Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2029:
Description
This premier collection of frontier-era leather is anchored by a rare utility piece bearing the deep circular maker’s stamp of R.C. Fox Maker, Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Identifying a specific maker from this legendary Black Hills “cowboy capital” adds significant provenance, as Fox was a notable regional saddler during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Fox piece is a specialized pommel pouch (or cantle bag), featuring a large circular cutout designed to fit over a saddle horn and a dual-compartment layout for tools or personal effects. Accompanying this rare find are four authentic period holsters—including a striking black leather “Slim Jim” style adorned with silver-toned square and round studs and an elegantly floral-tooled brown holster—along along with four cartridge belts. Condition across the lot varies; the R.C. Fox pouch and decorated holsters remain in fair to good display condition with intact stitching, while the other pieces show heavy field wear, surface crazing, and leather loss consistent with age. L 48″, W 4″, D 2″
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