#United States #Las Vegas #Morphy Auctions #Lakota Storybook #Lakota Sioux

Remarkable Sale at Morphy's Auction: A Look into Lakota History

On January 24, 2025, Morphy Auctions held a stunning event at the Westgate Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, drawing an enthusiastic audience of bidders eager to secure pieces of cowboy heritage. The auction, dedicated to Western and Native American art, memorabilia, and relics, saw a remarkable total of $1.9 million, with a standout item capturing the spotlight: a significant Lakota Sioux storybook penned by White Bull, the nephew of the famed Sitting Bull.

The Lacota Storybook: A Historical Gem

This extraordinary ledger dates back to 1849 and serves as an in-depth documentation of Indian battles in the West. The 162-page book contains 120 written pages, 33 illustrated pages, and 28 that remain blank or faced with drawings. Morphy Auctions president, Dan Morphy, described the ledger as both visual and biographical, noting that it chronicles battles, personal encounters with General Custer, and even winter population counts of the Sioux. Bidding for this exceptional piece of history soared up to an astounding $270,600, far surpassing its estimated value of $75,000-$125,000.

Mike Cowdrey, a well-regarded author on Native American topics, compared its significance to that of Thomas Jefferson’s diaries, highlighting it as a unique, irreplaceable resource in Lakota historiography. This recognition of its value is reflected in the competitive bidding that led to its extraordinary final sale price.

Other Auction Highlights

Although the Lakota storybook was the top lot, it was far from the only noteworthy item at the auction. An elegant Edward H. Bohlin sterling silver and gold parade saddle, meticulously crafted in the late 1930s, fetched $233,700. Originally made for equestrienne Louise Cottam from Santa Barbara, California, this saddle was notable for its pristine condition and intricate custom design, making it a jewel of the auction. Presented with a matching bridle and additional equipment, it outperformed its $100,000-$150,000 estimate.

Another historically significant item was a Henry Model 1860 lever-action rifle. This rifle, identified through its serial number, was part of a shipment to Fort Knox, Maine, in 1864 and was originally issued to Lt. Ezra Rideout of the 15th Maine. Its rich history, which included ties to Wild Bill Hickok and the Earp brothers, led to a final bid of $41,820, crossing its estimated value.

Among the personalized artifacts was a unique sword-stick cane originally given to Buffalo Bill Cody on his 45th birthday, valued at $15,600. The cane bore silver hallmarks and was engraved with illustrations celebrating Cody’s illustrious life, reflecting the allure and nostalgia associated with Old West lore.

For collectors of Western artifacts, the auction offered a treasure trove of valuable items, including a selection of silver spurs spotlighting notable Western crafts. A pair of Qualey Bros double-mounted spurs captured attention and sold for $29,520, demonstrating continued interest in high-quality Western silverwork.

Conclusion

The success of Morphy Auctions' event highlights the enduring fascination with artifacts from the Old West and the vital role they play in preserving pieces of American heritage. Items such as White Bull's Lakota storybook not only fetch high prices but also serve as crucial links to understanding the experiences and histories of Indigenous peoples in America. For those interested in potentially consigning artifacts, Morphy Auctions offers a no-obligation consultation, fostering a space for collectors and historians alike to engage with the rich narrative of the American West.