Gouache by C.M. Russell, $63,250.

Large Germantown weaving, $8,250.

GREAT FALLS, MONT. – Manitou Galleries of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Santa Fe, N.M., held its 15th Annual Auction and Dealer Show on March 14, 15, and 16. Gross sales exceeded the highest previous gross for this auction by over $150,000.

Highlights of the sale included a fine 10 ½ – by 18-inch gouache by C.M. Russell that sold for $63,250, a 20- by 30-inch oil by O.C. Seltzer that sold for $50,600, and a Bill Gollings oil, 24 by 20 inches, which sold for $12,100. A collection of Leo Beauleaurier oil paintings sold well with the top lot bringing $6,050.

Native American artifacts, particularly Navajo weavings, sold well. A large Germantown weaving made $8,250, a Sioux dress sold for $4,400, and transitional weavings sold for $4,000 to $5,000. A pair of Sioux ceremonial moccasins sold for $3,200.

A collection of paintings by early members of the Cowboy Artists of America did well. A 30- by 40-inch “Shorty” Shope made $6,600, a 24- by 36-inch John Hampten sold for $7,150 and a large 30- by 40-inch Fred Harman was hammered down at $5,500.

Only a few add-on lots were accepted for this sale but an early James Bama illustration for Zane Grey’s Kiowa Trail sold for $5,500.

Harold Von Schmidt was represented in the sale with a 30- by 50-inch oil selling for $4,950.

Roy Kerswill of Polson Montana sold three oils – the largest was 40 by 60 inches and sold for $7,700.

The auction market in Montana is strong. The 16th annual auction will also be held in March of 2003 in Great Falls.

Dealers noted excellent sales, and many were successful in adding inventory from purchases made during the weekend show.