The Old West is the star of Morphy Auction’s annual Santa Fe Old West & Native American Art Show & Auction, which offers almost anything related to the history of the American West. The show returns to Santa Fe, New Mexico, on June 20 and 21.
“We have a great collection of auction material and art dealers for the show,” says Cheryl Goyda, the show’s manager. “It’s always fun to put on a show like this in such a great place like Santa Fe.”
Scott Rogers, Kewa Corn Maiden, bronze, 27 in. Estimate: $2,500/5,000. Frederic Remington (1861-1909), The Rattlesnake, case in 1,000 ounces of silver, 17 x 11 x 23 in. Estimate: $60/90,000
The event frequently features Western fine art, but also Native American art in nearly every category, collectible cowboy gear (bits, spurs and saddles), historic firearms and even historic clothing items such as hats and boots. Additionally, there is often a variety of strange oddities; in the past, the show has offered saloon doors, spittoons, 19th-century whiskey bottles, poker chips and much more. If it’s related to the Old West, it’s likely on display at one of the booths. Objects can be purchased in two formats: a 450-lot live auction on June 20, and then also a 100-booth dealer show, where experts from all around the art world offer materials related to the West. “Being able to speak to these important dealers and to learn from them has always been a highlight of this show,” says Kim Martindale, who is a consultant for the event. “Education is very important to our collectors, and also our dealers and experts.”
Will James (1892-1942), Untitled drawing, mixed media, 20 ½ x 16 ½ in. Estimate: $8/12,000
For the sale component, which will start at 5 p.m. on June 20, highlights include two untitled Will James drawings that will be offered with estimates of $8,000 to $12,000, and $3,000 to $5,000. Martindale points to the recent $990,000 Will James record set at the recent Scottsdale Art Auction, and notes that Will James is being looked at differently by collectors. “After Scottsdale, we think these little pieces are going to do quite well,” he says.
The sale will also include materials related to artist Fred Harman, including the painting Spring Water, estimated at $1,500 to $2,000. “Fred Harman was famous for drawing the Red Ryder and Little Beavercomic strips,” Martindale says. “We have a very nice collection of his materials, including a sketchbook that I know I would love to have.” Other Harman material includes early comic artwork and sketchboards.
Jesse James-owned Manhattan Firearms Navy Single-Action Percussion Revolver, reportedly used during a 1868 bank robbery in Russellville, Kentucky. Estimate: $100/150,000
Another collection of material comes from the estate of Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame star Harley May. Objects include saddles and accompanying gear used by May, as well as replica rigs and attire used by Gunspinning Hall of Famer Frank Calabrese.
One of the more unique lots is a silver cast of Frederic Remington’s The Rattlesnake. The rare casting, made with 1,000 ounces of silver, was authorized by the Frederic Remington Art Museum and cast from the original work. Only 100 were cast. It is estimated at $60,000 to $90,000.
Hamley & Co. black wooly chaps, 37 in. Estimate: $4/6,000. Howard Post, The Corner Corral, oil on canvas board, 14 x 11 in. Estimate: $3/5,000
Other artists represented in the sale include Howard Post, Scott Rogers and woodcarvings by Andy Anderson. Native American artists with works in the sale are Maria Martinez and Popovi Da, Russell Sanchez, Tammy Garcia, Harrison Begay, Allan Houser, John Nieto and many others, as well as pottery, weavings and carvings.
Fred Harman (1902-1982), Spring Water, oil on canvas, 18 x 24 in. Estimate: $1,500/2,000
What may be the most historic item in the sale is an important Manhattan Firearms Navy single-action revolver used by the infamous outlaw and prominent Western figure Jesse James. The gun was reportedly used in a bank robbery committed by James and outlaw Cole Younger in Russellville, Kentucky, in 1868. The revolver comes with provenance information that shows how it was acquired and passed down through the family. The estimate on the gun is set at $100,000 to $150,000.
1930s Nolte-Olsen San Francisco Silver Parade Saddle, 51 in. Estimate: $40/60,000
For the dealer show, Martindale says he expects to have around 100 dealers and vendors offering all kinds of materials related to the Old West, Southwest and Wild West. The dealer show runs June 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on June 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is also a five-hour opening event starting at noon on June 19 for ticketed early buyers only. The auction and the dealer show will both take place at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center in downtown Santa Fe. —
Santa Fe Old West & Native American Art Show & Auction
June 20-21, 2026
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
201 W. Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(877) 968-8880
www.oldwestevents.com
Powered by Froala Editor
