The Historic Carl Carlock Saddlery

Lots 35-51: An important collection with a local Arizona connection is the contents of the Carl Carlock Saddlery, a Phoenix treasure from the 1940s-60s. One of the most respected saddleries of its day, Carlock’s was renowned for their quality and craftsmanship. We are pleased to offer the contents of this amazing saddle shop, including a lifetime’s worth of leather working tools and accoutrements. It is an amazing opportunity for a collector or leatherworker to purchase what, otherwise, would have taken decades to amass.

To view all lots being offered from the Carl Carlock Saddlery, please visit

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016

A Distinguished Warrior

Lot 184: Blackfoot Man's Shirt

Poncho construction, Blackfoot man’s war shirt on native tanned hide. Yellow ochre pigment with tadpole designs painted in black on front and verso, with black painted sleeve stripes. Trimmed in red trade cloth at the collar front and back. Finely executed beaded panels affixed to front of the sleeves and over the shoulders, in light blue, cobalt and pumpkin colored beads. Old, round repair to the front. A striking example of a Plains man’s shirt with great "tadpole" symbolism. Circa 1875-80, 48” tall x 60” wide as mounted on custom stand (included).

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $109,250

BLACKFOOT MENS’ WAR SHIRTS
Of the many items a distinguished warrior owned, his war shirt was perhaps the most important. Blackfoot warriors were some of the fiercest in the Plains. As enemies to both the Crow and the Sioux – two of the most powerful Plains peoples – Blackfoot warrior culture, out of necessity, was highly developed. In creating a shirt, Blackfoot artists endeavored to advertise the prestige of the wearer. On the battlefield, or at a formal gathering, the wearer of such a shirt would have been quickly recognized as an accomplished warrior and leader – one not to be trifled with.

Highly Sought After

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Lot 227: Goldberg/Staunton/Estrada California Bit and Spur Set

Fabulous Gus Goldberg/M.B. Staunton/John Estrada California Bit & Spur Set. Extremely coveted double snake pattern spurs crafted by John (Juan) Estrada for Gus Goldberg. Marked inside the heal band "G. S. S. Co - Winnemucca Nev - J.E." The fully overlaid bands feature a pair of intertwined snakes, 4 small buttons and vine engraving. The shanks extend 2 1/2" and hold 20 point, 2" rowels. Double heel chains on swinging tabs. The straps are period with deep floral carving and original, high domed, engraved sterling conchos. 

The classic Santa Barbara style spade bit with distinctive precision Estrada engraving exhibits the same makers stamp on the inside of the cheek piece. John Estrada (1865-1942) began his illustrious career as a master engraver in the 1880s in San Luis Obispo before moving to Garcia's shop in Elko in the 1890s. In 1910 Estrada traveled to Winnemucca working with Gus Goldberg for the next 15 years. Estrada's work is one of the most sought artisans for the finest California bits and spurs by discerning collectors.  Excellent condition, circa 1910-1916.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $40,250

Mexican President Porfirio Diaz's Saddle

Lot 203: Important Mexican Saddle made for Porfirio Diaz

Classic late 19th - early 20th century Mexican saddle with matching saddle bags, custom made for President Porfirio Diaz. Featuring traditional period Charro styling with partially exposed rawhide tree, trimmed with repousse floral patterned silver ornamentation on the oversized horn, upper gullet and cantle edge. Mounted with multiple silver inlaid slotted conchos with original latigo strings, plus ornate stirrups and period cinch with silver inlaid cinch rings. The saddle is regally adorned with natural piteado fiber embroidered in elegant and intricate patterns appropriate to Diaz’s position.  A noteworthy and historic Mexican presidential saddle manufactured during a most fascinating and tumultuous transitional period in Mexico’s evolution to modernity, the saddle was made by Porfirio Diaz's personal saddle maker between 1890-1912. It is well maker-marked under both the saddle bags and under the seat as follows: FUSTES FINOS / DE / MADERA GARANDZADA / Z. LOPEZ / ESPECIAL MENTE PARA TALABARTERIA / DE / SOSTENES TAPIA / PORFIRIO DIAZ No 6. / PUEBLA. Leather is stamped TALABARTERIA.DE.SOSTENES.TAPIA.CALLE.DE. / PORFIRIO.DIAZ.N6.PUEBLA.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $13,800

Provenance: Private collection of Enrique Guerra; to artist Tom Lovell; to present owner.
Porfirio Diaz (1830-1915)

José de la Cruz Porfirio Díaz Mori was a Mexican soldier, military hero, and politician, who served seven terms as President of Mexico; a total of three and a half decades from 1876 and 1911. Diaz perhaps qualifies as one of Mexico's most controversial statesmen since he is frequently remembered as being one of the country's most notorious dictators yet ironically, his record includes significant accomplishments including bringing Mexico into the modern age while his country achieved financial solvency during his extended reign.

A Frontier Firearm

Lot 287: John J. Wurfflein Rifle

NVSN, .50 caliber, 35” barrel measures 1 1/8 inch from flat to flat, Plains Rifle by John Wurfflein, Philadelphia. Half stock, double keyed, small oval patch box, German silver furniture, double set triggers, barrel and back action lock marked “J. Wurfflein, Philada”. Heavy ram rod rib with 2 iron ferrules, patent breech; total length 54”, total weight 13.4 pounds, circa 1840s. With the rifle is a note stating, “J. Wurfflein, Philada, John J. Wurfflein, Brought across the plains in 1850 by John Zumwahl Willows, Calif.” CONDITION: The bore is remarkably bright, 6 wide flat lands and groves, iron is chocolate brown thinning to silver, stock is thick wristed and has a very neat and very old repair of a sliver of wood along the fore arm; barrel sight has been moved back 5 inches, German silver furniture are an aged dusty silver color, greased patches still in patch box, mechanically excellent, overall a great rifle.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2015
Sold $2,300

Frontier Firearms
The size of all things in the West (distances, animals, etc) demanded a new firearm. The Hawken bothers are the best known makers of what became the “Plains Rifle”, the “Mountain Rifle” and sometimes the “Buffalo Rifle”. They were so instrumental in the development that the genre was soon dubbed “the Hawken Rifle”. But there were many gunsmiths outfitting the trapper/trader of the era. Wurfflein, Slaughter, Gemmer, Dimmick, Deringer, and J. Henry all contributed to the legend and are no less desirable.

Early Silver Saddle

Lot 99: Moreno Santa Barbara Parade Saddle with Field Silver

Impressive, important and 100% original, circa 1890s-1910, J.A. Moreno, Santa Barbara, maker-marked Parade Saddle, with matching Bridle, attached to an early Field family Spade Bit, silver ferruled Reins, Breast Collar, and original Corona. Saddle is adorned with heavy gauge Edwin and John Field sterling silver and is believed to be the only saddle of its type ever made by Jacobo A. Moreno, a much-respected armorer and saddle maker who was born in Ventura, California in March, of 1857. Moreno was raised in Los Angeles but moved to Santa Barbara in the early 1870s where he was employed as a saddler by a number of firms between 1875 and 1904 including Francisco Moreno (his older brother), J. J. Eddleman, J M Forbes and his father, Juan Bautista Moreno. In Santa Barbara young Moreno would find legions of men on horseback who possessed the ego and the means to indulge themselves in the kind of masterworks that he could create.

The fully floral carved saddle's construction features an extremely narrow fork and high cantle, both trimmed in Field sterling silver. The saddle is adorned with ornate silver corner plates on the jockey and skirts, and includes a period carpeted corona with silver spots and scalloped Field conchos. The saddle is visually stunning in that it is fully covered with period Field family conchos in an array of sizes and shapes extending from the top of the horn to the tip of the tapaderos, and includes a heavily embellished matching Bridle, Breast Collar, and Reins with fancy ferrules plus a fabulous very early Field Santa Barbara Spade bit.

The saddle is reminiscent of the Dixie Thompson Loomis saddle owned by San Francisco deYoung Museum that set a world record for a Santa Barbara saddle last summer when it sold for close to $200,000 in Brian Lebel’s Fort Worth Old West Auction.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold 46,000

Dixie Thompson's Loomis Saddle

LOT 246 - Dixie Thompson's Custom Loomis Saddle Outfit.
Spectacular, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted saddle by Loomis Saddlery, with custom silver by the Tiffany-trained artist, Edwin Field. Complete with bit, headstall, breast collar, reins, martingale, cinch, skirt and lariat, all circa 1888-90. Commissioned by Santa Barbara capitalist, rancher and one-time sea captain, Dixie W. Thompson, the silverwork alone took over two years to complete, and was fashioned with bullion from Mexican silver dollars. Dixie rode the saddle in numerous parades, and it was exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The saddle is discussed in detail in numerous newspaper articles of the time, including the May 4, 1896 “San Francisco Call”, which referred to the saddle as having “the reputation of being the most gorgeous thing of its kind in the world.”

Provenance: Dixie W. Thompson Estate; to M.H. de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA.
Proceeds to benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s acquisition funds.

Brian Lebel's Old West Auction, June 6th, 2015
SOLD $195,500

Rare S.C. Foy Saddle

Lot 110
Wonderful early trail saddle with California influence. Large leaf tooling and swept-back lower skirts. True half-seat with Sam Stagg rigging and exposed upper cantle. 12 ½” seat, 4 ½” cantle. 4 per side copper slotted conchos, riveted stirrup leathers, no side jockeys, exposed rawhide horn. 14 ½” tapaderos have 4 slotted copper conchos each. With period rawhide reata. A true showpiece and premiere example of an early California ranching saddle. Circa 1860s-70s.

Brian Lebel's Old West Auction, June 6th, 2015
SOLD $60,375

Beadwork and Quillwork

Lot 88 - Plains Quilled Breastplate
Wonderful breastplate constructed with quillwork instead of bone. Cotton and silk trim, studs and tin cones. Circa late 1880s.
Brian Lebel's Old West Auction, June 6th, 2015
SOLD  $9,200

Lot 81 - Sioux Horse's Neck Drape
Fully beaded horse's neck drape, with American flag and buffalo horn motif. Striking and scarce. Circa 1880s-90s.
Brian Lebel's Old West Auction, June 6th, 2015
SOLD $28,750

Edward H. Bohlin "Lone Star" Parade Saddle

Edward H. Bohlin Lone Star Parade Saddle

LOT 211: We are very proud to present the seldom-seen Edward H. Bohlin, Hollywood, California "Lone Star" model sterling silver mounted Parade saddle with matching Bohlin Bridle and Breast Collar.

PROVENANCE: By descent through the family of Dianna Converse of Santa Paula, CA. 

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
SOLD $46,000

Cincinnati Reds Autographed Second Base for Roy Rogers from Riverfront Stadium

Autographed Cincinnati Reds Second Base - Presented to Roy Rogers

Autographed Cincinnati Reds Second Base - Presented to Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers birthplace in Cincinnati was at 412 2nd Street, which was later torn down to build Riverfront Stadium for the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Club. In the early 1980s, Roy and Dusty visited Riverfront Stadium where Roy threw out the first pitch and Dusty sang the National Anthem. While there, Roy staked claim to 2nd base as his birthplace, so Marge Schott, the Reds owner, ordered 2nd base torn up, had it signed by all the players, and presented it to Roy. Notable signatures include Johnny Bench, Ken Griffey Jr, Dan Driessen and others.

Provenance: Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum, Victorville, CA and Branson, MO;
to Christie's, July 2010; to present owner.

Includes Certificate of Authenticity signed by Roy "Dusty" Rogers, Jr.

Roy Rogers and Pete Rose in the Reds Dugout

Roy Rogers and Pete Rose in the Reds Dugout

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
Lot 23
SOLD $1,840

Red's Motorcycle Vest from the 1985 Movie, "Mask"

Harry Carey, Jr's motorcycle vest from his role as Red, the President of the biker gang the Turks, in Peter Bogdonavich's 1985 film, "Mask." The film, which was nominated for multiple awards, starred Cher, Eric Stoltz, Laura Dern and Sam Elliott.

PROVENANCE: From the Carey Family Trust

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
Lot 256
SOLD $1,062

Random trivia: this was one of Melissa's very favorite movies in the 1980s. 

Chief Don Lelooska Winged Totem Pole

Almost six feet tall with a four foot wingspan, this colorful and impressive cedar totem carved by the master carver, Don Lelooska, features a Thunderbird, Whale and Tsonoqua. Excellent condition with a few very minor scuffs. 71" tall with a 49 1/2" wingspan, circa 1980s.

Lelooska (known alternately as Don Smith, Don Lelooska and Chief Lelooska) carved many iconic totem poles in the American Northwest, including the world's tallest single-piece carved totem, a 140 foot red cedar in Kalama, Washington.

The totem offered is one of four Lelooska carvings in the auction, along with lots by other distinguished contemporary Northwest Coast carvers such as Mili Johnson and Patty Fawn.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
SOLD $2,655

Charlie Russell Illustrated Letter to Harry Carey

C.M. Russell's Cowboys Dig up the Booze

Charles Marion Russell (1864 - 1926)
"Friend Carey"
10" x 6 1/2"
Mixed media on paper
Illustrated, signed and dated Feb 25 1921 
To Henry DeWitt “Harry” Carey


Accompanied by an illustration of reveling cowboys with a shovel:

"Friend Carey
           Last year when I eat at the HC wagon you whispered to me that thair was som buried treasures on your ranch that wasent no cash of the Old Spanish Bandits  But a plant of your own in days when corn and rye juice could be got for one dollor a quart you were foxy and buried when you couldent swallow but not having the nose of the fox you couldent locate the cash   In these days of drouth there were times when it got on your nurvs.  You told me you were going to organize a small band of trusted booze hounds and go prospecting    I hope you raised the cash   we got your note and was glad to hear from you
    with best whishes to you and yours from me and mine
                         Your friend
                                 C M Russell"

PICTURED:  Brian W. Dippie, “Charles M. Russell, Word Painter: Letters 1887-1926,”  1993, pg 306; Charles M. Russell, “Good Medicine, Memories of the Real West,” 1929, pg 129.       PROVENANCE: Carey Family Trust

"What makes for a great Charlie Russell letter?  A sketch that expresses sentiment or humor. and a corresponding text. This short letter to Harry Carey is a jewel––an extended joke about Carey's dilemma trying to find a cache of booze he had hidden on his ranch prior to Prohibition. He had forgotten to mark the spot, and a year after America went dry was getting mighty thirsty.  Charlie's letter takes off from that set-up.  Its joshing attests to the warm friendship that had sprung up between the Russells and the Careys after Charlie and Nancy made their first excursion to Southern California in 1920." 
           -- Brian W. Dippie, November 2014

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
SOLD $126,500

Demuth Tobacconist's Figure - Zinc Indian

Demuth Zinc Cigar Store Indian

Wm. Demuth & Co. Zinc Cigar Store Figure, "Indian Hunter" model. Rare with rifle, this version of Demuth's Indian Hunter (No. 70 in Demuth's 1875 Catalogue) stands wearing a fringed tunic over fringed leggings, a cape over his shoulders, and a feathered headdress. The figure holds a rifle in his right hand with his knife and pipe at the ready. Old, though not original, paint. The price for such a figure in 1875 is listed in the Catalogue as $80. 
66" tall with the base and 22" wide. 

Literature: Zinc Sculpture in America 1850-1950, by Carol A. Grissom, page 154.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
SOLD $23,000

Nez Perce Beaded Men's Warshirt

Detail - Nez Perce Men's Warshirt with Ermine Drops and Classic Beadwork

Wonderfully decorative men's war shirt with over 30 ermine drops, beaded red trade cloth bib, and beaded panels in classic geometric patterns of rose, white, and shades of blue.  On native tanned hide, classic construction. Circa 1890s.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
SOLD $23,000

Richard Amsel Original Artwork for John Wayne's Final Film

Richard Amsel Original Art for "The Shootist" Movie Poster

Original artwork for the poster for "The Shootist"
30" x 21"
mixed media on paper
Framed to 41" x 32"

"The Shootist" Finished Poster

A remarkable example of American illustration, Richard Amsel utilized his unique illustrative style in a combination of watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, colored pencil, and gouache to create this iconic movie poster. "The Shootist" (1976) was John Wayne's last film and is based on the 1975 novel of the same name by Glendon Swarthout. It is the story of a dying gunfighter who spends his last days looking for a way to die with the least pain and the most dignity. The film also stars Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brian and  Sheree North, all of whom are depicted in Amsel's artwork.

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
SOLD $18,400

Also at auction is an original "The Shootist" poster, mounted on canvas,
41" x 27 12" - Estimate: $350 - 450

Roy Rogers' Boots and Spurs

Roy Rogers' personal eagle boots and Bohlin spurs, from the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum Collection.

Roy Rogers' Eagle Boots and Bohlin Spurs

SPURS: 1930s Edward H. Bohlin silver overlaid, Hollywood, California, maker-marked stainless steel spurs with 2 1/2" shanks, 1 3/4" cookie-cutter rowels. Bohlinmade, Hollywood oval football cartouche stamped below the bar affixed to the swinging buttons on the left spur. Right spur made-to-match. 2-piece floral carved, Bohlin marked straps with 1 1/2" scalloped and engraved conchos and 3-piece maker-marked 1/2" engraved sterling buckle sets. Holes drilled on the heelbands for tie downs. 

BOOTS: Classic Roy Rogers custom-made boots with inlaid eagles on the shaft and back quarter, and another eagle on the vamp. Gold inlaid stars cross the top piping with decorative pulls. The boots have a Roy-made 2" slit on along the sole, his unique way of breaking in a snug pair of boots according to his son, Dusty.

Worn extensively by Roy from the early 1940s through the 1950s. Prominently displayed in numerous photos and at the Victorville and Branson Museums. 

Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction, Jan 24, 2015
SOLD $6,900