J.B. Farr's 14K Gold Presentation Sheriff's Badge

J.B. Farr's 14K Gold Presentation Sheriff's Badge. An important piece of Colorado history and a magnificent example of a presentation badge. A highly detailed, elegant and ornate eagle-topped shield badge. The lettering is executed in blue enamel on three chiseled-edge, silver banners reading: "J. B. FARR / SHERIFF / HUERFANO CO COLO". The scroll topped shield has tassels on each side and the edge is finely detailed with fancy drop elements around the rope frame. The back is engraved with flourishes and the inscription: "From / J.D. Montez / M.A. Vigil / P.L. Sanchez / A.D. Valdez / New year 1903". A newspaper clipping of the era states in regards to the presentation of the badge: “The sheriff is justly proud of his handsome pin.”

Includes a packet of photocopies of newspaper articles, magazine articles and other research relating to J.B. Farr in general, and also some with photographs or mentions of the badge in particular. References include a 1911 “Walsenburg World” newspaper article; a 1914 “New York Times” article, contemporary book references and others.

Also includes the book "Blood Passion: The Ludlow Massacre and Class War in the American West," by Scott Martell, 2007. Farr was a key player in the massacre.

From the Walsenburg World, April 27, 1911 (which shows a photo of Farr wearing the badge):

“It is but fair to preface this brief biographical sketch with the statement that no citizen of Huerfano county has been the recipient of more honors of trust and responsibility than Jefferson B. Farr... Western pluck, enterprise and intelligence are rightly accounted for on the theory that it was the strongest of mind and heart as well as of body, that pushed out from the older communities to the Western frontier. It was a sturdy roll of men who came from the Eastern states to found an empire in Texas in 1855, and D.H. Farr, the father of J.B. Farr, was one of them.”

American Socialist, July 8, 1916

"Jeff Farr Dethroned. JEFF FARR, for twenty years the Sheriff (King) of Huerfano County has been kicked from his throne by the Supreme Court of Colorado. For twenty years Farr’s gang of deputy sheriffs (mine guards) has been the terror of the county.”

Lot 204, Sold $22,420
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.

Roll Top Desk and Chair Used by Pat Garrett as Dona Ana County Sheriff

Roll top desk and chair from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department, used by Pat Garrett as Sheriff from 1896-1900. Desk is 43" tall, 60" wide and 30" deep with Dona Ana County property tag affixed. Condition is poor, but able to be refurbished if desired. The roll-top piece is included, though not attached. Desk and chair both circa 1880s.

Includes:

-Original bill of sale to Dona Ana County, New Mexico, dated Feb 4th, 1884 for the Sheriff’s Department.

-Copy of contemporary partial newspaper article about the museum showing desk in photo.

-Snapshots of desk displayed in Museum.

-Black and white photograph of Pat Garrett.

-1882 New Mexico law book: “General Laws of New Mexico” (cover detached).

Provenance: Displayed in the Dona Ana County Historical Museum of Lawmen (see paperwork accompanying lot). Also see online newspaper article, “Dona Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart Shutters Law Enforcement Museum,” Las Cruces Sun News, August 10, 2020. (https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2020/08/10/dona-ana-county-sheriff-kim-stewart-shutters-law-enforcement-museum-lawmen/3335373001)

For more information on the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Museums, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbSthnw8YWk (the desk appears at 0.53).

Lot 286, Sold $16,520
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.

Henry Repeating Rifle

Henry Repeating Rifle. S/N 1729, .44 rimfire caliber, 24 inch barrel Henry Repeating Rifle. Brass frame and blue finish, walnut stock, original sights, matching numbers, extra sight dove tail in the frame. Condition: very good bore, barrel is nice even “gun metal” gray-blue, great patina on all brass surfaces, excellent mechanically, excellent marks. Manufactured in 1863.

Lot 175, Sold $23,600
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.

Important Colt Model 1860 Army with Vigilante History

.44 caliber, 8 inch barrel, Colt Model 1860 from the Lott family. Blue and case color finish, martially marked, 1-piece walnut grips, Slim Jim holster and belt, all matching numbers, circa 1862. Condition: excellent bore, barrel and cylinder smooth plum blue, 80% cylinder scene, 50% dark case color on frame and hammer, smooth mustard colored trigger guard, excellent grips with “J A G” carved in right grip, mechanically excellent, excellent marks. Holster is excellent period design, is sound and usable. Period belt with round buckle.

Alleged to have been taken from road agent Jack Gallagher. Dimsdale’s “Vigilantes of Montana” recounts that a pistol and shotgun were taken from Gallagher when he was captured. Jack Gallagher was hanged in 1864 by the Vigilantes in Virginia City, MT.

Includes signed letter from Junior Lott (great grandson of Mortimer Lott and great nephew of John Lott) detailing the revolver’s history in his family.

Provenance: From the Montana History Collection of Jerry "Buzz" Nyhart.

Lot 99, Sold $44,250.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Rare "The Vigilantes of Montana Territory" Original Broadside

Very scarce and important poster or advertising broadside for the book, “The Vigilantes of Montana Territory” 28" x 20 1/2", framed to 32" x 24 3/8". There is damage at the edges, with an approximately 5" x 2" portion of the bottom left corner missing, but all text is retained. Circa 1866, using 13 wooden and metal typefaces in vivid red and blue ink. Known as the first piece of ephemera to advertise what is quite possibly the first book published in Montana.

The complete broadside reads: “NOW COMPLETED AND FOR SALE! / AN IMPARTIAL AND CORRECT HISTORY OF / THE VIGILANTES / OF / MONTANA TERRITORY! / Comprising a full account of the Chase, Capture, Trial, and Execution of PLUMMER'S / GREAT BAND OF / ROAD AGENTS! / Single Copies, or by the wholesale, can be secured of / D.W. TILTON & CO., / At the City Book Store, Virginia City, and at their Office on / Bridge Street, Helena, Montana. / A Liberal Reduction made on Large Orders! / SEND IN YOUR ORDERS IMMEDIATELY! / AS A LIMITED EDITION HAS BEEN PRINTED. / Price, per Copy, in Dust, - - $2.00 Greenbacks, - - $2.25."

From the Montana History Collection of Jerry "Buzz" Nyhart.

Lot 92, Sold $23,600.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

John X. Beidler's Personal Diary and Signed Photograph

DIARY: A handwritten diary of John X. Beidler, signed on the inside front page, circa 1884. Done in an "American Diary 1884" cloth bound standard book. The book's original handwritten entries are on dated pages with the weather and the location (even for the dates with no story). Writings are notations of events, meetings, financial transactions, etc. This appears to be his log book for actions of law enforcement. Beidler was a Deputy U.S. Marshal, as noted in the beginning of the diary.

The contents includes 24 lead-in information pages (almanac type), 10 pages of misc. info (addresses, time table, etc.) and 190 pages of written logs, starting on January 1, 1884. The final 30 pages are miscellaneous writings. Fabulous content from identified locations: Assiniboine, Ft Benton, Chinook, Deer Lodge, Butte, Helena, etc.

Comes in a custom false-book leather case. 7 1/4" x 3 ¼” x ½”; case is 8 3/4" x 4"x 1 ¼”.

Condition: Worn embossed cloth covers, spine loose. The front few pages were used later, by another person, circa 1895 as a ledger of sorts.

PHOTOGRAPH: Scarce, signed X. Beidler cabinet card. A desirable hand signed copy of a photographic image of X. Beidler. A portrait of "X", full length, seated, holding his Model 1876 Winchester rifle.

Image is 5 3/4" x 4" on a 8" x 6" card. The original signature, J X Beidler, is clear and crisp, the card has some slight damage but not affecting the image. Printed on paper (most likely newspaper print) from an original image. Hang loop attached to the obverse.

Includes notarized letter from Ron Lane / Betsy Lane who discovered the diary in 1962 in Three Forks, Montana.

Provenance: From the Montana History Collection of Jerry "Buzz" Nyhart.

Lot 106, Sold $15,340.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Noted Jeremiah Watt Spurs

Noted Jeremiah Watt Spurs. A fine and distinctive pair of spurs by master Coalinga, California maker, Jeremiah Watt (b. 1956). These spurs are featured on the front cover of "Bits & Spurs- Motifs, Techniques and Modern Makers" by Ned & Jody Martin as well as on page 286. Deep intricate high relief engraving, chasing and file work along with silver inlay accents. As noted by the Martins, "An innovative design with scalloped edge heel-bands, high relief engraved steel and unusual shaped rowels." The bottle-opener shaped 2 1/2" shanks have great barrel shaped jingle bobs on 2 3/4" engraved and inlaid Medieval looking rowels. Triple heel chains, tooled straps, 2 1/4" conchos and sterling buckle sets all by Jeremiah. Marked inside the bands: "J. WATT - MAKER - 98", "LEFT FOOT", "RAY . HUFFMAN" & "RIGHT FOOT". In unused condition.

A copy of the Martin's "Bits & Spurs" book included with the spurs.

Pictured: “Bits & Spurs - Motifs, Techniques and Modern Makers" by Ned & Jody Martin: Cover and Page 286.

Lot 217, Sold $10,030.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Steve McQueen's Revolver from "Nevada Smith"

Steve McQueen's Film-Used Revolver and Holster from "Nevada Smith"

1st model Smith & Wesson Schofield U.S. Cavalry revolver with interesting history. U.S. government production model, eventually sold to Wells Fargo & Co. with a shortened barrel, and ultimately used by Steve McQueen in the 1966 film “Nevada Smith.”

S/N 2323, .45 S&W caliber, 5 inch barrel, 1st model Smith & Wesson Schofield U.S. Cavalry revolver. Blue finish, 2-piece walnut grips, right side of barrel marked “SCHOFIELD’S PAT. APR. 22D 1878/W.F.&CO EX. 2323” and stamped with Stembridge “S”, left side of barrel marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JAN.17TH/& 24th 65. JULY 11th 65. AUG.24th 69. JULY 25th 71.” Bottom of butt marked “US.” Circa 1880s. Wells Fargo Express Co. marked, all correct Condition: bore is not a factor, 100% re-blue, good grips have “F J” on both sides, excellent mechanically, excellent marks. Film-used holster is included.

Carried by Steve McQueen in the title role of the iconic 1966 western “Nevada Smith.” Max Sand (aka, Nevada Smith) is on a quest to find and kill his parents’ murderers. Brian Keith plays Jonas Cord, the man who teaches Max proficiency with handguns.

Several hundred US surplus Schofields were purchased by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, who shortened the barrels to 5 inches and sold them to Wells Fargo and Company. The guns were property marked by Wells Fargo with the inventory number matching the serial number.

Exhibited: National Firearms Museum exhibit “Hollywood Guns,” in the William B. Ruger Gallery of the National Firearms Museum 2010-2011.

Lot 309, Sold $26,550.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Kelly Bros. "Hollywood Special" Spurs & Bit

Kelly Bros Hollywood Special bit and spur set in excellent condition. Well-marked. Bit is standard curb style with 5" mouth and medium port. Both marked "KELLY / BROS". Highly sought after, bit and spur sets that have remained together are extremely scarce.

See: Pages 152, 153 of Martin's "Bit and Spur Makers in the Texas Tradition"

Provenance: From the Estate of Roger Wilmot.

Lot 406, Sold $9,075.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Marlon Brando’s Revolvers from "One Eyed Jacks"

Lot of two revolvers used by Marlon Brando in the film “One Eyed Jacks” (1961, Paramount Studios). Directed by Brando (who replaced Kubrick), the movie took almost 2 years to complete, went way over budget, and originally ran over 5 hours.

a) *S/N 164474, .45 caliber, 4 ¾ inch barrel Colt 1873 Single Action Army. Blue and case color finish, 1-piece walnut grips, back strap and trigger guard #216731, frame marked with Stembridge “S”. Condition: bore not a factor, refinished, later grips slightly undersized, excellent mechanically, good marks. Includes Stembridge Gun Rentals invoice dated February 29, 1960.

This Colt revolver was used in the film’s final shoot-out, as well as various scenes where it is visible in Brando’s waistband.

b) *S/N 315990, .45 caliber, 5 inch barrel, Colt New Service revolver. Blue finish, 2-piece hard rubber grips, faux ejector housing attached to barrel to simulate a Colt Single Action Army. Marked “303” on butt, lanyard ring removed. Condition: bore not a factor in the value of this revolver, 30% original finish, very good grips.

Brando used this Colt to fire three very quick rounds (which could not be done as quickly with a standard single action revolver) into the saloon bully who pulled a sawed-off shotgun from behind the bar after Brando beat him for mistreating a saloon lady.

Exhibited: National Firearms Museum exhibit “Hollywood Guns,” in the William B. Ruger Gallery of the National Firearms Museum 2010-2011.

* $100 FFL fee will be added to this purchase. All sales of firearms will be in accordance with Federal and State guidelines. All post-1898 firearms are subject to applicable ordinances and laws, and must be purchased in compliance with Federal and State law.

Lot 307, Sold $26,550.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Fine Pictorial Navajo Rug

Fine Pictorial Navajo Rug. A very nice circa 1940's Teec Nos Pos with vivid colors. Designs of central crosses and feathers. For figures along with bold geometric designs on a gray field.

95" x 55". 2" wide velvet strips are attached to either end on both sides.

Provenance: From the Estate of Roger Wilmot.

Lot 288, Sold $8,850.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Important H.P. Pollard Marked Wyoming Spurs

Important H.P. Pollard Marked Wyoming Spurs. Stamped "H.P. POLLARD / DOUGLAS, WYO.", this extremely scarce pair of Northern Plains spurs has 1” heelbands mounted with 3 domes, 2 ¾” shanks securing 20-point, 2 ¼” rowels. Well-marked on the inside of both spurs. Overall very good to fine condition, turning an even brown throughout. Nice period straps attached.

Henry Phelps Pollard (1870-1958) known affectionately as "Harry", was a popular saddle maker in Wyoming who carried the Phillips & Gutierrez line of bits and spurs but stamped with Pollard's name. Frank Olzer of Gillette, Wyoming and Prescott, Arizona also did the same They are very desirable and extremely hard to obtain.

Provenance: From the Estate of Roger Wilmot.

Lot 414, Sold $9,440.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Paladin's Colt and Remington Deringer

Paladin's Television-Used Colt Single Action and Remington Deringer from “Have Gun Will Travel”

Richard Boone’s Colt SAA and Remington ’95 Deringer used on the hit TV series, “Have Gun Will Travel" The show ran from 1957 to 1963.

a) S/N 52484, .45 caliber, 7 ½ inch barrel, Colt Single Action Army. Blue finish, 1-piece wood grips, frame marked with Stembridge “S”. Condition: excellent bore, 80% of re-blue, contemporary grips dyed dark, mechanically very good, good marks.

b) S/N 485, .41 rimfire short, 3 inch barrels, Remington Deringer. Nickel finish, 2-piece hard rubber grips, butt marked “383” and Stembridge “S”, circa 1890s. Condition: bore not a factor, 80% nickel remains, grips have been colored white to resemble ivory, excellent mechanically, excellent marks.

Provenance: High Noon Auction 2005 lot 201.

Includes Certificate of Authenticity, also includes photocopy of Stembridge rental receipt dated 12/21/1956.

EX: Boyd Magers Collection.

Lot 313, Sold $32,450.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Edward Borein (1872-1945)

Edward Borein (1872-1945)
Mounted Cowboy
Pen & ink
5 1/2" x 6 5/8" (sight)
Signed lower right: EDWARD BOREIN
Framed to 13" x 14"

Lot 300, Sold $8,260.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine

S/N 16761, .44 rimfire caliber, 20 inch barrel Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine. Blue barrel, brass frame, original barrel sight moved from barrel to frame, walnut rifle butt stock, walnut forearm. Frame, wood and butt plate match. Circa 1867. Condition: good bore, mottled silver to plum barrel, smooth uncleaned brass frame, very good wood with use dings, excellent mechanically, very good marks.

From the Lott family. Includes signed letter from Mortimer “Junior” Lott, great grandson of Mortimer H. Lott.

Provenance: From the Montana History Collection of Jerry "Buzz" Nyhart.

From the Junior Lott letter:
“I only wish that gun could talk, for it was there through much of the history of Madison County. Where they acquired it, I can not be certain, but one of the Lotts probably bought it new in 1867 through the store in Nevada City.”

Lot 97, Sold $11,210.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Wayne's Rio Lobo Screen Worn Blouse & Trousers

Production used, U.S. Cavalry Officer’s Tunic with Pants, worn by John Wayne in the 1970 film “Rio Lobo.” John Wayne starred as Colonel Cord McNally, a Union officer. Both pieces have Western Costume Co. labels sewn in; the tunic also bears WCC stamps as well as handwritten "1007166".

Howard Hawks’ final film, the tag line was, “Give ‘Em Hell, John”.

Includes original promotional photos (including a fantastic photo of Wayne playing chess between shots).

Exhibited: National Firearms Museum exhibit “Hollywood Guns,” in the William B. Ruger Gallery of the National Firearms Museum 2010-2011.

Lot 115, Sold $10,030.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Baldwin Marked Canon City Spurs

Robert Baldwin Canon City Prison spurs. A significant pair of Canon City spurs, with Robert Baldwin's prisoner number "9647" under each shank. Bands are 1” with central domed engraved buttons. Shanks are 2 ¾” with roller-style chap guard and full overlaid top. 16-point, 1 7/8” rowels. Excellent condition, all gray, sharp clear engraving. Floral tooled straps.

In 1915 Baldwin was arrested for the heinous crime of suffocating his infant son. He was charged with first degree murder and on June 29, 1915, convicted and sentenced to life at the State Penitentiary. He served nearly ten years and then, one day, just simply disappeared. For the warden, Tom Tynan, his escape became a huge embarrassment and prisoner #9647's whereabouts remain a mystery to this day.

Provenance: From the Estate of Roger Wilmot.

Lot 128, Sold $11,210.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Sharps Original Metallic Cartridge Sporting Rifle

S/N C53597, .44 caliber, 32 inch barrel Sharps Sporting rifle. “Hartford” collar, blue and case color finish, walnut stock and forearm, Hartford forearm cap, extra figure wood, double set triggers, original barrel and front sight, tang sight referred to in letter is not present. Circa 1872. Condition: excellent bore, 80% barrel blue thinning, 60% shadowy case colors on receiver, wood is shrunken slightly, excellent mechanically, excellent marks.

Included Sharps letter states shipment to Walter Cooper, Bozeman, M.T.

Provenance: From the Montana History Collection of Jerry "Buzz" Nyhart.

Walter Cooper at age 12 ran away from home and headed west. He opened his firearms business in December of 1868 and ordered his first Sharps rifle in September 1871. He went out of business in 1884.

Lot 228, Sold $20,060.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

John Wayne's Rio Grande Bib Front Shirt

Film-used, bib front shirt worn by John Wayne starring as Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke, alongside Maureen O’Hara in Tom Ford’s “Rio Grande” (1950). Deep blue, military style bib front shirt, with 7 brass eagle buttons per side, shoulder boards, and sewn-in Western Costume Co. label (faded type). WCC stamps and notations also present. A featured costume in many of the movie’s scenes and promotional materials. Three original black and white promotional photographs included in the lot.

Lot 111, Sold $14,160.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.

Winchester Model 1876 Deluxe .50 Express

S/N 29758, .50-90 caliber, 28 inch extra heavy barrel Winchester Model 1876 Deluxe. Case hardened receiver, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, original tang and beeches folding front sight, original barrel sight, factory swivels. Circa 1882. Condition: very good bore, 80% plum silver barrel, 60% shadowy case colors on frame, excellent wood, excellent mechanically, excellent marks.

Winchester Factory letter included, states all of the above special features are correct.

Provenance: From the Montana History Collection of Jerry "Buzz" Nyhart.

Lot 238. Sold $26,550.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.