422: L.A. Huffman (1854-1931)
"Roundup Outfit on Move 4:30 a.m."
Hand tinted original collotype photograph
7" x 18 1/2"
Signed lower right in white "photo * (c) L A Huffman Miles City, Mont.", titled in white lower left.
Framed to: 14 1/4" x 25 1/4"
Slight foxing evident throughout the image, but still bright with no fading.
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $1,888
Lot 245: Ulysses S. Grant / Chief Joseph Peace Medal
United States Peace Medals have a long and storied history. They are very scarce and have been copied for quite some time. Finding an original medal is something special but finding a medal with a connection to a famous Chief is extraordinary. This is a true United States of America Presidential Peace Medal struck in 1871. It is a Ulysses S. Grant issue and the only medal issued by the government without the name of the President whose image is on the medal. This particular piece has a long history connecting it to the noted Nez Perce Chief Joseph. It is believed that this medal was presented to Joseph on the occasion of the dedication of Grant's Tomb. It is known that 300 Grant medals were struck by the U.S. Mint and delivered to the Indian Office in 1871, all pure silver and 2.55" in diameter.
It is also believed this medal is the same example photographed by Dr. Edward Latham in 1902. These images are in the University of Washington Libraries Collection Division (catalog numbers NA954 & NA955). A caption on the negative sleeve for the Grant side of the medal reads: "Bronze medal presented to Chief Joseph by President Grant in 1871."
Literature: "Chief Joseph's Presidential Medal" by Alan L. Hoover 2015. A copy of the book is included with the medal.
From, "Chief Joseph's Presidential Medal" by Alan L. Hoover, 2015, pages 7-8.
“Introduction
In 2015 a Ulysses S. Grant silver Presidential Peace Medal was purchased from a Walla Walla collector. In 1962 the collector’s father had purchased the silver Grant medal from a young Nez Perce man who was acting on behalf of Cornelius Talatoy, the son of Chief Tow-at-way, a nephew of the famous Nez Perce leader “Heinmot Tooyalakekt” also known as Young Joseph and then Chief Joseph after his father died in 1871. Following Chief Joseph’s death in September 1904, a huge traditional “give-away” of all of Joseph’s possessions took place in 1905. His three nephews, identified as Ollicutt, Black Eagle of Montana and Chief Tow-at-way played a prominent role in the ceremonies. According to a contemporary newspaper report the three nephews received important regalia described as “The great war bonnets and war clothing”… The identification of “Talatoy” / “Tow-at-way” / “Tawatoy” as one of Joseph’s nephews and his presence at Joseph’s “give-away” (memorial feast) in 1905 suggests that he received the medal at that event. Chief Tow-at-way died three years later in 1908. His son Cornelius Talatoy sold the medial in 1962.”
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $37,375
We are delighted to offer another vibrant work by Howard Post!
Lot 154: Howard Post (b. 1948)
Untitled: Trio of Horses at Sunset
Oil on canvas
55" x 44"
Signed lower right: H E POST (c)
Framed to: 59" x 47"
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auctions - January 23, 2016
Sold $27,225
Included in the 2016 Mesa auction are six Ortega braided pieces:
Lot 108: Luis B. Ortega Black Rawhide Presentation Reins
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $2,655
Lot 109: Luis B. Ortega Fancy Rawhide Show Reins
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $3,450
Lot 110: Luis B. Ortega Presentation Reins
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $4,130
Lot 111: Luis B. Ortega Headstall and Reins
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $5,750
Lot 112: Luis B. Ortega Presentation Reins
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $4,425
Lot 113: Luis B. Ortega Presentation Hobbles
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $1,416
Lot 281: Winchester 1866 Engraved Rifle
S/N 36049, 24” barrel, Winchester 1866 Engraved Rifle. “XX” wood and so marked on tang, deep clean flowing engraving, possibly L D Nimschke; scroll “L” on tang, original 4-piece cleaning rod in butt, originally silver washed, correct “Sporting Leaf” barrel sight, very early exposed spring “Peep Sight” and globe front sight, 1870. CONDITION: Bore has good rifling with black powder oxidation the length of the bore, harshest at muzzle; barrel and magazine retain 60% blue turning plum and thinning with scattered pin prick oxidation; brass is smooth and mellow, engraving is in excellent condition, tang sight is very rough with broken spring, front sight has pin & ball post, mechanically excellent.
Very few engravers actually marked their work, Nimschke and the Ulrichs are the most seen. In Wilson’s “Winchester Engraving” he states that Nimschke has 13 recorded signatures but does not list them all. This rifle has been in a private collection for years and is new to the market.
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $12,980
Lot 427: Collection of over 580 Bridle Rosettes
Extensive collection including celluloid, glass & metal examples. Pictorials, numbers and letters. US military, civilian, many on original cards. There are a total of over 580 rosettes for bridles, harness, spur straps, buttons, etc. 50 Celluloid, 287 glass, 233 metals, 14 glass domes, 206 are in pairs and 172 are singles. This collection would take years to put together and did. Some are very scarce and all are very decorative.
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $1,573
Lot 27: Identified Authentic Cowboy Outfit
A complete and western-used cowboy outfit, identified to William Rolston. As the accompanying photos show, he knew quality goods and wore pieces from some of the best makers. The items are all circa 1900.
The lot consists of:
a) Well-worn cowboy hat from the Philadelphia Store, Cheyenne, with studded and woven band.
b) F.A. Meanea, Cheyenne, Wyoming matching Money Belt & Holster for a 5 3/4" Single Action Colt. The double loop holster is a lined example with center rosette and muzzle plug. The matching money belt has a double row of loops. Both are in very good condition.
c) Pair of Batwing Chaps marked S. C Gallup, Pueblo, CO. Well-worn with studded edges and slotted conchos.
d) Cotton Scarf or cowboy wild rag.
e) A great unmarked pair of silver inlaid California spurs in the Larios or San Jose style. Opposing crescent moon bands with center dome, the off-side deeply chased. Double heel chains and 1 1/4" rowels. All original. Straps are rotting from the spurs.
f) His grass rope or lariat.
g) Pair of leather wrist cuffs with studded edge.
h) Original photo of Rolston wearing the outfit, circa 1904, along with several other photos of him.
i) Etching, Signed Lower Right: S. Pugsley, Titled: ROLSTONS CABIN - 48/100, Framed to 12" x 13 1/2".
Exhibited: Autry Museum of the American West
Includes file with type-written letter and other ephemera detailing biographical information about Rolston's cowboy days in Lusk, Wyoming, as well as information about pieces of the outfit, purchased mostly in Cheyenne.
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $8,625
Lot 172: Edward Borein (1872 - 1945)
Trail Drive
Watercolor
8 1/2" x 9 1/2"
Signed lower right: Edward Borein
Framed to 17 1/4" x 17 3/8"
Exhibitions: “Ed Borein: The Real Thing,” Bradford Brinton Memorial Museum, 5/15/1992-9/7/1992, pictured on the front of the catalog (included).
“Edward Borein: The Update, The Watercolors and Drawings,” Harold Davidson, Santa Barbara 1991, pictured page 161.
“Edward Borein: On the Range,” Nevada Museum of Art, 12/10/1999-2/6/2000, listed on page 56.
Coloring the West: Watercolors and Oils by Edward Borein,” Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 10/25/2007-2/17/2008, pictured page 30.
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $51,750
Lot 183: Ernesto Icaza (1866 - 1935)
Escena del Campo
Oil on canvas
13 1/2" x 23"
Signed lower right: E. Icaza
Framed to 17" x 26 3/4"
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
Sold $12,980
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
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.
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
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.
Lots 127 - 136: The Harry Brown Baker (1868-1941) Studio Collection
Brian Lebel's High Noon Auction - January 23, 2016
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.
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
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
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
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
Lot 96
Howard Post (b. 1948)
Untitled, Cows in Landscape
30” x 30” Oil on Canvas
Signed lower left: H E POST ©
Framed to 37 ½” x 37 ½”
Brian Lebel's Old West Auction, June 6th, 2015.
SOLD $10,620
