Western Collectibles: Dream of the Wild West

These J.O. Bass original spurs sold on eBay for $8,700 on June 7, 2008.

I used the phrase “Go West Young Man” the other day, and that’s exactly what I’ve done. For ten years straight, Vickie and I traveled to Sheridan, Wyoming to the Eaton's Ranch and spent a week in the beautiful Bib Horn Mountains. I recommend this ranch to anyone that wants to experience the Old West as it was.

On our first trip to the Eaton’s Ranch, we were greeted by the wife of Big Bill Eaton, and these were her instruction: “We have a working ranch here, and we serve our wranglers food three times a day. If you’re hungry, you will show up. There will be a horse assigned to you equal to your ability to ride, and it will be yours for the week. The cabin assignments are posted on the bunk house wall. By the way, there are no locks on the doors. Other than this we hope not to see you unless there is a problem.” She meant every word, and these vacations were the best that I have ever experienced. Riding over 25,000 acres of mountains and flat land is an experience that I will never feel again unless we travel to the ranch one more time. You could spend the entire day in the mountains and never see another living sole. Just Deer, Antelopes, Fox, Wild Turkey, Elk, Bison and let’s not forget a few Rattlesnakes.

Can you now see why I fell in love with the West? This is where I first saw paintings by William Gollings, Remington, Curtis and so many others and knew that I would be searching to own them for the rest of my life. If you ever stray out that way, be sure to visit the Don King Museum in Sheridan. You will never see so many saddles, bridles and ropes in your whole life again.

By now you might be asking what this all has to do with collecting. I assure you, it does. What if you run across a Hollywood Saddlery Silver and Gold mounted saddle with Walt Goldsmiths Silver and Gold breast plate? This piece could easily command $10,000 or more. Then you may run across a pair of Batwing Chaps with hundreds of nickel studs priced at $2500. Not to be out done there are the Edward H. Bohlin Sterling Silver Spurs with the engraved Gold Horseheads for $8000. Believe it or not, these are the cheaper items in these classifications. Many of the Western collectibles will run in the $100,000 category or more. Western Memorabilia has been hot for many years and it doesn't seem to be losing its glitter any time soon.

When you combine these items with Western Art, you have the road to success opened to you. Yes, these items will be identified in the West, but how about where you live? Do you think someone on a trip back in the 1930's or 40's might have brought something home with them from the West? I have seen items worth tens of thousands packed away in some old trunk in the attic or basement just waiting to be found. Often the price for these items will be below $100. In fact I have already shared the story about the Indian blanket that was found that way and after being purchased for very few dollars, sold the second time for $200 and the third time for over $300,000. My hope for you is that when you buy an item, you will be the one selling it for the larger amounts because you’ll have the right knowledge necessary to recognize the true value.

Saddle Up, Buckle Up and let’s move those Lil doggies.

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Daryle Lambert: Vintage Visalia Bridle Rosettes Proves a Winner to 31 Club Member

31 Club member made 23 times his money on these Collectible Visalia Bridle Rosettes.

New 31 Club members are having success buying and selling antiques & collectibles in their early steps. Often, this success comes to those who have had little experience in this area yet, they are willing to take action and learn by doing. And, by keeping in touch with me, they allow me to guide them through the steps to assure their success in making successful buys and sells, and then learning how to grow wealth from their profits. Here's a letter I received from a new Vancouver member who came across some Western Collectibles.

"Hi Daryle............I'm quite enjoying your daily blog and am reading your book for the 2nd time.

About 10 days ago I was making a housecall to see some "old stuff" that was being disposed of as part of a downsizing effort.

I had picked out some old postcards and other odds and ends, and was asked if I'd like to see some jewellery (Canadian spelling!). There were some OK items and some bits of no value, but there was one sandwich bag holding a number of pieces of silver attached to small chunks of leather. I was told these were from a bridle that had been used in the '40s. Knowing nothing about equestrian items, I said I could buy them for their silver value, and was told this was acceptable. I paid $30 for the bagful.

Most of the pieces had "Visalia Stock Saddle Co" stamped on them, along with the word "sterling". The bag held 2 large rosettes, 4 buckles, a pair of rein ends and 14 conchos. Thinking I should start "doubling my money" as you recommend, I listed 5 lots on eBay. Here's a little info on one of them: (Cost on this one piece was $8).

Item: Sterling silver bridle rosette - Visalia Stock Saddle Co. - 1940s
eBay number: 160201724669
Date sold: January 30, 2008
Page views: 108
Bids: 24
Final price: $183.50
Winner location: California

In total, the 5 lots brought $475....and I estimate that, at those prices, I have around another $300 worth still to list.

Being a "golden rule" sort of chap, I expect to send some more cash over to the lady from whom I bought them, as I certainly didn't expect quite such a windfall.

The challenge now is: What do I spend the anticipated total of $775 (less expenses) on, in order to reap $1,550 ?

Any advice much appreciated.....................

Regards from Vancouver Island.................... Michael R."

Mike, you ask a very important question and that was, now that I've made my first purchase and sale, so what now? Just do it all over again. This doesn't mean that you have to find one item to spend all your money on, but just that you spend it. It may take three or four items before all your money is spent, but that's okay. However, you must make your next purchases as carefully as you did the first purchase. And keep learning. I suspect the time you spent researching your buy provided you with a body of knowledge that will likely stay with you. How do you feel? You are on your way to our millions in antiques and collectibles? There is no looking back now. And keep in mind that certain items purchased might do well in different arenas, and this is something to carefully consider.


Discover how my book, "31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles" can be the tool that helps you become financially free following the same simple financial principles that the wealthy follow -- all with antiques, fine art, and collectibles.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. Or, if you'd like to sell your item to us, contact us today.

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