White Bull's Historic Lakota Storybook Charged to $270,600 at Morphy's $1.9M Old West Auction

Other noteworthy highlights: spectacular 1930s Bohlin silver and gold parade saddle, $233,700; Henry Model 1860 rifle with Rideout provenance, $41,820; massive Qualey Bros. silver spurs, $29,520

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Morphy's January 24 auction of Western and Native American art, relics and memorabilia held at the Westgate Casino & Resort in Las Vegas drew an engaged roomful of bidders, each intent on claiming a piece of authentic cowboy history. In the end, the annual specialty event rounded up a robust $1.9 million, with top-lot honors going to a unique and historically important book documenting Lakota Sioux tribal history.

Created and maintained by Chief Sitting Bull's nephew White Bull (1849-1947), the 162-page historical ledger and storybook was specifically intended to document Indian battles in the West. Consisting of 120 narrative pages, 33 illustrated color pages, and 28 additional pages that were either blank or faced drawings, the ledger was both visual and informative. "What made it especially unique was that it was a personal and original biographical account of battles, coups, combats and even included winter population counts of the Sioux," said Dan Morphy, president of Morphy Auctions. "White Bull claimed to have killed General Custer – which may or may not have been true – but the book does record what appears to be his fight with Custer, in addition to many other battles in which he was personally involved."

Mike Cowdrey, a respected author of books on Native American topics, observed that, in terms of Lakota historiography, White Bull's ledger/storybook is "comparable in importance to the diaries of Thomas Jefferson – a unique and irreplaceable resource." Its importance did not go unnoticed. It was bid to $270,600, more than twice its high estimate.

A sensational showpiece, an Edward H. Bohlin sterling silver and gold parade saddle in 100% original condition had been custom-made in the late 1930s for a noted equestrienne, Louise Cottam of Santa Barbara, California. Ms Cottam chose the saddle for her appearances at numerous horse shows, parades and other events. Morphy's catalog stated that its design was actually a slight variation on the Machris model, which Bohlin debuted in their 1937 catalog. The saddle was also featured in James Nottage's reference book Saddlemaker to the Stars. Together with a matching bridle, second breast collar, and saddle set, and with provenance from the George Pitman collection, it sold for $233,700 against an estimate of $100,000-$150,000.

Steeped in Old West lore, a Henry Model 1860 lever-action rifle was identified through its serial number as having been from a 90-gun shipment sent to Ft Knox, Maine, in 1864. It was actually stamped with the name of its New England destination, where it was issued to Lt Ezra Rideout of the 15th Maine. In 1869, Ezra gifted the rifle to his brother, Jacob Rideout, a traveling preacher whose documented Kansas acquaintances included Wild Bill Hickok, John Wesley Hardin, the infamous sheriff William "Buffalo Bully" Brooks, and quite likely the Earp brothers. Engraved Jacob Rideout / Contention Arizona Ter., the fabled longarm is shown in two classic reference books: Wiley Sword's The Historic Henry Rifle, and George Madis' The Winchester Book. At auction, it landed above its high estimate, at $41,820.

Another item with Western celebrity status was an inscribed sword-stick cane presented to Buffalo Bill Cody on his 45th birthday in 1891 by his business partner Nate Salsbury. Its silver-plated handle was engraved with images from Cody's life and topped with a color inset image on ivory of Buffalo Bill wearing a suit and Stetson hat. Bearing silver hallmarks for the year 1891 and the maker's name "George Fox of London," the one-of-a-kind memento sold for $15,600 against an estimate of $7,000-$10,000.

Collectors of silver spurs had ample choice with a 55-lot selection that showcased many of the greatest names in Western silverwork. A pair of massive Qualey Bros double-mounted shield and dome-mounted sterling silver spurs sold just below their high estimate, for $29,520.

To discuss consigning a collection or individual item, call Dan Morphy tollfree at 877-968-8880 or email [email protected]. There is never an obligation to consign, and all enquiries are kept strictly confidential. Visit Morphy's online at www.morphyauctions.com.

Media Contact:
Dan Morphy
877-968-8880
[email protected] 

SOURCE Morphy Auctions