Taking a Closer Look
Oil on canvas panel
30" x 48"
Signed lower right: Fellows CA and dated ©81 / titled on the front plaque
Framed to 40" x 58"
Item Dimensions: Frame: 40" x 58".
Lot 1298, Sold $28,160
Old West Auction – Santa Fe - Saturday, June 22, 2024
Undeniably one of the highlights of the Gillett collection is this outstanding pair of Jesus Tapia (1856-1931) inlaid Los Angeles, Calif spurs, with the artisan’s distinctive design elements, including classic engraving, intricate filigreed cut-out floral silver inlays on both the stylized rooster-head 2 3/4" shanks and bands encircled by a twisted coin silver inlaid rope, filed 14-point 2 1/4" iron rowels, and trademark flat silver inlaid, flower centered stationary buttons attached to two-piece floral carved russet-colored leathers. Very fine original condition, circa 1915-1920.
Provenance: Ex Ron & Linda Gillett Collection
Lot 1286, Sold $66,000
Old West Auction – Santa Fe - Saturday, June 22, 2024
Custom ordered for self-made industrialist, political kingmaker and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree, Justin W. Dart (1907-1984), this near-mythical Edward H. Bohlin silver and gold mounted parade saddle is adorned with multiple silver and gold figural conchos, but what sets it apart from all other Bohlin saddles is the Disney homage on the swell caps, depicting a gold "Cowboy" Mickey Mouse twirling a rope with the name "Walt Disney" in gold cursive letters just below the iconic mouse. While both historians and Bohlin collectors have speculated and argued for years if or how Dart was able to get Ed Bohlin to replicate the highly protected Disney trademarked mouse image, it is well known that both Justin Dart and Walt Disney traveled in similar California social and political circles and Dart's wife, Jane Bryan, was a well-liked actress in Hollywood. However, the most obvious and deepest overlapping connection would probably be Ronald Reagan, who both men were closely associated with for many decades. Setting Mickey and Walt aside for now, the rest of this special order "San Gabriel" style parade saddle is rather impressive, with its gold-laden corner plates and square rope-edge silver conchos featuring gold bucking horses, longhorns, eagles, Indians, animals, buffalo, ranch brands, guns, dogs, religious imagery, a pipe (random) and several images that were obviously personal to Mr. Dart alone. The saddle is made on a Miles City tree, with a 15" seat, 15" swells, 5" cantle with twisted rope edge, 15" by 30" skirts, 9" fenders, and regal 24" long tapaderos. The horn replicates the rope edge of the cantle and gullet and is topped with Bohlin's familiar gold buffalo head concho. The fully matching breast collar, bridle and overlaid curb bit were also personalized by the owner with a combination of gold figures that do appear in the Bohlin catalog and many others that were custom made by Ed for this very discriminating client. The unique saddle set includes a black and white corona, cinch and wooden display stand.
Provenance: Ex George Pitman Collection, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Justin Dart Sr. (1907 - 1984) was a self-made California millionaire who was one of a small group of men of similar backgrounds who played a key role in launching President Reagan into politics. A major political contributor and fundraiser, the jut-jawed Mr. Dart was a colorful and plain-spoken businessman to whom political observers accorded a prominent place in what they termed President Reagan's "kitchen cabinet," an unofficial group of friends, advisers and confidants. After starting in business as an employee of his father-in-law's drugstore, Mr. Dart went on to become head of Dart Industries, a diversified commercial empire, which in 1980 earned profits of $172 million. After marrying Ruth Walgreen, a daughter of the owner of the Walgreen Drug Co., he was sent to Phoenix to learn the pharmacy business. Advancing swiftly in the company, he was made head of store operations by 1932. Although he and his wife were divorced seven years later, the chain's founder, Charles Walgreen, left a substantial share of the business to his former son-in-law. Within a few years, Mr. Dart left Walgreen to join an old college fraternity brother in forming the United Drug Co., which operated four chains of stores. He moved to California in 1945 and renamed his company Rexall Drug Co. the next year. In 1969 it became Dart Industries, whose profits came from such products as Tupperware, Duracell batteries and West Bend pots and pans. In 1980, the concern merged with Kraft Inc., and Mr. Dart became chairman of the combined company. A gregarious man who was popular with other wealthy figures, Mr. Dart became important in California politics both as a contributor and fundraiser, and was widely regarded in his state as a political kingmaker. In many ways he appeared characteristic of those who were attracted to Reagan early on. Within the "kitchen cabinet", Mr. Dart was perhaps distinguished for his opinionated outspokenness. In 1982 he sent a letter of apology to President Gerald Ford after a newspaper quoted Mr. Dart as saying in vivid language that the former president lacked intelligence. Mr. Dart was a director emeritus of United Air Lines and UAL Inc. Active in civic affairs, he was chairman of the board of trustees of the University of Southern California from 1967 to 1971, and was a trustee of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. He also was a member of the board of the Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Desert, Calif. After his divorce in 1939, Mr. Dart married actress Jane Bryan in 1940, with whom he remained married for 44 years.
Lot 1320, Sold $300,000
Old West Auction – Santa Fe - Saturday, June 22, 2024
In the words of R.L. Wilson, this is "One of the most thoroughly documented of any antique American firearms, the history of the Bob or Emmett Dalton Single Action Army No 147306", with an accompanying plethora of documents, affidavits, articles, factory letter, etc. Colt records show this gun by serial number having been shipped on August 18th, 1892 to Simmons Hardware for one A. E. Williams. The order was for a total of (10) nearly identical revolvers listed as factory engraved, 5 1/2, blue and case color, grips not listed. Serial listed numbers are 147290, 142298 (at Davis Museum), 147303, 147304, 147305 (Autry Museum, purported to be Emmett Dalton's), 147306 (this gun, accompanied by an article on this revolver by R. L. Wilson and attributed to either Emmett or Bob; this gun is pictured on the cover of the June 1995 Gun Report by Bill Gerber, which is included and where he confirms this association), 147307, (which was purchased by H.W. Read after the raid of October 5th, 1892 and was put on display by him), 147308, 147311 and 147338 (which was part of the Pemberton Collection). All known examples except one are reported to have pearl grips.
There are accompanying articles explaining that the gang had ordered these ten guns, two for each member of the gang who went to Coffeyville that fateful day on October 5th, 1892. They included Bob, Grat and Emmett Dalton, Dick Broadwell and Bill Powers. Bob, Grat, Dick Broadwell and Bill Powers were all killed that day. Emmett was captured having been shot approximately 23 times. Stories about these fancy shooting irons are based on eyewitness accounts, probate certificates and period stories, such as the March 17, 1942, letter from Martin to Davis, stating that Emmett’s old colt had been “used in all robberies by the Dalton gang until the day before the Coffeyville Robbery, when the give [five] outlaws used ten brand new .45 Colts."
Emmett Dalton’s estate, which had gone first to his writing partner Chuck Martin, then to Oceanside, Calif., chief of police Captain Harold Davis, and then to Davis’ daughter. Included in Dalton’s personal effects and photos was his U.S. deputy marshal’s badge. Davis had framed the badge and a 1935 photo of Emmett Dalton presenting Martin with the badge and his engraved .44-40-caliber Colt single-action revolver, Serial No. 83073. This was the gun he used until he acquired his fancy pair of Colts. "A controversial legend persists about the Daltons having 'duded' themselves up with new clothes, horses, saddles and fancy pistols so that they would look respectable when they robbed two banks at the same time."
According to Wilson, this gun, as well as the other known specimens, were engraved by famed Colt engraver Cuno Helfricht. It is finished in blue and case colors and fitted with two-piece pearl grips. It exhibits nearly full coverage engraving in typical Helfricht style. The frame displays bank note type scroll, as does the barrel, all done with punch dot background. Balance of engraving is in decorative border, sunburst type lines, alternating cylinder patterns, and dots. Screws are nitre blued.
CONDITION: Outstanding. Matching numbers. Some muted case colors are showing with more in protected areas. Cylinder retains about 80% bright blue with high edge wear, some toning, minor surface wear, about what one would expect from a holstered gun. Barrel retains some bright blue with balance having flaked to patina with high edge holster wear. Ejector housing shows large percentage of blue, especially in protected area. Rear grip strap is patina while front strap retains mix of patina with bright blue. Nice flashes of case color remain on hammer. All edges and engraving are crisp. Pearl grips are nicely fitted, toned, with no cracks. Screws retains substantial fire blue. Action has all four clicks. The bore is bright. This gun, is of course, a black powder frame with locking screw in front. There is so much documentation that one could write an entire book simply on this gun and would be redundant to press all this information in this description. Nor is it prudent to tell the entire story of the Dalton gang or the Coffeyville raid as several books have been already written on this subject, one that has become one of the most noted events of outlawry of the Wild West. Simply put, this firearm is one of the most important weapons of that era to come to market and is truly a museum-worthy artifact.
Barrel Length: 5 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore: .45 Colt
FFL Status: Antique
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: SAA
Paperwork: Tub of Information, Copy of Factory Letter
Serial Number: 147306
Lot 1342, Sold $228,000
Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction - Saturday, June 22, 2024
Exceedingly rare, dazzling and very well maker-marked brown Bohlin "Hexagon" model child's pony size parade saddle in very fine condition with fully matching Bridle, Bit, Breast Collar and original black and white wool Corona. Made in the early 1950's by the renowned Hollywood Saddlemaker to the Stars for that special child that has everything.
This extravagant brown floral carved ensemble features an engraved one-piece silvered front with twisted rope-edge gullet and pelican style horn, sterling rope-edge cantle, prominent corner plates with raised 5-point Texas stars, plus extensively and artistically ornamental heavy gauge sterling silver hexagon conchos that, accordingly to the 1954 catalog description, "have many facets that reflect light making a very striking effect in the Show Ring". The Seat measures 13", Skirts 24", Fender 9" and Tapaderos 18".
A quick review of the all the Bohlin catalogs from 1927 through the 1960's indicates that Ed offered only two of their parade saddles in child's sizes that being the Jackie Cooper model in the 1930s and 40s and this Hexagon pattern in the 1950's.
Lot 1306, Sold $79,950
Brian Lebel’s Las Vegas Old West Auction - Friday, January 26, 2024
This lot consists of an outfit gifted to Carmen Sacchetti directly from his friend Clayton Moore, "The Lone Ranger". These pieces were used by Clayton and are unique with impeccable provenance. A special dyed dark shirt and pants "Lone Ranger" screen worn outfit.
Clayton did this color himself because he thought the dark color showed better on screen. A screen worn hat by American Hat Co. and Calabasas Saddlery, size 6 ¾, used by Clayton but not shaped in the classic Lone Ranger style. The rarest and most desirable screen-worn Hollywood items, a "water" mask. The iconic black mask designed to be used during water scenes.
EX: Clayton Moore Gifted to Carmen Sacchetti.
Lot 1070, Sold $18,450
Brian Lebel’s Las Vegas Old West Auction - Friday, January 26, 2024
Edward H. Bohlin’s Own Personal Bohlin Parade Spurs
Ed Bohlin’s own massive custom spurs, designed to accompany the “Big Saddle” and the rest of his 14-year masterpiece: his own personal -- and unmatched -- Bohlin equestrian parade outfit. Sterling and three-color gold on stainless spurs and black leather straps. Designed and crafted by Bohlin himself along with top Bohlin artists. The following description is excerpted from the included James Nottage letter.
“The spurs are made from stainless steel, which was also used to create the pie-cutter rowels and with smaller rowels on the chap guards. These are secured with pins and yellow gold flower buds. The steel is overlaid with sterling silver and upon this is applied decorative elements with the following components. The outside edges of the spurs have twisted yellow gold wire rope edging. The surface of both sides of the spurs has overlaid with red gold floral scrolls terminating with yellow gold five petal flowers. All of the gold surfaces are delicately chased rather than engraved, giving them pleasing depth and dimension. The outside face of the spurs swells to a rounded shape in the center for the overlay of a large Indian head with full feathered headdress. The gold of the headdress and face is given color through the use of red, yellow, and green gold.
Each spur strap is of black leather and the edges have been sewn by Angel Diaz with flat silver wire, matching the stitching on Bohlin’s saddle and other accessories. On each strap there are three square silver plates on point, mounted in each corner with red gold flower buds and integral silver rope edges. One plate on each strap features a red gold raccoon, another has a yellow gold cowboy on a red gold bucking bronco, and the third has an eagle with spread wings. Each of these figures is surrounded with chased yellow gold floral wreaths. Separating these plates are triangular silver plaques with chased red gold floral overlays. Finally, each strap has a large round concho in sterling silver with integral rope edge, a chased yellow gold wreath, and in the center are large artistically designed initials for the owner, “EHB”. A nice feature of all the metal work is that the sterling is given a subtle background with lightly hammered stippling.
…they represent both the romance of the cowboy and the elegance of a particularly notable example of the American fine and decorative art.”
Included in the lot is a five-page typed and signed letter from historian and noted Bohlin authority, James Nottage. This letter includes Mr. Nottage’s opinion of the spurs; their provenance; their exhibition history (includes the 1967 “World’s Fair”); published references to Ed Bohlin’s personal parade outfit of which the spurs are a part; the fascinating 14-year history of the full parade outfit; a detailed description of the spurs and straps; and Nottage’s conclusion:
“These unique spurs arguably are the finest work of the Bohlin shop. They are of artistic and historic significance that ranks them among the best of spurs created in any shop.”
Lot 558, Sold $236,000
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
Lot of seven (7) Mine Number 8 turquoise rings.
a) Number 8 Mine turquoise inlay knifewing, size 8, 5.4 grams, unmarked, 1 1/4" tall;
b) Large Number 8 Mine turquoise with two stones and a leaf setting, unmarked, size 11, 20.5 grams, no marks, 1 5/8" tall;
c) Central oval Number 8 Mine stone, rope edge, Number 8 Mine, size 7, 5.7 grams, unmarked, 1" tall;
d) Central oval Number 8 Mine stone, rope edge, Number 8 Mine, size 8, 5.3 grams, unmarked, 1" tall;
e) Central oblong Number 8 Mine stone, size 7.5, 7.6 grams, unmarked, 1 3/8" tall;
f) Central oval Number 8 Mine stone, size 6.25, 9 grams, unmarked, 1 1/8" tall;
g) Dainty central round Number 8 Mine turquoise stone, size 5.75, 2.6 grams, unmarked, 3/8" tall.
Provenance: Most through the C.G. Wallace Collection of American Indian Art, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1975, to Dick Flood, Sr., through Flood family.
Lot 599, Sold $6,655
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
A found nugget with note in Granville Stuart's (1834-1918) own hand "Nugget found on Pioneer Bar, Mont. in 1857 near Gold Creek" with leather gold poke.
From Mary Stuart Abbott to Richard Flood
Weight is .99 oz. or 28 g.
Included is:
Diary And Sketchbook Of A Journey To "America" In 1866, & Return Trip Up The Missouri River To Fort Benton, Montana
By Stuart, Granville
Los Angeles: Dawson's Book Shop, 1963. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Fine condition. Fully illustrated with Stuart's black and white sketches. Includes map of his journey, account of his expenses and bibliography. No jacket. Stuart's diary was originally published in the Virginia City Montana Post, January 1867.
Lot 625, Sold $94,400
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
Canon City Horsehair Bridle with Bob Baldwin Gal Leg Bit
Bob Baldwin, prisoner #9647 maker-marked, silver inlaid, Gal Leg bit attached to hitched red and black diamond pattern horsehair bridle constructed with split reins and slider, flat 1 ½” wide cheeks, brow and nosebands, round multi-strand headbands and hitched hair rosettes. The bridle and bit are mounted on a custom wall hanging stand and were rumored to have given to the Canon City Warden, Tom Tynan, as a gift in the early 1920s
Bob Baldwin was born in North Carolina shortly before his family moved to Colorado around 1892. He was sentenced to his first stint of 3-10 years at the Colorado State Penitentiary in Canon City in 1912, for burglary and larceny -- along with his recidivist father and two brothers. Paroled in February of 1914, he immediately returned to his home and wife in La Veta, Colo. His wife gave birth to a son ten months later but in May of 1915, when the child was only 6 months old, Baldwin was arrested for the heinous crime of suffocating the infant. 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 whereabouts remains a mystery to this very day. Unfortunately, Dora Baldwin was again pregnant when her husband murdered their son. Taking no chances, she moved to California, divorced Baldwin, and eventually remarried -- raising her new boy without even informing the child of his natural father. It was not until Dora's death, that the child, now long grown, learned the truth returning to Colorado where he eventually discovered the whole gruesome saga.
Lot 566, Sold $12,100
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
2 1/2" x 4 1/2" with four and one-half ounces of solid gold in rose, yellow and white colors.
James H. Nottage, Fishers, Indiana - 4 December 2004
Over a period of nearly a quarter century now, I have examined hundreds of belt buckles produced in the Hollywood shop of Edward H. Bohlin. Some of them are simply stamped silver buckles with floral engraving, some are gold overlaid, a few are presentations to rodeo stars, scattered examples belonged to famous actors or politicians and in recent years a discouraging number have appeared that are fraudulently marked or out-right fakes.
In August of 2004, I examined what easily can be described as one of the top four or five Bohlin belt buckles ever manufactured. It is a work of art from the Bohlin shop on Highland Avenue in Hollywood and clearly belonged to Edward Bohlin himself. With the buckle comes a signed document stating that "this Is to certify that this large solid gold western belt buckle with multiple figural animals and with the initials 'EB' was given to me by Edward Bohlin right off his waist about 45-50 years ago. He was visiting my ranch on a fishing or a hunting trip. My ranch was located near Yerington, Nevada, and co-owned by Barron Hilton'.' The document is signed by Donald W. Douglas Jr. and dated June 17, 2004.
Over a period of decades, Ed Bohlin frequently crafted special buckles for himself that had the best of workmanship and materials and there are many documented examples of such buckles that he gave to important customers or potential customers. Through these he promoted his products and relationships that would further his business. The Ed Bohlin/Donald Douglas buckle is no exception.
Donald Douglas died in October 2004, only a few months after selling his coveted buckle. Douglas was the son of the founder of Douglas Aircraft. He served as president of the company and was directly responsible for introducing the DC-8 and DC-9 Jetliners. Douglas was named president of the company in 1957.
The buckle is, on its own merits, quite remarkable and very much in character with its maker's personal interests. Ed Bohlin began his career in Cody, Wyoming, and spent many vacations hunting and fishing in that area and frequently pursuing game at other locations such as the Hilton/Douglas ranch. The buckle is marked on the back with the small oval stamp that reads "Bohlinmade, Hollywood, Calif' It is also stamped to reflect the quality of the metal used to make the buckle-22-K, 18-K and 12-K gold!
The perfectly executed filigree work on the buckle immediately sets off the decorative elements. Wrapped around the outer edge is a twisted gold wire rope. Red gold vines and scrolls are exquisitely hand chased to give them depth and dimension. In the center are the silver initials "E" and "B". Below each initial is a yellow gold five petal flower. Laid over the scrolls are the following figures: top left, Pronghorn antelope top center, Rainbow trout; top right, bull moose; center, bull elk; bottom left, Bighorn sheep bottom center, California, grizzly bear; and bottom right, trophy deer. Each of these figures 1 remarkably well-executed. The rainbow trout has beautifully blended bands of red and yellow gold. The antlers of the animals are in yellow gold and their bodies are carefully chased wit! variations of color in red and yellow gold.
The entire effect of this buckle is that of a fine sculpture depicting wildlife of the Rock Mountains and California. It is entirely hand cut and chased and it is a monument to the best products coming from the fertile imagination of Edward H. Bohlin. I have long been of the opinion that the best Bohlin products are those that are hand chased and made in the time period from the 1930s through the late 1950s. This is truly a masterwork by the master himself.
Sincerely,
James H. Nottage
(James Nottage is the Author of Saddlemaker to the Stars, Edward H. Bohlin, Published by The Autry Museum of Western Heritage, Los Angeles, 1996)
Lot 557, Sold $47,200
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
Lord of the Southern Plains (Quanah Parker)
Bronze
Over 3-feet tall: 35” x 18 1/2" x 19”, on a 5" wood base
Signed in bronze: JOE BEELER CA / 16/25
Included is the book "Cowboy Artist / Joe Beeler" by Don Hedgpeth in slip case.
The "Lord of the Southern Plains" was awarded the Silver Medal in Sculpture at the 35th Annual Cowboy Artists of America Show and Sale at the Phoenix Art Museum in 2000.
Lot 547, Sold $26,550
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
Colt Single Action Army revolver with Mexican embroidered holster
Serial #327528
Post factory engraved
High Noon 2008, Lot 316.
PE: Engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver with Holster
*S/N 327528, .45 caliber, 4 ¾ inch barrel, blue barrel/cylinder/back strap/trigger guard. 2-piece stag grips, contemporary engraving, gold bands on barrel, circa 1920s. Condition: very good bore, 100% refinish after engraving, mechanically excellent, excellent marks, holster in very good condition.
Lot 642, Sold $41,300
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
Large and impressive turquoise cuff bracelet by Joe Quintana. 2 1/8" in width along its entire length, 5 1/2" long inside circumference excluding the 1 1/4" opening. Twenty-one (21) high grade Number 8 Mine turquoise stones of varying size and shape. Marked "JH QUINTANA COCHITI / N M". 123 grams.
Through the C.G. Wallace Collection of American Indian Art, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1975, to Dick Flood, Sr., through Flood family.
EX: Dick Flood Sr. and Daro Flood Collection
Lot 601, Sold $3,835
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
A very impressive older sombrero with applied silver rope and ribbon edges. A large 2 1/2" band surrounding the 9 1/2" tall, pinched crown. The bucket shaped brim is 6". A well-used hat with great character.
Lot 516, Sold $2,723
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
J. Tapia Southern California Spurs. Highly coveted, fully mounted, 1900s double "horseshoe" pattern early Los Angeles, California spurs with 10-point spoke rowels featuring characteristic Tapia engraving and construction including stylistic teardrops under the shanks and Jesus' trademark heelchains. A rare pair of spurs with regal So Cal history from the legendary LA bit and spur maker. Two slightly bent (and easily correctible) rowel spokes, otherwise
Provenance: Frederick Hastings Rindge Estate, Rancho Malibu and Los Angeles, Calif.
Lot 582, Sold $10,620
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
John Wayne 26 Bar Belt Buckle on a Sisco belt presented to him by Ronald Reagan. Belt marked in pen "Presented to JOHN WAYNE / by RONALD & NANCY REAGAN / 1976 / FROM / SAM - BUZZY & BERT SISCO".
Buckle is 2" x 3 3/8" , marked "LA AZTECA / SILVERSHOPS / NOGALES MEX", and "STERLING". The belt has the classic Sisco "Horsehead" and flower pattern and is 46" overall.
Wayne did a 45 minute interview on "Donahue" which he mentions the buckle.
Lot 442, Sold $56,050
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
Yuma or Early Florence Hitched Horsehair Bridle with A Seldom Seen Matching Martingale. Using the hitched chain technique. Shown in Hitch Horsehair book pages 56 & 57, fig 4.23.
Lot 428, Sold $9,075
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
"Larry Hagman's" Edward H. Bohlin Briefcase. Larry Hagman's personal custom-made, Edward H Bohlin, hand-tooled briefcase with chocolate lacing. The pattern is 2-color brown with dark brown background and lovely acorn tooling. The heavy gauge sterling silver corner plates have 14K gold scrolls, twisted gold rope edges, plus three-dimensional buffalo heads with ruby eyes on the top flap and longhorns with ruby eyes on the bottom. There is a solid gold Bohlin seat plate with the name LARRY HAGMAN engraved thereupon. The straps are secured via two-piece, 3/4" sterling buckles with tips. The silver work is marked with the Bohlinmade, Burbank, Calif maker-mark from the Danny Lang ownership period, c 1980s. Excellent, ready-to-use condition. Priced in the 1987 Bohlin catalog (when gold was $410 per oz) at $6000. Replacement value today at least twice that. PROVENANCE: Larry Hagman Estate. PICTURED: Edward H Bohlin catalog, c 1987, pg 35 & 37.
Lot 439, Sold $7,865
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
Tad Mizwa Miniature Silver Parade Saddle with Gun Belt and Holsters. Dazzling half-scale (40%) sterling silver mounted master work by the beloved and affable miniature saddle maker and remarkable leather carver who passed away in April of 2019. This stunning floral carved two-tone master work with exquisite hand crafted sterling embellishments features a fully silvered front gullet, pommel and horn with rope edge plus matching sterling covered cantle. The skirts, fenders and lovely long monkey nose tapaderos are trimmed in miniature diamond and half-diamond silver conchos and silver spots including intricately engraved corner plates. While the silver work is undeniably regal and lavish, the leather craving is masterful, exemplary and inspiring validating Mizwa's reputation as the "Leonardo of leather carvers". The saddle includes a black and white corona and a matching two-tone, silver mounted Tad Mizwa Gun Rig with two Holsters adorned with diamonds, half-diamonds, silver floral spots and three, 3-piece sterling buckle sets. Perfect condition, c. 1990.
Tad Mizwa (1927-2019) had always been both a cowboy and western artisan in spirit dating back to his childhood when he became so fascinated with trick roping that he taught himself how to do it. Working with leather at age 14 during WWII, Tad mastered carving and tooling leather using only a nail set and razor blade. At age 19, Mizwa traveled to Phoenix and was introduced to the renowned Porter Saddle shop where he met master leather carver, Ray Pohja who encouraged him to upgrade and refine his overall technique. Tad had a diverse array of jobs during his nine decades of life from journalist to saddle maker extraordinaire with miniature saddles as his specialty. He made three historically accurate replica saddles for permanent exhibition at the Witte Museum in San Antonio plus a Tournament of Roses Parade Saddle with over 600 pieces of sterling silver. Along with his treasured custom full size saddles, Tad created exquisite miniature saddles with the last being a Mexican saddle completed in 2002, on display now at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Other than being 40% smaller in scale, his miniature saddles are exact reproductions.
Lot 366, Sold $29,500
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
