White Bull’s (1849-1947, nephew of Sitting Bull) historical ledger and storybook documenting Indian battles in the West; 162 pages, 120 with writing, 33 with drawings, 28 blank and facing drawings. The top lot of the sale realized $270,600 against an estimate of $75,000-$125,000. Photos – courtesy of Morphy’s Auction ©
On January 24, collectors and history enthusiasts gathered at the Westgate Casino in Las Vegas for Morphy Auctions’ annual Western and Native American art and memorabilia sale. The event, filled with rare and historically significant artefacts, reached a final total of $1.9 million. The highlight of the auction? A rare Lakota Sioux ledger book documenting battles, coups, and tribal history, which soared past expectations to $270,600.
This 162-page historical record was created and maintained by White Bull (1849–1947), the nephew of Chief Sitting Bull. Filled with 120 narrative pages, 33 illustrated colour pages, and blank folios, the book provided a firsthand account of life on the Great Plains. Some pages depicted White Bull’s own battles, including what he claimed was his fight with General Custer. Native American historian Mike Cowdrey called it a resource “comparable in importance to the diaries of Thomas Jefferson.” Given its rarity, the book quickly became the most coveted lot of the event.
Another standout was an Edward H. Bohlin sterling silver and gold parade saddle, custom-made in the late 1930s for Santa Barbara equestrienne Louise Cottam. Featured in James Nottage’s Saddlemaker to the Stars, the ornate saddle set—complete with a matching bridle and accessories—commanded $233,700, exceeding its $150,000 high estimate.
Edward H. Bohlin sterling silver and gold parade saddle, 100% original condition, custom-made in the late 1930s for Louise Cottam of Santa Barbara, Calif., a slight variation on the Machris model that debuted in Bohlin’s 1937 catalog. Included matching bridle, second breast collar, and saddle set. Ex George Pitman collection, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Sold for $233,700 against an estimate of $100,000-$150,000.
Among the firearms on offer was a Henry Model 1860 lever-action rifle with deep ties to the Old West. Issued during the Civil War to Lt. Ezra Rideout, it was later gifted to his brother Jacob, a preacher whose travels put him in contact with legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok, John Wesley Hardin, and possibly the Earp brothers. The rifle, engraved with Jacob Rideout / Contention Arizona Ter., sold for $41,820, landing above its estimate.
One of the auction’s most personal artefacts was a silver-plated sword-stick cane, presented to Buffalo Bill Cody on his 45th birthday in 1891 by his business partner, Nate Salsbury. Designed by renowned London silversmith George Fox, it featured engraved scenes from Cody’s life and a colour ivory portrait of him in a Stetson. Estimated at $7,000–$10,000, the unique piece nearly doubled its projection, selling for $15,600.
Western silverwork collectors also had plenty to bid on, with a 55-lot selection featuring some of the greatest names in the craft. A pair of massive Qualey Bros double-mounted sterling silver spurs, known for their intricate shield and dome detailing, achieved $29,520, just under the high estimate.
From Native American artefacts to cowboy treasures, Morphy’s auction showcased the enduring legacy of the American West, where history, artistry, and legend continue to captivate collectors worldwide.
