High Noon had designated this year’s event a celebration of the America Indian, bringing to the block one of the most important collections of American Indian offerings to ever come to market. Prices realized on this collection validated the fact that the culture, spirit and art of these nations are highly valued worldwide. (Prices indicated here reflect 15 percent buyer’s premium.)
As soon as High Noon co-owner Linda Kohn Sherwood gave her traditional welcoming speech auctioneer Troy Black went to work. The tone of the sale was established early when lot no. 3, a pair of fabulous Star Spangles Banner boots by the Hyer Boot Co. sold for $12,650, almost four times over their high estimate of $4,000. It happened again just a few lots later when a turn-of-the-century salesman’s sample windmill by the Woodmanse Manufacturing Co. of Freeport, Ill., earned $9,775 against its high estimate of $3,500.
Several important bronzes were offered at this sale and all earned impressive results. Lot no. 62, a bronze on wood base entitled Turning the Leaders by John Hampton was estimated to sell for $6,000 to $9,000 but sold for $12,650. This was followed by $13,800 achieved on lot no. 64, a bronze on marble base by Harry Jackson entitled Two Champs II, which was estimated at $5,000 to $7,000.
Horse accoutrements performed equally strong. Lot no. 10, a G.S. Garcia eagle bit sold for $8,050 (estimate $3,000 to $5,000) and a pair of C.P. Shipley spurs, lot no. 126, expected to earn $10,000 on the high side went for $12,650. As expected, Bohlin items performed well. Lot no. 153, a Bohlin Taxin Model silver and gold parade saddle brought $63,250, surpassing its $40,000 to $60,000 estimate.
Starting off the American Indian category was a circa 1870 Blackfeet tomahawk and beaded drop, lot no. 135. Expected to achieve $20,000 on the high side, this lot earned $37,950 after heated bidding from the floor and phones. Immediately following, lot no. 136, a Sioux pictorial beaded vest sold for $14,950 against its estimate of $7,000 to $9,000 and lot no. 138, a circa 1860 Plateau Pony beaded shirt sold for solidly within estimate for $74,750. A charming Kiowa beaded model cradle, lot no. 273, circa 1880, achieved $18,400, well over its high estimate of $12,000.
The name Edward Borein always draws competitive bidding, and this year particular excitement was seen on his ornate Charro jacket and vest, lot 196. Acquired and personally worn by Borein, this ensemble was estimated at $5,000 to $10,000, but sold for over twice its high estimate going for $21,850.
Turning to the Western fine art category, the room stood in applause as the hammer dropped on lot no. 230. It was Wild Horses, a signed oil on board by Will James, that brought the highest price of the evening. Bidding on this work opened at $50,000 and quickly escalated into a bidding war that drove the price to $149,500.
In Linda Kohn Sherwood’s opening speech, she teased the crowd that “tonight, the true Rooster Cogburn” would be revealed. Was it John Wayne or Jeff Bridges? Well, that question might not have been answered, but it was fun watching the crowd bid furiously on the vest, shirt and scarf worn by John Wayne in the 1969 Paramount production of True Grit. Selling for $21,850, we’ll have to wait until Jeff Bridges’ ensemble comes to auction to see who is the “real Rooster Cogburn.”
The entire weekend was a celebration of our Western Americana heritage. Thousands of shoppers filled the Mesa Convention Center for two-days to buy from over 100 of the country’s finest dealers in Western Americana antiques and contemporary works. Across the board, vendors at the show reported strong sales on both mid- to high-priced items.
For more information about High Noon’s 2011Western Americana Weekend Event, visit www.highnoon.com or call the offices of High Noon at (310) 202-9010.
Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
