 PHOENIX, Ariz. - On Feb. 7-8 the Phoenix Convention Center became the site for an event unlike any in the world - the 19th annual High Noon Western Americana Show and Auction. Those passionate about the American West shopped from more than 150 exhibitors whose offerings spanned 300 years of history from the finest leatherwork, fine art, jewelry, clothing and cowboy and Western accoutrement. Sales were reported as higher than expected, which pleased many of the exhibitors and a sense of esprit de corps permeated the weekend. Others were just happy to see old friends and buy or trade for something special.
On Saturday evening, more than 700 bidders were ready in the saleroom with more registered online, by phone and absentee to bid on the 350-plus lots offered in the High Noon Western Americana Auction. At the end of the evening auction sales totaled more than $1.4 million. In these trying economic times, the auction revealed that "people are still spending money," said Linda Kohn, co-owner of High Noon. "Money was flowing, though perhaps not pouring, and there were still some showstoppers at the auction." All prices reflect a 15 percent buyer's premium.
The highlight of the sale was lot 171, the Edward H. Bohlin Diamond Cluster Supreme Saddle. Auctioneer Troy Black opened the bidding at $50,000. Paddles flew up and phone lines were buzzing as the bidding war waged until the saddle sold for $89,125. Shortly after, lot 179, an important Marcus Stern, San Jose, three-quarter seat California saddle, sold for $34,500.
Several pairs of spurs did particularly well. Lot 253, Jack Mitchell's personal Edward H. Bohlin RV parade spurs, sold for well above the high estimate at $31,625, as did lot 302, a pair of John Cox, Canon City, Colo., penitentiary spurs. Estimated to sell for as much as $16,000, these spurs went for $19,550. Other highlights in the Cowboy, Western and Charro category were a set of Luis B. Ortega Rawhide Santa Ynez reins, which brought $21,850 and the Tom Qualey ring bit on Ray Holes' bridle, which sold for over estimate at $20,125.
Fine Western art performed well with Cattle Drive by Edward Borein topping this category. Bidding opened on the beautiful signed watercolor at $15,000 and quickly escalated to its final sale price of $25,300. His White Horse by Olaf Weighorst sold for high estimate at $19,500 as did Northern Plains Warriors by O.C. Seltzer, which brought $16,675.
High Noon is widely known each year for its extensive selection of Hollywood Cowboy memorabilia and this year was no exception. Montie Montana took center stage with his Bohlin gun rig, leaving its high estimate in the dust. The bidding on this lot opened at $7,500 and a battle ensued until it finally sold for $22,425. Lot 258, the Montie Montana American flag shirt also for $3,450. Rounding out this category was John Wayne's Western costume suede coat, which brought $4,600.
Overall, the American Indian category was solid, indicating collectors are still willing to spend money on the amazing artistry and legacy of these works. Topping this category was an early Navajo Hubbell blanket, which sold for $11,500, matched moments later by a stunning pair of Cree pictorial beaded gauntlets for the same amount.
For High Noon's 20th anniversary of its Western Americana Show and Auction, the event will return to its roots at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31, 2010.
A number of important consignments are already in for next year's auction. Keep watch at www.highnoon.com or phone (310) 202-9010 for more information.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
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