Manitou Galleries of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Santa Fe recently conducted its third annual “Auction In Santa Fe.” The three-day sale was well attended and sales were brisk. This auction offered not only fine Western and Southwestern collectible art, but a wide array of cowboy and Native American collectibles. Nearly 900 lots were sold over the course of the three days, and strong telephone, absentee and Internet bidding kept the auction spirited on all three days.
Day one was heavy in cowboy and Western collectibles. Offerings from a longstanding business in Santa Fe, Relics Of The Old West Trading Post, which had recently closed its doors, included spurs, saddles, Mexican collectibles, trophy animal mounts and religious items. Religious items from a West Texas chapel were also well received. Edward H. Bohlin buckle sets and two sets of Bohlin spurs sold on the first day. A Ligne watch modified by Bohlin fetched $9,775 and an 1875 Remington pistol with original holster right off a Wyoming ranch brought $5,750.
Antique firearms had strong interest from buyers who attended the sale. Day one also featured a William S. Hart (1864–1946) collection assembled by a Texas collector. Hart’s fine Miles City silver-mounted saddle sold for $13,800, while his matching chaps brought $9,200. One of Hart’s single-action Colt revolvers used in the movies was bid up to $8,625.
Day two featured a collection of antique and collectible Navajo weavings. More than 90 pieces, from wearing blankets and Germantowns to huge floor rugs, were offered and eagerly bid upon by buyers from all over the United States. A 68-by-133-inch Teec Nos Pos weaving fetched $8,913, and a particularly beautiful Crystal area rug measuring 6 by 10 feet realized $6,325. The largest weaving of the sale was a pristine 9-by-14-foot floor rug that sold for $5,750. A collection of weavings from the Two Grey Hills area also did well. Beadwork and a pottery collection from Albuquerque, N.M., were also offered the second day with fine results. Antique and collectible pottery did well, selling in the $2,000–$5,000 range.
C.M. Russell’s (1864–1926) 30-by-17-inch oil on silk sold for $103,500, while a Bill Gollings (1878–1932) 30-by-24-inch oil sold for $74,750. Of particular note were two Birger Sandzen (1871–1954) paintings being hammered down in the $30,000–$35,000 range.
Day three offered 300 lots and also featured a number of fine Native American beaded items, paintings and cowboy collectibles. A Marjorie Reed (1915–1997) 24-by-48-inch oil fetched $9,200, and a pair of 1880s Comanche moccasins brought $6,900. Will James (1892–1942) material was very strong, with one drawing selling for $8,625 and a Fort Berthold Assiniboin quilled warshirt in near new condition sold for well over $37,000.
The overall highlight of the auction was the sale of a fine Yokuts bottleneck basket with three-color human designs and quail top knots. Discovered in the basement of a Great Falls, Mont., home in March 2006, the basket sold for $34,500.
Prices reported include buyer’s premium. The 2007 Auction in Santa Fe will be conducted in August. For more information, 307-635-0019 or email nelsonwy@aol.com
