January 26, 2024 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2024
Three-piece matched set by the master saddle maker and silversmith from Southern California.
a) A stunning black leather, parade vest mounted with heavy gauge, sterling silver repousse floral pattern panels with twisted rope edge, and flowers inset with real rubies. Doeskin lined. Size appears to be a men's medium. The vest measures 20" from top to bottom.
b) An ornate sterling-covered black, floral carved gun rig for a Colt Single Action, with repousse holster, twisted rope edge and silver spots. The rig is fully trimmed with rectangular silver conchos and secured via a 3-piece horseshoe buckle set. The belt fits approximately a 32-33" waist.
c) Matching silver repousse mounted stirrups
Includes custom stand for displaying both the vest and gun rig.
Frank H. Coenen, saddle maker and silversmith extraordinaire, emigrated from Denmark to the USA in the early 20th century entering the saddle business in Southern California in 1906 during that transitionary period between the traditional utilitarian tack of the old west and the rapid ascent of the flashier Hollywood cowboy. A fellow Scandinavian like Edward H. Bohlin, Coenen became one of Bohlin's chief rivals, producing some of the finest sterling silver parade outfits of the era including the multiple gold-medal winning saddle for the 1939 World's Fair in New York City. Frank's stunning, heavy gauge sterling silver repousse creations were coveted by the most discriminating Hollywood clientele of the day including Tom Mix, Will Rogers and Wallace Beery. Several of his Coenen's most renowned saddles tell a story or chronicle historical events like his illustrious San Fernando model with its twenty-two completely different cowboy scenes.
Item Dimensions: Largest: 18" x 9" x 19".