaneously. Four of the five men perished, but Emmett Dalton, the youngest of the gang, miraculously survived after incurring 23 gunshot wounds. The storied auction firearm is in outstanding condition with matching numbers. It will convey with an extensive archive of information and a copy of the relevant Colt factory letter. Its auction estimate is $200,000-$300,000.
As classic American longarms go, few can rival New Haven Arms’ Model 1860 Henry. Collectors taking part in the June 22 auction will have an opportunity to bid on a beautiful example of the so-called “gun that won the West.” Engraved by Samuel Hoggson, it is pictured in both The Henry Rifle by Les Quick and the first edition of George Madis’ book titled Winchester. Manufactured in 1864, it bears Serial No. 7627, with matching numbers. Its line of provenance includes the Robert Maloy collection, followed by the celebrated Ron and Linda Gillett collection. Estimate: $45,000-$65,000
Two of the country’s best-known collections of Western and cowboy artifacts will be in the spotlight: the George Pitman (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) collection of Edward H Bohlin productions, and the aforementioned Gillett collection, which is known for its exquisitely engraved spurs, bits and chaps by such coveted brands as Qualey Bros, Jose Tapia, GS Garcia, FA Meanea, RT Frazier, and more.
As the Pitman highlights roll out, all eyes will be on a spectacular Bohlin silver and gold mounted San Gabriel-style parade saddle custom-ordered for industrialist, political kingmaker, and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree Justin W Dart Sr (1907-1984). A one-of-a-kind creation, this saddle’s swell caps are decorated with images in gold of “Cowboy” Mickey Mouse twirling a rope. The name “Walt Disney” is also shown in gold letters as an homage to the legendary animator, who may have personally approved of Bohlin’s use of the trademarked Mickey character. Further adorned with silver and gold conchos engraved with various Western images, the saddle is poised to reach a lofty $125,000-$175,000 at auction.
Also from the Pitman collection and having a Hollywood movie connection is the Bohlin-made, screen-worn gun rig that belonged to cowboy star Ray “Crash” Corrigan (1902-1976). The rig includes Corrigan’s own Colt Single Action Army Revolvers, which have solid silver grips engraved in gold and embellished with Western iconography and the name “RAY.” It is mounted throughout with horsehead and rope-edge sterling conchos, and its buckle displays gold flowers, inset stones, and name personalization. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000
An example of the incomparable quality that distinguishes the entire Gillett collection is a pair of circa 1915-1920 Jesus Tapia inlaid Los Angeles spurs whose various design elements showcase the artisan’s phenomenal skill. Intricately filigreed cutout floral silver inlays are seen on the stylized rooster head, shanks, and bands encircled by twisted coin-silver-inlaid rope. The spurs are in fine original condition and will be offered with a $30,000-$40,000 estimate.
The auction will open with Native American basketry, silver jewelry, textiles, and beaded apparel and accessories. One of the highlights is a Hidatsa/Mandan (western North Dakota) war shirt constructed in serape style with geometric motifs and worked in natural and dyed porcupine quills. It is further enhanced with banded strips of beadwork and ermine pendants, which would suggest the garment was reserved for special occasions. With provenance that includes a circa-1980s Butterfield and Butterfield auction in San Francisco, the shirt is assigned a pre-sale estimate of $25,000-$35,000.
The 34th Annual Santa Fe Old West Show & Brian Lebel’s Old West Auction will be held June 21-23, 2024 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W Marcy St, Santa Fe, NM 87501. To register to bid in the June 22 auction, call Morphy Auctions at 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com.
View the online catalog at www.morphyauctions.com. For additional information about the show, call 480-779-WEST (9378) or email contactus@oldwestevents.com. To discuss auction consignments of Old West antiques or collectibles, email Brian Lebel at brian@brianlebel.com. Online: www.oldwestevents.com
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