THE 19TH ANNUAL HIGH NOON WESTERN AMERICANA WEEKEND SPECTACULAR WAS A SOLID SUCCESS Phoenix, AZ – On Saturday and Sunday, February 7th & 8th, 2009, the Phoenix Convention Center became the site for an event unlike any in the world — the 19th Annual High Noon Western Americana Show an
News-Antique.com - Feb 22,2009 - THE 19TH ANNUAL HIGH NOON WESTERN AMERICANA WEEKEND SPECTACULAR WAS A SOLID SUCCESS
Phoenix, AZ – On Saturday and Sunday, February 7th & 8th, 2009, 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. Over the course of two days those passionate about the American West converged on the Convention Center to shop from over 150 exhibitors whose offerings spanned 300 years of history from the finest leatherworks, fine art, jewelry, clothing and cowboy and western accoutrement. Sales were higher than expected in these uncertain times which pleased many of the exhibitors and a definite sense of esprit de corps permeated the weekend. Others were just happy to see old friends and buy or trade for something new.
On Saturday evening, over 700 bidders were paddle-ready in the saleroom with more registered online, by phone and absentee to bid on the 350 plus lots offered in the spectacular High Noon Western Americana Auction. At the end of the evening, over $1.4 million was earned. 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 show stoppers at the auction.” (Note: all prices stated here reflect 15% buyers premium)
The highlight of the sale, as anticipated, 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 bidder 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 strong at $34,500.
Several pair of spurs did particularly well. Lot 253, Jack Mitchell’s personal Edward H. Bohlin RV Parade spurs sold for well over high estimate at $31,625 (estimate $20K) as did Lot 302, a pair of John Cox Canon City Colorado penitentiary spurs. Estimated to sell for $16K on the high side, 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 (Lot 324) which brought $21,850 and the Tom Qualey Ring Bit on Ray Holes’ Bridle (Lot 262) 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 $15K 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 OC Seltzer which brought $16,675.
High Noon is well known each year for its wonderful selection of Hollywood Cowboy memorabilia and this year was no exception. Montie Montana took center stage this year with his Bohlin Gun Rig (Lot 259) leaving its high estimate in the dust. The bidding on this lot opened at $7,500 and a battle
