Arizona Territory U.S. Marshal Badge

A scarce identified, nickel, six-point star badge from Arizona Territory. U.S. Marshal W.K. Meade, circa 1880s. Engraved on the back of the badge “W.K. Meade and -1886-”. Nickel silver, hand cut lettering, cleaned and polished with newer paint. Hallmarked S.G. Adams Co. Repaired pin. Measures 3 1/2" across from tip to tip.

EX: Skinner Collection / Bakirtzis Collection

Includes letter from Skip Skinner to current owner regarding Skinner’s acquisition of the badge. Also includes black and white photograph of Meade.

William Kidder Meade served 2 terms as U.S. Marshal, July 8, 1885 to March 4, 1890 and again from May 8, 1893 until June 15, 1897.

Lot 122, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.

Sold $9,440.

A John Wayne Nudie's Stetson Hat

A 5X Stetson marked "Nudie's Rodeo Tailor" and "Made by Stetson / Especially For: / John Wayne". In the Duke's classic style, with added “age,” most likely for film work. 5" brim and 7" crown.

Lot 25, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $8,260.

Early Custom Edward H. Bohlin Spurs

Early Custom Edward H. Bohlin Spurs
A very special pair of gold mounted spurs with a 1 1/4" tapered band and engraved sterling overlays. Cookie cutter 2" rowels. Marked with the small Bohlinmade - Hollywood football marks on the heelbands. High relief gold flowers. The shanks have up-swept very early type chap guards. Attached are two tone floral carved leathers with domed sterling conchos and marked buckles. Made on stainless steel bodies.

Lot 183, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $8,260

Montana Prison Horsehair Bridle

A fine hitched horsehair bridle with all the typical elements of Deer Lodge prison. Diamond pattern throughout with rich black background and pink, red, and green accents. With two-tone tassels, brow loops and stacked leather top. The glass conchos have fully covered edges on all four. Throat latch, and roping reins attached to the original iron bit. Excellent overall with very slight fading.

Lot 196, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $5,900.

Edward H. Bohlin Silver Show Saddle Set

Edward H. Bohlin Silver Show Saddle Set
This impressive show set by Bohlin is black floral carved, with poppy conchos, a high 5" silver wrapped cantle, 14 1/2" seat, and a gold horse head atop the horn cap. Very showy 22" eagle tapaderos with added plates. Complete with a black and white wool corona. The bridle holds an Edward H. Bohlin marked curb bit mounted with a silver horse head. An overall excellent parade rig.

Includes description and identification letter by James H. Nottage.

Lot 135, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $12,980

Roy Rogers items from the personal collection of Roy "Dusty" Rogers, Jr.

The 2019 Cody Old West Auction kicks off with lots from the personal collection of Roy "Dusty" Rogers, Jr. Here are a few of our favorites:

Roy Rogers' Stetson with his Iconic Crease.
One of Roy's famous Stetson hats with his signature crease. Marked inside, "MADE BY Stetson ESPECIALLY FOR ROY ROGERS". With engraved polished nickel hatband. Size 7 ¼. Excellent condition, liner removed.

Includes copy of photograph of Roy wearing the hat (see also Lot 3).

Provenance: From the personal collection of Roy "Dusty" Rogers, Jr. Includes Certificate of Authenticity signed by Dusty Rogers.

Lot 1, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $3,835

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A Group of Roy's Personal Belts with Bohlin Buckle
a) An exotic Tony Lama belt with laced edge. Marked 40, 1” wide. Mounted on the belt is an Edward H. Bohlin 3-piece #100 buckle set in sterling and 2-color gold. Rope edge with high floral engraving and scrolls. 2 1/4" wide for a 1" belt. Marked with the shield cartouche and EHB -D shield, EHB and CF initials.

b) Two very early belts worn by Roy, both 1 1/2" tooled belts. The brown belt with red accents is by Bob Brown – Hollywood; the dark brown is well-worn and unmarked. Both are 34 1/2" long overall.

Provenance: From the personal collection of Roy "Dusty" Rogers, Jr. Includes Certificate of Authenticity signed by Dusty Rogers.

Lot 2, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Estimate $2,500-3,500.

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Roy's Personalized H. Friedrick Cigarette Lighter
An engraved silver, gold and jewel mounted Ronson - Adonis lighter. The case has floral engraving, with Roy Rogers’ name on one side. The other side has a jeweled gold horseshoe with a high relief gold portrait of Trigger in the center. Maker marked "H. FRIEDRICK / STERLING-14K / N.Y.C." 2 1/8" x 1 3/4" x 3/8".

Provenance: From the personal collection of Roy "Dusty" Rogers, Jr. Includes Certificate of Authenticity signed by Dusty Rogers.

Lot 4, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Estimate $1,500-2,500.

Murray Bros. Custom "Dragonfly" Buckle with Belt

Murray Bros. Custom "Dragonfly" Buckle with Belt
An amazing 3-piece custom sterling and gold buckle set, mounted on a matching 3-section alligator belt that is joined by sterling and sapphire mounted swivels. The buckle set is intricately engraved with high-relief dragonfly and floral motif in sterling silver with 14K rose gold, 14K green gold, 18K & 22K yellow gold, and blue sapphires for the dragonfly eyes. The engraved silver mounted swivel connectors of the belt are the same high-relief floral carving, with inset lapis. The buckle is marked “No 56 / MURRAY BROS / MONTANA / .925 14K 18K 22K; the tip is marked “56 / MURRAY BROS / .925 18K 22K”; and the keeper is marked “56 / .925 22K”. The mounted connectors are each marked “MURRAY BROS” on one side, and “56 / .925 18K 22K” on the joining piece. The brown belt is wild American alligator by John Weinkauf of Kerrville, Texas. The belt is made to fit a 32" to 36" waist; the buckle is 3" x 3" with deep dome style. A truly exquisite and striking buckle and belt combination.

Dave Murray, Silversmith, Huntley, Montana.
Dave has been a full time silversmith for 50 years. He makes one-of-a-kind pieces ranging from diamond jewelry to silver coffee pots, but three-piece buckle sets are his specialty. His work is in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, and the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles.

Lot 120, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $11,210

Edward Borein (1872-1945)

Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Mounted Cowboy
India ink on paper, drawn with a quill pen
8" x 8"
Signed lower right: Edward Borein
Framed to 15 1/2" x 15"

Provenance: Elizabeth Eddy to John Howard to present owner.

With Harold G. Davidson letter identifying it as "Mounted Cowboy", and a letter from John R. Howard outlining the history.

Lot 138, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM. Sold $18,880.

Edward H. Bohlin Dick Dickson Jr. Parade Saddle

Edward H. Bohlin Dick Dickson Jr. Parade Saddle
Dick Dickson Jr. Parade saddle made by Edward Bohlin for John R. Dow of Kansas City, MO. This black, floral carved Dickson Jr. model is built on a Miles City tree with 13" swells, 15" seat, 3 1/2" cantle and Bohlin's trademark raised buffalo head on the silver horn. The regal 21" long tapaderos include every Parader's requisite engraved silver caps and rope edge cantle cover. Completely matching and adorned with heavy gauge sterling silver engraved diamonds and half-diamonds, this Dickson features a matching breast collar and bridle with face drop and marked Bohlin bit. “JRD” on back of cantle in gold, with engraved “JOHN R. DOW / KANSAS CITY, MO” beneath. Complete with a black and white wool Corona. The entire ensemble is in excellent, 100% original condition. Circa 1950. Includes custom wood stand with sterling silver Bohlin seat plate attached to the bridle holder. Includes letter of identification from James H. Nottage.

This particular style of Bohlin parade saddle was originally designed by and named for movie theatre executive, rancher, and RV regular, Dick Dickson. In the 1930s, the Dick Dickson, Miss Dickson and Dick Dickson Jr. became the most popular parade styles made by the Bohlin company, and remained so for a quarter-of-a-century.

Lot 134, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $26,550.

Hoot Gibson's Personal Charlie Sample Spurs

Hoot Gibson's Personal Charlie Sample Spurs
Great pair of Hollywood silver spurs made for movie star, champion cowboy, Wild West performer and all-around cowboy, Hoot Gibson. Intricately engraved with personalized nameplate reading "HOOT" on the 1" band. Elongated shanks with a 14" spoke and 2 1/2" diameter rowel. Beautiful sterling buckles with "CHAS. L. SAMPLE / L.A. CAL." markings.

Ex: Boyd Magers collection.

Lot 178, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $3,540.

Collection of Framed John Wesley Hardin Artifacts

Fine lot of 4 artifacts related to the famous Texas gunfighter, John Wesley Hardin, including 2 original signatures, collected together in a double-sided frame.

Clockwise from left:

a) Original gambling chip from the Acme Saloon, where Hardin was killed on August 19, 1895. White chip with gold “ACME” on front, "R.B. Stevens / Prop." printed verso. 1 1/2" diameter.

b) Authentic shot card with original Hardin signature. Nine of hearts playing card, with four bullet holes executed by Hardin, signed and dated “J.W. Hardin / July 4, ‘95” (approximately six weeks before his death). 4 1/2" x 2 1/2". This is the best example of a Hardin shot card we’ve ever seen.

c) Original Hardin calling card. "JOHN W. HARDIN Esq. / ATTORNEY AT LAW / OFFICE 200 ½ El Paso / Wells Fargo Bldg. PRACTICE IN ALL COURTS". 2 1/8" x 3 1/8".

d) Original chit from the Wigwam Saloon, signed by Hardin. Dated May 8, 1895 (three months before he was killed), for “½ gal. whiskey 2.00 / Pint Rye .30” and signed in black ink, “J.W. Hardin”. Clipped, lined ledger paper with blue THE WIGWAM head stamp, spindle hole upper left. 2 1/4" x 3 7/8".

The artifacts have been expertly framed between Plexiglass to show both the front and the reverse of each item. Framed to 18" x 28".

In the center of the framed display is copy of a Hardin image, beneath which is mounted a brass plaque that reads: "John Wesley Hardin / Deadliest Texas Gunfighter / 1853-1895".

Provenance: Includes original Robert McNellis signed and notarized sworn statements for both the playing card and the calling card. Includes auction description from Alexander Autographs, Inc., Connecticut describing the Wigwam chit.

Lot 144, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $23,600.

Albert Espinosa Headstall with Herrera Bit

Albert Espinosa Headstall with Herrera Bit
Unmarked, but distinctive in every way. A fancy split-ear California studded headstall with silver dots and Mexican coins. A decorative face drop with central silver concho with engraved 5-point star. The classic California buckle and tip design has combination engraving and ball end. The reins are roller leather with wonderful rawhide knots. The bit has all the elements of the sought after G.S. Garcia maker and master silversmith Alsalio Herrera (1850-1941). The mouth has been changed from a spade to an open ring style spoon over the port and silver rollers added. A very nice California outfit.

Lot 187, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $7,865

Colt Single Action Army Engraved by David Wade Harris

Colt Single Action Army Engraved by David Wade Harris
*S/N 321169, .44WCF, 4 ¾ inch barrel, Colt Single Action, with ivory steer head grips, manufactured 1912. Full coverage in his “Cattlebrand” style, with gold finish. Marked on butt “DW Harris”. An excellent example of Mr. Harris’ work.

David Wade Harris is a resident of Tyler, Texas. He learned the engraving trade from Weldon Bledsoe who worked with Cole Agee. Mr. Agee was the “father” of the cattle brand engraving pattern.

Includes signed letter from David Wade Harris authenticating the work to be his own.

Lot 200, Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 22, 2019. Santa Fe, NM.
Sold $4,130.

Rare Cabinet Card of Heck Thomas

5 1/2" x 3 7/8", mount size 6 1/2" x 4 1/4". Pawnee Gallery, MISS NORA HANSON, Pawnee, O.T. photographer’s imprint on front of card. Numbers written in blue ink on front of image, corresponding to verso. Written in ink on verso, in Heck Thomas’s hand:

“1 Spotted Dog Eater / left of

2 Morris Robacker, Police Osage

3 H.A. Thomas

4 Howling Wolf

5 Havinghurst Clerk U.S. Court

6 Roy Hoffman / U.S. Pros, Atty”

Provenance: From Heck Thomas's great grandson to Robert McCubbin.

Robert McCubbin: “This photo is my favorite of any Old West lawman. Heck is obviously ready to take the field, probably with the Osage lawman and the two Indian Scouts. With the identifications on the back written by Heck himself.”

Robert McCubbin: “In 1998 a friend put me in touch with Colin S. Monteith III, a great grandson of Heck Thomas, Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory Deputy Marshal in the 1890s. I arranged to visit him at his home in Atlanta to have a look at the photo album he inherited from his great grandmother, the first wife of Heck Thomas. We reached an agreement for me to buy all the original photos and other items in the album and I would provide copies to be put in the album to replace the original photos. This was one of the best additions to my collection. I was especially pleased because Heck Thomas was the best of all the lawmen of the West in my opinion. I had previously visited Heck’s daughter Beth Thomas Meeks, still living in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 91. She was the youngest of the children of Heck and his second wife. She generously gave me a photo and a letter that I particularly liked.”

Lot 217, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Sold $16,520

H.H. Heiser Presentation Display Saddle with Bohlin Silver Mountings

Two great makers, one great saddle. Incredible Heiser floral tooled saddle with Sterling silver mountings attributed to Edward H. Bohlin. Two-toned brown tooling with bucking horse on both fenders and “AS” (or “SA”) brand. The brand is repeated in silver engraving on top of the horn. Circular “HEISER / DENVER” mark on the 14” seat. Bohlin silverwork is rope edged and engraved, with raised conchos and classic Bohlin details. Rope edge sterling cantle binding and matching gullet mounting. Initials “B.B.H” engraved on silver plate on back of cantle. Complete with an original Bohlinmade marked brown and cream corona.

Lot 573, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Sold $17,700.

“Last Stand” Note on Cigarette Paper, Signed Wm. Bonney

Written in pencil, on a small cigarette paper, signed Wm. Bonney. Said to have been discovered in a shell case in the Florida Mountains of Southwest New Mexico. Single-sided. 2 7/8" x 1 1/2". (Shown actual size.)

It reads: “This is our last shell and about 10 Indians left so our chances look slim But we are going to take a chance yours truly / Wm Bonney”.

Ex: Maurice G. Fulton Collection

From the Robert G. McCubbin Collection

Includes a letter dated August 2, 1952, from Maurice G. Fulton to Robert A. Mullins that mentions the cigarette paper. Both Fulton and Mullins were well-respected, 20th century historians, authors and collectors of the American Southwest, and particularly the Lincoln County War.

Robert McCubbin: “This is one of those ‘too good to be true’ things that makes one very skeptical. However, the signature and handwriting stands up well when compared to the Tascosa receipt from WH Bonney to Henry Hoyt, especially considering the thin cigarette paper it is on and the conditions under which it was written (under an Indian attack!) Fulton, from whom this came to me after his death, wrote in a letter, “if the note was planted by a modern boy, he would have unquestionably signed it ‘Billy the Kid’…” It is also not likely anyone faking and hiding it would have gone to the trouble to try to duplicate an authentic signature. The fact that Fulton, a reliable historian, seemed to think it the real thing has significance. Anyway, I find it to be an interesting item.”

Note: This lot has no estimate.

We cannot certify that this item is authentically a note from William H. Bonney, and therefore do not know what the estimate should be. It seems that Maurice Fulton felt it was authentic. Bob McCubbin finds it persuasive. We find it to be an interesting historic artifact regardless, but are simply unwilling to commit without more provenance. Therefore, you’ll just have to decide for yourself.

Lot 712, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Sold $3,025.

The Famous, Signed "Dental School" CDV of Doc Holliday

3 3/4" x 2 3/8", mount size 4" x 2 5/8". O.B. DE MORAT’S, PHILADELPHIA photographer’s imprint on verso. Written in ink on verso in Holliday’s hand, “J H Holliday D.D.S / Valdosta, Georgia”.

Provenance: Obtained by Robert McCubbin from Carolyn Holliday Manley. Includes typed and signed history and bill of sale.

From the typed history: “The photograph in question belonged to John H. Holliday’s first cousin, Martha Ann Holliday, who was the Sister of Charity mentioned in the Ryland obituary as being the only member of the family with whom he kept in touch and to whom his personal effects were sent after his death… Since Doc Holliday signs himself DDS on the back of the photograph, he must have already had his degree from Philadelphia and returned to Valdosta to practice. The picture may, in fact, have been a picture he had made on the occasion of his graduation.”

Robert McCubbin: “This is one of only two original adult photographs of Doc authenticated by the Holliday family.”

Lot 356, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Estimate $59,000.

Cabinet Card of Robert Ford

5 7/8" x 4", mount size 6 1/2" x 4 1/4". LOZO, St. Joseph, Mo. photographer’s imprint of front of card. Printed on front of card, “ROBERT FORD.”

Robert McCubbin: “The best and most famous photo of Ford, but the gun he is holding did not kill Jesse!”

Lot 348, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Estimate $8,260.

Will James (1892-1942)

Stay with It John Kirk
Graphite on board
19" x 14" sight
28 1/2" x 23 framed
Signed and titled lower left
Circa 1928-1930

Lot 567, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Sold $26,550.

Rare 1895 Cattle Industry of Texas Book with Case

An outstanding copy of a scarce and important work. “The Cattle Industry of Texas and Adjacent Territory: Historical and Biographical, 1895”. By James Cox. First Edition. Woodward & Tiernan Printing Co. Saint Louis. “Presentation Copy in Full Crimson Morocco” leather, this is the only known copy in this original presentation binding. Signed "Compliments - Woodward & Tiernan Printing Co - Nov. 1906 - St Louis Mo." in ink. Color frontispiece, "A Stampede" is present and sharp. One of the "Big Four" cattle books. With custom case. Edges show slight wear.

Graff 891; Herd 593; Howes C820; Merrill Aristocrat, page 17; Adams "Six-Score" 24; Jenkins Basic Texas Books 34.

Lot 627, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Sold $41,300.