Lebel has been dealing in this material for more than three decades, and he never gets tired of seeing what will show up next in one of his sales. “Our whole thing is expanding what people come to think of as art. Are paintings and bronzes? Yes, certainly. What about the other items, like engraved rifles, classic cowboy spurs, parade saddles? Yes, without a doubt,” Lebel says. “That’s why our shows are so much fun…you never know what you’ll see.”

Apsáalooke (Crow) Pictorial Beaded Scout Jacket, 21 x 28" Estimate: $8/12,000

This year’s event, once again split by a dealer show with vendor booths and a live auction, is expected to bring out top collectors in a hot market. “The market is strong. The response we received from our last show in Las Vegas showed that to us. We had lots of bidders on the phones, and even more online. There is an excitement for this material,” Lebel says. “I’ve also been watching the art business, including other sales, and I’m seeing a lot of strength in the market. In this business we hear about the aging collectors a lot, but luckily we’re also seeing a lot of interest from younger people who are registering for the sales, showing up at events and asking questions.”

Germantown Blanket, 80 x 44" Estimate: $3/4,000

The show and sale, presented by Lebel’s Old West Events and Morphy Auctions, is expected to have dozens of dealer booths and more than 450 auction lots across many categories.

Among the Native American offerings are a Southern Plains bow case and quiver (est. $15/20,000), an Apsáalooke (Crow) pictorial beaded scout jacket (est. $8/12,000) and a Northern Plains beaded knife sheath (est. $2,500/4,000). 

Northern Plains Beaded Knife Sheath, 5 x 13½" Estimate: $2,500/4,000

While many of his shows do have prominent cowboy and Western focuses, Lebel adds that the Native American material is always high quality and often has exceptionally well-researched provenance, which is important in sales with objects that date back into the 1800s. “We have a great collection of items, but our weavings are really special this year, especially this really beautiful Germantown blanket that measures 44 by 80 inches,” Lebel says. “We are seeing interest in this weaving and it should only grow as the auction gets closer.” The weaving is estimated at $3,000 to $4,000. 

Abraham Begay (Navajo (Diné)), silver and coral bracelet, 2½ x 1¾ x 2" Estimate: $1,200/1,600

The sale will have several works by named artists, including Abraham Begay’s sterling silver and coral bracelet (est. $1,200/1,600) and Tammy Garcia’s polychrome bronze Roadrunner (est. $1,500/2,500).

Northern Plains Quilled Bridle, 7 x 5 x 18" Estimate: $2,500/3,500

Lebel also notes that his Santa Fe shows almost always do well because of the city itself. “Collectors love to come to Santa Fe simply because there is so much to do, and everything is so walkable down by the convention center and near the Santa Fe Plaza,” he says. “And even though there is a lot of art in Santa Fe already, there isn’t a lot of art like what we’re bringing, which makes it fun for us to show to our old and new collectors.”

Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo), Roadrunner, polychrome bronze, 10¼ x 5½ x 21/8" Estimate: $1,500/2,500

The event opens with a special VIP opening on June 21, and then the show opens to the public on June 22 and 23, both days opening at 9 a.m. at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. The auction will take place on June 22 starting at 5 p.m. 

June 21-23, 2024
Brian Lebel’s 34th Annual Santa Fe Old West Show & Auction
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(877) 968-8880, www.oldwestevents.com

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