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Morphy’s and Brian Lebel’s Old West Events

Lasso Big $2.2M result with Las Vegas Auction

LAS VEGAS – America’s neon mecca, Las Vegas, has no shortage of McGary achieved his goal with
attractions, and the latest to see its name “in lights” was Morphy’s the polychrome bronze titled
January 26 auction held in association with Brian Lebel’s Old West Last Stand Hill. It depicts three
Events. The 473-lot auction of Western relics and memorabilia held at braves on galloping horses, as
the Westgate Casino & Resort drew a spirited roomful of bidders, each though charging into battle.
keen to claim a piece of cowboy history. In the end, Morphy’s closed Artist-signed and numbered
the books at a resounding $2.2 million. 16/40, the artwork sold for an
The auction was part of a potent tripleheader, sharing the bill over above-estimate price of $28,160.
a two-day period with the Las Vegas Antique Arms Show and Brian Antique advertising with a
Lebel’s 34th Old West Show. Western theme is always in demand
Morphy’s co-founder, president and presiding auctioneer Dan with collectors. A prized entry, with
Morphy said, “The feedback we received throughout our time in Las provenance from the renowned Dick
Vegas was very positive. While the two shows were taking place, we Burdick collection, was the very rare circa
accepted consignments valued at well over a million dollars. Some of 1910 Colt Firearms lithograph (variation No.
those items are unbelievably rare and important and will be highlight- 2) depicting the “Colt Cowgirl.” At its lower left, the artwork reads
ing our future firearms and Western sales.” Colt’s Patent Fire Arms M’F’G Co. The 19-inch by 30-inch (sight)
Edward H Bohlin (1895-1980) was the king of Western saddlemak- litho printed by WF Powers Co sold for $20,400 against an estimate of
ing and silver artistry. Creations by the company he founded dominated $7,000-$9,000.
the auction’s top 10. The priciest item was Bohlin’s own silver-mounted To no one’s surprise, a farrier’s 19th century trade sign with exception-
with gold repousse gun belt, which he designed and built alongside pre- al eye appeal attracted 31 bids before changing hands. A molded-zinc liv-
mier Bohlin artists for his personal use. It was an integral part of Bohlin’s ery horsehead with blacksmith-made hook attachments for the suspension
celebrated “Big Saddle” equestrian parade ensemble, which took 14 of a wood-and-iron horseshoe-shape sign bearing the message “Horse
years to complete. “It is an undisputed masterpiece,” Morphy observed. Shoeing.” Estimated at $5,000-$7,000, it raced to a final bid of $15,990.
Estimated at $200,000-$250,000, the unique double-holster gun rig Consignments are now being accepted for the next Western auction
attracted 17 bids before settling at $307,500 (all prices quoted include produced by Morphy’s in association with Brian Lebel. The auction
buyers premium). Its new owner is a private collector from Texas. will take place on June 22, 2024 in Santa Fe, NM, during Brian
As the auction progressed, the Bohlin treasures continued to charm Lebel’s Old West Events Show (June 21-23). To discuss consigning a
bidders, especially the child’s pony-size silvered parade saddle with collection or individual item, call Dan Morphy tollfree at 877-968-
matching bridle, bit, breast collar, and original black-and-white wool 8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. There is never an obligation
corona. It was one of only two pony-size parade saddles Bohlin offered to consign, and all enquiries are kept strictly confidential.
in its catalogs from 1927 through the 1960s. Against an estimate of Visit Morphy’s online at www.morphyauctions.com.
$30,000-$40,000, the auction example realized $79,950.
There was tremendous interest in a pair of McCabe silver and gold-
repousse parade chaps formerly owned and exhibited by legendary film
and TV cowboy Roy Rogers. The chaps came from a complete parade sad-
dle ensemble originally commissioned in 1931 for wealthy horsewoman
H.L. Musick and her champion horse, Diamond. After many Rose Bowl
appearances, the ensemble was acquired by Rogers for use in photos and
at promotional appearances. The chaps commanded a winning bid of
$184,500 against an estimate of $70,000-$90,000.
Several very fine prison-made horsehair hitched bridles—most of
them “published”—came from such institutions as Deer Lodge,
Florence, Oregon State, Wyoming, Yuma, and Walla Walla. A horse-
hair bridle made at Yuma Territorial Prison, executed in pink, yellow,
black, and red with Yuma hitched high-dome, star-patterned conchos,
sold for $22,140 against an estimate of $12,000-$15,000.
Sculptor Dave McGary (Arizona, 1958-2013) once said that he
wanted to be remembered for “having documented, with respect, the
culture of Native American people.” There is no argument that

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