Mark Dahl, TCAA

Mark Dahl TCAA Card Suit Bit. 

Beautiful Mark Dahl bit from the 2000 Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) Sale & Exhibition. Marked inside, “Mark / 2000 / TCA” & “Deeth / NV / #293”. The bit is a duplicate of the one he made for the very first TCAA sale, except that first bit featured hearts and diamonds, whereas this example features clubs and spades. A true work of art, with fine engraving inside the cheeks, on the roller cover and rope motif. Triple slobber chains with a central heart spacer.

Lot 56 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 20, 2017, Mesa, AZ.
Sold $3,540

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Mark Dahl (TCAA) California Spurs. Wonderful, inlaid California spurs with Mark Dahl’s exquisite engraved silver inlay on both sides, top and bottom. The impressive 3” rowels are inlaid on each of the 22 points. Dahl also designed and crafted the conchos and three-piece buckles. Additionally, he made the tooled leather spur straps, something he doesn’t often do. This showy pair boasts many unique features such as a barrel style mounting for the swinging strap buttons and sweeping chap guard on the 3” shank.

Lot 57 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 20, 2017, Mesa, AZ.
Estimate $4,000-6,000.

William Gollings (1878 - 1932)

Harsh Wyoming Winter
Oil on canvas
10” x 14” 
Signed lower left: Gollings - 04 (with hoof print)
Framed to 15” x 19” 
Tag on reverse: Lyman S. Smith - Sheridan Wyo.

Lot 140, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 20, 2017, Mesa, AZ.
Sold $3835

Southern Plains Dance Shield

A dramatic dance shield with a bold look. Green pigment on hide, with painted buffalo and buffalo tracks elements, decorated with 22" long red shroud cloth drops. 16" diameter, circa 1880-1890. 
Ex: Eleanor Tulman Hancock Collection.

Lot 203, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 20, 2017, Mesa, AZ.
Sold $3,245

Chuck Stormes (TCAA) Saddles

Chuck Stormes (TCAA) Custom Saddle. Breathtaking custom saddle created in 1996 for noted race horse owner and western collector, Bruce Hundley, owner of Saxony Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. This stunning, fully floral tooled custom saddle features 27” tapaderos, a 16” seat, square skirts, and amazing tooling by one of the very best in the business. Carved into the back of the cantle is the Farm’s logo of a “SAXONY” race horse with jockey atop. Bruce’s “BCH” monogram is carved into the back of the seat. The saddle has been proudly featured on the home page of Chuck’s website as an example of the finest custom saddles offered. Marked, “STORMES SADDLE Co. / MAKERS / CALGARY ALBERTA”.

Lot 53 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 20, 2017, Mesa, AZ.
Sold $11,800

Chuck Stormes (TCAA) Custom Saddle. Beautiful, yet understated, this custom saddle by Chuck Stormes is elegant in its simplicity. A 3B saddle with tooling on the cantle, front of the seat and the pommel. Deep brown, inset 16” seat, a 3 1/2" Cheyenne roll cantle, 26" tapaderos, round skirts and styling in the true Vaquero tradition. Circa 2008, in very slightly used condition, and exceptionally well-cared-for.

Chuck is a founding member of the TCAA, and one of the most respected saddle makers in the world, not only because of his exacting craftsmanship, but his understanding of traditions, history and horsemanship. 

Lot 52 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 20, 2017, Mesa, AZ.
Sold $6,490

Eric Michaels (b. 1949)

Across the Divide
Oil on board
40" x 30"
Signed lower right: Eric Michaels
Framed to 47 1/2" x 37 1/2"

Lot 146, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 20, 2017, Mesa, AZ.
Sold $4,720

David Mann (b. 1948)

Lot 260, David Mann, Midnight at the Spring, Oil on canvas, 22” x 28”. Sold $2,420.

Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.

Lot 261, David Mann, Untitled: Mountain Man, Oil on board, 14" x 11". Sold $1,180.

Fred Harman (1902 - 1982)

Fine works by Harman; from Red Ryder to the American West.
Auction date: June 10, 2017.

Lot 168, Fred Harman, "Burning Hair and Sweat", Oil on canvas, 20" x 30".
Sold 4,840

Lot 164, Fred Harman, Red Ryder Illustration, Watercolor & ink, 12 1/2" x 21"
Provenance: From the Estate of Snuff Garrett.
Sold $5,015

Lot 169, Fred Harman, The Pride of Texas, Oil on canvas, 24" x 36". 
Literature: The Cowboy in Art, by Ed Ainsworth, pictured on page 132. Book included.
The Great West in Paintings,  by Fred Harman, 1969, pictured on page 140. Fred Harman.
Provenance: From the Estate of Snuff Garrett.
Sold $2,360

Remington 1861 with Bob Younger History

A rare Remington Model 1861, (Eliot's Patent) Navy Percussion Revolver with Possible Younger Brothers History. Includes Bob Younger cabinet card. 

S/N 15395, 7 3/8" barrel, shipped 1862; known as the "Old Model Navy". A very interesting revolver with field repair and notable Remington factory features. The barrel bears the correct 2-line Beals Patent address. The trigger guard is brass and is mounted with 2-piece walnut grips. 

The cylinder pin of this particular model was unusual for a Remington percussion revolver in that the pin is not retained by the loading lever but instead is allowed to slide in a groove between loading lever and barrel. This was Eliot’s design, with the idea of a more rapid reloading. The design was faulty however, and Remington quickly designed a “screw fix” for the problem. This particular revolver was not outfitted with this Remington retrofit, but rather was “field repaired,” which would likely have been accomplished by a gunsmith. It has been suggested that it is this repair that Younger refers to in the account, “The Story of Cole Younger.”

Inside the left grip is scratched, "B YOUNGER / 1867 / L.S. Mo." Inside the right grip is scratched with the date "1867" and "Lee Sumit Mo." [sic] Included in the lot is a handwritten and signed letter from Charles B. Layson dated 1/13/1997, on his letterhead, that reads: “The Remington “Beals” Navy .36 revolver, serial # 15395 that I recently sold to Ted Bell, was purchased by me from an individual that came to our store with several family guns to sell, on or about July 15, 1996. Not until our gunsmith removed the grips while cleaning the gun, did he see the marking, BOB YOUNGER 1867. The seller had not mentioned this marking, and apparently had no knowledge of its existence.” 

Also included is a letter summarizing a scientific analysis of the grips performed by McCrone Associates, Inc. dated June of 2000. The letter details the results of the analysis, but ultimately cannot ascribe a date to them, or the interior grip inscription. It does, however, seem to indicate that the inscription had been there for at least some period of time.

The lot is accompanied by a period lithograph cabinet card of Bob Younger.

Lot 258, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $6,490

Stunning Edward H. Bohlin Texas Sesquicentennial Spurs

Created in the mid-1980s by then-owner of the Bohlin Company, Danny Lang, this striking and impressive pair of one-of-a-kind, double-mounted, intricately engraved parade spurs overlaid in sterling and three-color 18K gold, was designed to celebrate the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial. The pair has the trademark cookie-cutter rowels inset with engraved sterling washers, jinglebobs secured by silver spots, and four upturned buttons mounted with gold hearts. The off-side features raised gold longhorns and trumpets “TEXAS” down the shank, while the front is adorned with a bold and golden, heavy gauge 5-pointed star, the Sesquicentennial dates of “1836-1986” and Danny Lang’s “DL” initials. The fully floral tooled, laced and lined black two-piece spur straps are decorated with sterling stars and feature 3-piece engraved silver buckle sets. Outstanding, unused condition.
PICTURED: Page 41 of the 1980s, #15 Edward H. Bohlin Company Catalog
EX: Harry Hudson Collection.

Lot 97, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $17,700.

Billy Schenck (b. 1947)

Kaibito Mesa
Oil on canvas
30” x 36”
Signed lower right: SCHENCK 90
Signed, titled & dated verso
Framed to 35 1/2” x 41 1/2”

Lot 335, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $3,933.

Early Spanish/Mexican Spurs

Regal pair of rare 1800s Spanish/Mexican narrow banded, silver inlaid Colonial spurs with fine chasing, detailed period file work, jingle bobs, oversized 8-point rowels, and carved dove-wing leathers mounted with impressive coin-silver conchos. Very good condition.

Lot 193, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $3,835.

Bob Boone "Brazos" Spurs

A well-known and highly sought-after pair of Bob Boone “Brazos” spurs, these exciting Texas spurs are featured on the cover of “Cowboy Spurs and Their Makers” by Jane Pattie. The silver plate on the band is engraved “BRAZOS”, with silver overlaid buttons on the iron side. Crescent moons and 10-point rowels. The chasing and file work is some of Boone’s best. Circa 1940s.

EX: O.R. Huff Collection; 
EX: Bill and Marilyn Lenox Collection.

Literature: Pictured cover and page 77 of “Cowboy Spurs and Their Makers” by Jane Pattie.

Lot 323, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $41,300.

R.F. Tackabery Mother Hubbard Saddle

Extremely rare Mother Hubbard style saddle by very scarce Texas maker, Tackabery. Marked in several places with large clear oval cartouche, "R. F. TACKABERY / MAKER / FT. WORTH TEX." All the pieces are here but the fenders; the saddle needs restoration but is worth the effort. An important piece of Texas history.

Robert F. Tackabery was one of the early pioneering Texans to open a saddle shop in Fort Worth, Texas as early as the 1850s.

Lot 162, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $7080.

Five Luis B. Ortega Lots

June 10, 2017 auction lots.

Lot 144: Luis B. Ortega Quirt & Hobbles, Sold $2,242; Lot 145: Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Quirt, Sold $2,950; Lot 146: Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Quirt, Sold $1,298; Lot 147: Luis B. Ortega Bosal with Blind Bob Mecate, Sold $2,420; Lot 148: Two Books by Luis B. Ortega, Sold $767.

Buckles, Buckles, Buckles!

The June 10, 2017 auction has a stunning array of Bohlin and Hudson buckles. Men's, women's, trophy buckles, ranger sets...we've got you covered!

Lot 72: Edward H. Bohlin "Snuff" Buckle Set, Sold $826.
Provenance: From the Estate of Snuff Garrett.

Lot 78: Edward H. Bohlin Bighorn Sheep Trophy Buckle, Sold $4,720
EX: Harry Hudson Collection.

Lot 82: Edward H. Bohlin Fancy "SG" Buckle with Belt, Sold $2,920.
Provenance: From the Estate of Snuff Garrett.

Lot 88: Edward H. Bohlin Silver and Jeweled Buckle Set, Sold $7,670
EX: Harry Hudson Collection

Lot 87: 14K & 18K Bohlin Buckle Set with Extras, Sold $3,835.
Provenance: From the Estate of Snuff Garrett

Lot 73: Edward H. Bohlin Cheyenne 3-piece Buckle Set with Two Belts, Sold $944.
Provenance: From the Estate of Snuff Garrett.

Lot 83: Bohlinmade, Hollywood "Snuff" Buckle on Alligator Belt, Sold $1,180.
Provenance: From the Estate of Snuff Garrett.

Lot 85: 18K Gold Filigreed Buckle by the Distinguished Hudson Silver of Dallas, Texas, est. $10,000-14,000
EX: Harry Hudson Collection.

Lot 86: 18K Gold Edward H. Bohlin Buckle Set with Rubies, and Exotic Belts with Extra Tips, Sold $3,835.
Provenance: From the Estate of Snuff Garrett

Pictorial Lakota Beaded Coat

A fine European-cut, Lakota beaded coat on native tanned hide with horse motif. Five pair of colorful beaded horses: blue and red on front, and white, burgundy, and yellow & blue on verso. Great beading details, such as single bead eyes and colored ears. Five beaded pair of horseshoe tracks adorn the front, in shades of green, purple and blue. Heavily fringed and accented with a beaded diagonal design of yellow, red and aqua blue. Long leather drops hang from the pony tracks and the back. Wonderfully visual and unique. 29” long with fringe; circa early 20th century.

EX: Bill and Marilyn Lenox Collection.

Lot 242, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $5,900

Impressive Tom Qualey (1904-1977) Grangeville, Idaho Spurs

An exceptionally fine, intricate and pristine pair of silver overlaid and inlaid double-mounted spurs by the renowned Grangeville, Idaho, master spur maker. With Tom’s signature maker-mark “Qualey” distinctly scribed into both bands, the breathtaking pair is built with a double-buttoned Cheyenne style split heelband, central high domes, barrel chap guards, and marvelous 30-point, 2 1/2" polished rowels. Fully floral carved russet color two-piece leathers with silver buckles are affixed via 2” scalloped and engraved sterling conchos.  Undeniably, one of the finest representative pair of Tom Qualey’s work that we have seen in quite a while. For a similar pattern, see Page 257 of “Bit and Spur Makers in the Vaquero Tradition,” by Ned and Jody Martin. 

EX: Bill and Marilyn Lenox Collection.

Lot 289, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $11,800.

16th Century Spanish Mano Figa Ring Bit

Very early, important Spanish ring bit with Texas history. Possibly of Conquistador vintage, and in an exceedingly scarce configuration. Mano figas hang from the wide, 1 3/8” chin bar and the ring flat; the cast cheeks have a scroll design. 3 7/8" mouthpiece with high port (missing roller). It is a striking and unique artifact of the "Age of Discovery" in North America.
 
Accompanying the bit is a copy of a letter relating to the discovery of the bit by Harold Gage Thompson, contemporarily related and signed by Cecilia Thompson in 2005 (transcribed below). Also included are 2006 research/study photographs identifying the bit and describing its features on the reverse.
 
Mano figa (also fica or higa), translates to “fig hand” and is an ancient symbol or talisman that dates back to Etruscan Italy, but spread to other countries and cultures. It is most usually considered an obscene gesture, and is worn to ward off bad luck or the evil eye. The horse that wore this bit appears to have been well-protected, as more than twenty mano figa hang from the piece.
 
EX: Harry Hudson Collection.

Lot 199, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $8,470.

Large Navajo Pictorial Weaving

Wonderfully colorful and masterfully executed Navajo pictorial with Corn Yei at center. All native hand-spun yarns with a variety of natural and aniline dyes. Great pictorial elements, including six birds, two deer, bow and arrows, feathers and two cows (one with either "T A" or "A T" on his side, depending on which side of the rug you're looking at!), with a Teec Nos Pos border. Great color and condition. Circa 1930s, 96" x 66 1/2".
EX: Bill and Marilyn Lenox Collection.

Lot 128, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $12,980.

Enoch Walker’s Cheyenne Frontier Days Trophy Buckle

Enoch Walker’s Cheyenne Frontier Days Trophy Buckle

1957 Bronc Riding. Engraved on the back: AWARDED BY UNION PACIFIC R.R. CO. / TO WINNER / PROFESSIONAL BRONC RIDING CONTEST / 1957. Won by Enoch Walker. 10K & Sterling Silver. Western Silversmiths, Vista, Calif.

Lot 286, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 10, 2017, Fort Worth.
Sold $7,080.