Revolver with ownership attributed to outlaw Jesse James tops $100,000 at Morphy's June 20 auction

SANTA FE, N.M. - July 20, 2026 - PRLog -- A Manhattan Arms Navy Series IV Single Action Percussion Revolver with ownership attributed to the outlaw Jesse James hit the mark for $100,860 to take top lot honors at Morphy's Old West & Native American Art Auction held June 20 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. The auction dovetailed into the 36th Annual Old West Show, held June 19-21 at the same venue.

The Old West & Native American Art Auction featured 515 lots of top-quality Western art and antiques and rang up more than $900,000, including the buyer's premium. "It was a strong finish to our time in Santa Fe," said Dan Morphy, the president of Morphy Auctions.

The array of auction merchandise included Western fine and decorative art; cowboy apparel; saddles, spurs, bridles, bits and chaps by noted makers; Native American art, textiles and pottery; relics; antique firearms and holsters; Hollywood cowboy memorabilia, antique and contemporary belt buckles and other silverwork; lawmen's badges, Old West advertising, photographs and lithography; and more.

The Manhattan Arms Navy Series IV Single Action Percussion Revolver with ownership attributed to the outlaw Jesse James was reportedly used by James at the robbery of the Southern Bank of Kentucky in Russellville, Kentucky, on March 20, 1868. A letter signed by James's son Jesse Edward James and daughter-in-law Stella James attested to the legend. The selling price was within estimate.

A wonderfully-detailed sculpture titled The Rattlesnake by American sculptor Frederic Remington (1861-1909), cast in 1,000+ ozt of .999 silver, sold within estimate for $86,100. The 17-inch-tall sculpture, #3 from an edition of 100, was cast at the Maiden Foundry in Oregon in 1989. With the price of silver reaching record highs, the work wasn't just displayable Western art; it was also a fine investment piece.

The first silver parade saddle built by Nolte-Olsen in San Francisco, representing the pinnacle of high-end parade saddles produced by Al Nolte, circa 1937, realized $46,750, which was also within estimate. The silversmith responsible for the fine decorations was Robert Schaezlein, who operated a shop out of San Francisco, and the tooling was by Gene Sisco.  The saddle had been mounted on a horse only twice since its inception in 1937. It was accompanied by an original 1930s photograph of the Nolte-Olsen storefront.

To discuss consigning to a future Old West & Native American Art Auction, or other auction hosted by Morphy's, call Dan Morphy at 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential and there is never an obligation to consign. Online: www.morphyauctions.com.