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Old West Events Realizes $2 Million at January Sale
MESA, AZ – The 31st annual Mesa Old West Auction exceeded high sold to floor bidders. Another important collection to cross the block
estimates at the January 23rd live sale, with John Wayne featured in was the Roger Wilmot Collection of bits and spurs, which included a
two of the top ten lots. Wayne’s True Grit and Rooster Cogburn 1892 rare Goldberg, Staunton Saddlery Co. bit that brought $22,400
Winchester Saddle Ring (estimate $10,000-$15,000) to a busy floor bidder.
Carbine realized $88,500 on Fine art also sold well, with an Edward Borein pen and ink
the telephone (estimate bringing $18,880 (estimate $8,000-$12,000), and a diminutive
$65,000-$75,000) as the top 5x7 inch Marjorie Reed (left) realizing $4,840 (estimate $600-
lot of the weekend. The $800). Other impressive sellers of the night included Steve
McQueen’s film-used Smith & Wesson at $26,550 to the floor
Duke’s iconic hat from Cahill
U.S. Marshall brought almost (estimate $10,000-$14,000), and Ronald Reagan’s Bohlin
ten times its low estimate of saddle (below) which sold on the phone for $41,300 (estimate
$3,000, selling for $29,500 $7,000-$9,000).
to a phone bidder. The auc- Brian Lebel, Old West Auction owner, was of course very
tion saw a 41% increase in pleased with the sale. “Like everyone else, I had no idea what to
total registered bidders and expect. I knew we had a really quality auction with a lot of amaz-
realized an impressive 97.4% ing material, and I was hopeful with
sell-through rate. The live the increase in registered bidders,
auction was limited to 100 but it’s been a hard year to predict
attendees, with masks and things.” Lebel is excited by the over-
social distancing enforced. Despite the limited audience, bidding was all turnout and looking forward to
fast and furious between those floor bidders against the phones and the the next auction. “How can those of
internet, with many lots selling above estimate for a total of over $1.9 us in the western collecting commu-
million. The accompanying online-only sale realized a 100% sell- nity not be encouraged? Prices were
through rate and pushed total sales for the weekend to over $2 million. high and people were excited; it’s
Other highlights of the evening included lots from the Buzz Nyhart what we hope for every year.”
Montana Territory Collection, which featured artifacts and firearms Lebel’s next auction is the 31st
from the founding of the Territory, with an emphasis on the Montana annual Cody Old West Show &
Vigilantes. The 2nd and 3rd top lots of the night were both from the Auction, June 25-27, 2021 in Santa
Nyhart Collection, a rare Sharps Creedmoor rifle with history to Fe, NM. For information on this
Granville Stuart that sold for $53,100 (estimate $30,000-$35,000), and other auction results, or to con-
and a Colt Model 1860 Army with vigilante history that brought over sign, visit www.oldwestevents.com
seven times its low estimate at $44,250 (estimate $6,000-$8,000). Both or call 480-779-9378.
Fairhill Auction
Historical Militaria, Relics and Autographs
Specialists in German WWII Ephemera
Always Accepting Consignments • Free Auction Appraisals
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www.fairhillauction.com
Facebook.com/FairhillAuction • bid@fairhillauction.com
PO Box 85, Elk Mills, MD 21920 • 443-222-8240
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