Through his photos, award winning photographer Myron Beck (Los Angeles, CA) inspires us to dream and embrace the beauty that surrounds us in the people we see, the environments in which we thrive and the diverse cultures that enrich our lives.

www.myronbeck.com
 

An Exciting Weekend
at the Brian Lebel's Denver Old West Show and Auction

Denver, CO - Even as dealers were moving in two weeks ago, there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air. Spirits were high, hugs were had and everyone seemed to be genuinely looking forward to the weekend ahead.

The show was beautiful - a virtual museum of the finest historic, antique and new Western-inspired creations from master artisans. The auction saleroom was buzzing with activity as visitors lined up to have their photo taken in Roy Rogers fabulous car with Dusty Rogers at their side. The entire event was fabulous and fruitful on all levels. Denver, and the rest of the country came out to buy from and bid on the best. They came by car, train and yes, private jets. Very cool indeed.

This year's Old West Auction proved that the public still loves Roy and Dale; the Western art and collectibles market continues to improve; and great items will always do well.

The 381 lot auction, which included items from the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum, did $1.5 million in total sales, more than the previous year's auction of over 500 lots. The top lot was Roy Rogers' first gun rig, a Gilmore with Colt single actions, which brought $103,500, well-above the $30-40,000 estimate. The matching spurs sold for $20,700. Roy's ornate Nudie's rig and matching spurs sold for $97,750 and $18,400 respectively. The famous Clark Gable Model 12 Winchester brought $71,300. Museum pieces "with a personal direct connection to Roy" did the best, says Brian Lebel. "The sale showed the important role that Roy and Dale played in the lives of many people."

At the end of an amazing weekend Brian Lebel felt the market is strong overall. "There is an excitement in the collecting field right now; collectors feel it is a good time to buy." The accompanying three-day Old West Show supported his theory. "Dealers that brought rare, fresh and unusual items did very well, and total sales of six figures were not uncommon." Contemporary spurs, bits and saddles did well at both the Show and Auction, indicating the buying public's continued appreciation for high quality, contemporary artisans. Some things, according to Lebel, "are just too important to pass up."

This was the Old West Show & Auction's second year in Denver after 19 years in Cody. The new city seems happy to welcome Lebel's event. An invitation-only party was held atop Lookout Mountain at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave in Golden, CO, where guests enjoyed a barbecue dinner and drinks at sunset. (People are still talking about the buffalo ribs!) The public was welcome to a Friday night art-walk and cocktail party hosted by local galleries on Wazee Street in Denver's LoDo arts district. Thousands attended the combined events. Lebel says, "Even in today's volatile economy, people from all over the world participated and were glad they did." Details, more information and complete auction results are available at www.denveroldwest.com


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Oh Yea
Eric's new guitar has "got us on our knees"

Eric Clapton that is...yes, the icon of blues and rock is sporting a new guitar cover and we couldn't be more proud that the craftsmen behind this are part of our High Noon family.

Clapton got wind of the masterpiece leather guitar cover which Al Shelton and Chuck Smith created for the Martin Guitar Museum in Nazareth, PA. Clapton, who has routinely used Martin Guitars throughout his career, contacted Martin's Artistic Relations Director, Dick Boak, wanting to know how he could purchase a leather cover of Shelton & Smith's design and craftsmanship for his signature 000-28EC acoustic guitar. The man behind the beauty, Chuck Smith, master leather carver and designer couldn't have been more excited. He sent samples of a design he thought Clapton would like and, in short order, Eric's blessing and a down payment was received. Over the next few months, Chuck went on to create the "one of a kind" tooled leather guitar cover using his signature asymmetrical floral design and the highest quality leather possible. Clapton's signature is embossed on the top and the back features a stained ostrich-skin panel. As the final touch, Chuck incorporated engraved silver plates for both support and beauty, which were created by none other than SilverKing USA.

Congratulations from all of us at High Noon on this spectacular and exciting project. And, just a side note to Mr. Clapton from those of us who embrace the mastery of Western craftsmen - it's all in the way that you use it...


Photos show:
The impeccable work of Chuck Smith for Eric Clapton's Guitar cover, with Eric Clapton's signature embossed on the front;
Lana, Chuck & Guitar: Chuck and wife Lana Smith with Eric Clapton's Guitar;
Sterling silver supports and work by SilverKing USA

A Legacy Lives On...

KING OF THE COWBOYS AND QUEEN OF THE WEST
PROPERTY FROM THE ROY ROGERS AND DALE EVANS MUSEUM
TO BE OFFERED AT CHRISTIE'S

July 14-15, 2010

New York - High Noon announces the final sale featuring the remarkable collection from the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum on July 14 and 15 in association with Christie's. The auction, with no reserves, will include over 300 iconic lots from suits by Nudie the Tailor, saddles, personal photos, awards, the famous Nellybelle jeep from the 1950s TV Show, to arguably, the most famous horse of all time, Trigger. This historic sale will pay tribute to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans who will always remain renowned for their wholesome and caring treatment of their family, friends, and fans.

Auction: Property from the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum July 14-15
Viewing: Christie's Rockefeller Galleries July 9- July 14

Highlights from the sale include:

TRIGGER (1934-1965)
Entertaining the masses so thoroughly for over two decades, Roy Rogers and Trigger were one of America's most recognizable duos, becoming instant classics in people's eyes, hearts and imaginations. Trigger also reached legendary status in his own right, and is undeniably one of the most memorable horses that ever lived.
Estimate: $100,000-200,000

ROY'S BONNEVILLE
Beginning with a stock 1964 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible, Nudie removed all traces of the original interior material and carpeting, replacing it with exquisitely hand-tooled leather. Then came the application of hundreds of genuine collectible silver dollars, along with chrome-plated pistols, horseshoes, miniature horses and rifles.
Estimate: 100,000-150,000

ROY'S FIRST BOOTS
A pair of bronzed eagle boots, laced tops and pulls, mounted
Estimate: $3,000-4,000

EDWARD H. BOHLIN
Saddle on Trigger Jr.
Edward H. Bohlin's "TAXIN" model black, floral carved silver and gold mounted parade saddle with three-dimensional gold rodeo scenes on the corners including bareback riders, bronc busters, bulldoggers, calf ropers and steerheads. Round figural horsehead conchos on the corners and around the perimeter.
Estimate: $100,000-150,000

EARLY LIFE WITH DUSTY AND LINDA
A group of black and white photographs of Dusty and Linda with Roy and Dale, framed (48).
Estimate: $400-600

DALE'S ENSEMBLE
Comprising a silver, rhinestone buttoned shirt, a purple gabardine cropped single button vest and skirt with silver leather spurs and stars theme, embellished with rhinestones throughout, the skirt finished in leather fringe, unlabeled (3).
Estimate: $500-1,000

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU
The hand drawn music and lyrics to Happy Trails, mounted on foam core board and signed Kathleen Manning Cooley and David P. Combs.
Estimate: $300-500

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
Nicknamed "The King of the Cowboys," Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye, is an enduring icon of American culture. A two-time inductee into Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame, Roy Rogers along with The Sons of the Pioneers had a syndicated radio show, and recorded 32 songs for Decca Records before going on to appear in over 100 films and star in the television hit The Roy Rogers Show. Nicknamed "Queen of the West," Dale Evans, married Roy Rogers in 1947 and starred alongside her husband in The Roy Rogers Show from 1951 to 1957. In addition to her successful TV shows, more than thirty films and some two hundred songs, Evans wrote the well-known song "Happy Trails." Role models and heroes to boys and girls, men and women, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans will live on in the hearts and memories of many.

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum - Branson, Missouri
On December 12, 2009, The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum closed its legendary doors after nearly four decades. Embraced by fans all over the world, the museum was deeply personal and displayed family photos dating back to Roy and Dale's childhood. It also included colorful costumes, parade saddles, memorabilia from the silver screen and television, artifacts from Roy's real-life safari adventures, tributes to his friends and sidekicks, pictures from the early days of The Sons of the Pioneers, and an assortment of artifacts meaningful to Roy and Dale. Among the most popular exhibits were Roy's trusty horse Trigger, his loyal dog Bullet, and Dale's buckskin horse, Buttermilk*, all previously displayed for fans in the Branson Museum.

Please note that High Noon Western Americana, in conjunction with the Rogers family, did try to place Trigger, Buttermilk and Bullet with a national museum, so that they could be enjoyed by all fans. However, the recession has left most institutions struggling to maintain their staffs let alone expand their permanent collections.

About High Noon
For over 20 years, High Noon has served as the nation's catalyst for the rich and exuberant Western Americana market, the arts created during this vibrant time in American history plus the works from today's Western artists and artisans have been catapulted to the forefront in the world of collecting and investing. High Noon is the nation's definitive resource for information, historical perspectives and market valuations for all that encompasses this collecting genre. From fine art to Native American works to saddles to Western Hollywood memorabilia, High Noon is your window into this celebrated world.

About Christie's
Christie's, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2009 that totaled £2.1 billion/$3.3 billion. Christie's is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie's offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $80 million. Christie's has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salesrooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie's has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. *All auction sales figures include premium.

*Estimates do not include buyer's premium
Images available on request
Visit Christie's Web site at www.christies.com

Peggy Schaffer
Secretary-Treasurer NBSSCA

This month, High Noon chats with Peg Schaffer. She has "one high heel in the corporate world and one boot heel in the cowboy world."

On a recent flight, Peg was chatting with the person sitting next to her who inquired "So, what do you do?" Her response? "I manage 15,000 cowboys." And manage she does through her tenacity, her passion and her git 'er done attitude!

So how does a woman born and bred in Texas, with the papers to prove it, with a professional career that had her in the throws of international business, manage to "manage" those 15,000 cowboys?

Perhaps it goes back to her first job right out of college when she was hired as the first female sales rep for Playtex International. There she was, green out of college, sitting in a corporate sales meeting in Chicago surrounded by "men, scotch and cigars" and she, the only woman in a bevy brassiere. Undaunted, she went on to be top of her game, parlaying this role into top level marketing and sales roles with Porsche Carrera and Laurel Burch to name just two. Managing $30 million dollars in sales and flying around the world is how she ultimately stumbled into the world of Western collecting.

"There would be times when sales meetings or appointments didn't come together, so I would kill time popping into antique shops." This is how it all began. She started collecting smaller antiques then became a bit captivated by Western antiques, perhaps an outgrowth of her Texas roots. Eventually moving back to Texas, Peg became involved with the Texas Centennial celebration and the deal was sealed. She was in deep and going to get in even deeper.

Juggling her full time non-stop corporate job, she began selling her Western antiques at shows. She does recall, early on in the game, that it was a bit like that corporate sales meeting in Chicago - she was one of the few women in the business and it took a while to be accepted. It all happened because of the computer she would schlep with her. John Villines, then President of the NBSSCA, noticed her early techno-affinity at a show and asked her "you know how to use that thing?" "Sure do," she replied. "I bet you could manage our membership list on that thing," he countered. "Yes, I probably could." Well, that was how it started and now, for 10 years, Peg has not only managed the NBSSCA membership list, but managed the financials, written and edited the newsletter, but more importantly, been the driving force behind marketing the artists and artisans at the core of the NBSSCA. This is where her unstoppable passion really lies.

"This is the best job I've ever had that I didn't get paid for." Peggy talks at length about promoting these amazing artisans and sustaining and growing the culture and the collectors that will ensure their craft continues to thrive. Peg's passion also goes to nurturing young collectors and encouraging young artists to pursue their goals in master craftsmanship. "I do absolutely everything I can to promote and support each and every member and potential member of our association. As artists, these talented individuals are often not the best at promoting themselves. I tell them, 'your Momma taught you not to talk about yourself and it stuck so I'm going to do it for you." And do it she does. From sales techniques to marketing ideas to PR, she's there for each and every one of her 15,000 cowboys.

Peg knows how lucky she is to be part of this wonderful world of Western collecting and creating. "It's a culture and a family unlike any other and I'm so grateful to be part of it." Family? Hubby? Indeed. She just refers to him as her James Bond. He tolerates her western world but also has the collecting "bug". She's working hard to influence her daughter and three grandchildren to embrace the western heritage.

Now retired from the world of corporate sales and marketing, she's busier than ever representing seven high-end antique galleries in Texas, working tirelessly for the NBSSCA and, oh yes, she has a full-on other company of her own, Lucky Star Ranch with its line of old West rodeo art and graphics with a line of clothing in the works. Whew - it's tiring just thinking about it. Go Peg! It's your energy and enthusiasm that is an inspiration to us all.


Peg Schaffer
NBSSCA
P.O. Box 1969
Addison, TX 75001
www.nbssca.org
bitandspur@aol.com

This month we present cowboy poetry by amy elizabeth and Ron Soodalter...


That's Rodeo
by amy elizabeth

Drivin'all day an' half the night,
A place to pull over nowhere in sight.
Hit that rumble strip a time or two,
Dependin' on coffee to git me through.
Three day rodeo just a day away,
My whole life packed in this ol' Chevrolet.
It takes more than guts to live the story,
Maybe for the money, or the fight for glory.
Those series of steps to earn that fame,
Means years of struggle to master the game.
There's a special pride in bein' the best,
An' it's shared with sincerity by all the rest,
'Cause there ain't a one of us that doesn't know
The ups an' downs of the lifelong dream of rodeo.



amy elizabeth ©2008
amyichi@yahoo.com
http://rae-welcomefriends.blogspot.com/

Stories of the Old West were an inspirational tool in my early cowboy poetry. Born in Chicago, Illinois, horses were sparse and cowboys few - but if there's a will there's a cowboy way. Today, home is on a small ranch in Arizona where horses are plentiful and cowboys are an arm's length away. I'm currently at work on a Western Romance Novel, and I just completed my first book of Western Folk Poetry. Sometimes you have to grab life by the reins, put weight in the stirrups, sit deep, and chance every mountain no matter how steep.
--amy elizabeth


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Charlie Goodnight's Cows
By Ron Soodalter

I'd had my fill of farming by the time I hit sixteen,
Eighty acres of crusted dust, as dry's I ever seen;
So I took the bay from my daddy's team, his pistol and his kack,
And I rode north from Laredo, and I never did look back.

I drifted up the border, livin' lean and layin' low;
Del Rio to Sonora, and then San Angelo.
I was livin' mostly by my wits, and takin' what I need,
And now and then I'd cut somebody's beef out for my feed.

I rode across the Llano; now I don't aim to complain,
But such a stretch of sun-baked hell may I never see again.
My horse near foundered on the Plains, and I don't know which was worst:
Burnin' up or starvin', or goin' mad from thirst.

I made the other side - Boys, to this day I don't know how -
And I reached the Palo Duro, in the kingdom of the cow.
I asked a passin' cowboy just whose rancho this might be;
Says he, "It's Charlie Goodnight's range, as far as you kin see."

There was cattle stretched to hell and gone, more beeves'n I ever seed,
More by half, I figgered, than Mister Goodnight'd ever need.
So I shook out my riata, and I gave my bay the word,
And I set about establishing my very own cow herd.

I'd cut out sev'ral animals, and drove 'em a fair piece,
As the sky commenced to lighten and the sun rose in the East;
So I built a brandin' fire, and from behind my cantle came
A pair of runnin' irons, the which I settled in the flame.

Now, things was goin' crackerjack, I was movin' right along,
Improvin' on ol' Charlie's brand, and hummin' some old song,
When suddenly from close behind, I heard a low voice say,
 "Now, Son, I'd drop them cheaters, and I'd throw that gun away."

A wicked chill ran down my back as I turned to face my death,
My heart was beatin' double fast, I couldn't catch a breath,
And fixin' me with an icy stare from behind a scattergun,
Sat a square-built man with a thick gray beard, astride a big old dun.

"I suppose you know," the old man said, "how this story's gonna end;
We'll sashay down to that grove of blackjack oaks, around the bend...."
Well, swingin' from a tree limb ain't an option I would choose,
And near as I could figger, I had nothing left to lose,

So I pipes up, "Mister Goodnight" - for it sure as hell was him -
"I know you got me dead to rights, and things is a-lookin' dim.
 But near as I kin calculate, I ain't done nothin' more    
Than you, when you built your own herd, in the years after the war.

"As I heard tell from an old cowhand in a bar in Vinegaroon,
You commenced acquirin' cattle by the dark of a horse-thief moon,
With a long rope, and a hot iron, and grit right down to the ground;
But all the fellers who'd say as much are dead, or not around.

"So you can hang me to a tree, it wouldn't mean a thing
(And there is them who'd swear on the Book that I was born to swing)
And you could tell all Texas you'd left one more cow thief dead -
Or you could show some proper sense, and hire me on instead!"

For a few long silent minutes, I truly couldn't tell
If my words made an impression, or if I'd be sent to Hell;
He just sat there a -starin', he didn't even twitch,
Then he sorta smiled, and muttered, "Well, I'll be a son-of-bitch.

"Boy, you got sand, and that's a quality that's hard to find;
And I may live to regret it, but I done made up my mind.
It's forty a month and found; your bold palaver's saved your skin,
But don't ever let me catch you with a runnin' iron agin!"

Well, it's been nigh onto thirty years since I called ol' Charlie's hand,
And from that time to this very day, I been ridin' for the brand.
I won't die rich, but I got whatever comforts life allows,
And I ain't got no complaints a-chousin' Charlie Goodnight's cows.

Ron Soodalter
ronsoo@ix.netcom.com