Visitors from throughout the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, Germany, Belgium and Japan converged on New Mexicos state capital over the weekend of June 23, 24, and 25 for the sole purpose of shopping at Brian Lebels Cody Old West Show and Auction, now in its 33rd year. There were approximately 100 vendors and exhibitors from 18 states displaying an exceptional variety of Western Americana, from antique to contemporary, with ample selections at all price points. The array of premium-quality merchandise included fine art and antiques, collectibles, Western apparel, Native American artifacts, jewelry, horse tack, Hollywood memorabilia, home furnishings and much more. The Old West Show has always been known for its premier dealers, and this year was no exception. The 2023 roster included such businesses as Manitou Galleries (Cheyenne, Wyo.), Toh-Atin Gallery (Durango, Colo.), Territorial Indian Arts (Scottsdale, Ariz.), and John Molloy Gallery (New York City) and an all-star lineup of specialty dealers that included Joe Fionda (Lufkin, Texas), Mary Nyholm-Vidano (Niwot, Colo.) and Flying Tiger Antiques (Apache Junction, Ariz.). A number of well-established Santa Fe dealers also set up at this years event. They included Sherwoods Spirit of America, James Compton Gallery, Brant Mackley Gallery, Turkey Mountain Traders, and Rio Bravo Trading. Attendance was strong on all three days, with more than 1,000 visitors passing through the doors of the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. It was especially busy on day one, which was early-entry day. Guests were eager for a first look and first opportunity to buy from the shows blue-chip vendors. Many of the early-bird shoppers returned on consecutive days to make sure they hadnt missed anything. And we had the usual rush of Sunday afternoon bargain hunters, who were just as happy as the dealers whose loads they helped to lighten, said show founder Brian Lebel. All of the dealers I spoke to were thrilled with their weekend sales and signed up on the spot for the January 2024 Old West Show in Las Vegas, continued Lebel. A few of them told me it was the best show they ever had, and many said they personally bought almost as much as they sold. I love to hear that, because whenever there are heavy dealer-to-dealer sales, it means vendors have brought a lot of fresh, high-end merchandise. In addition to the brisk action on the sales floor, Lebel observed a pleasing diversity amongst the shoppers. Every year we notice more and more young people coming to our shows. Its especially gratifying to see younger folks taking the time to talk to the dealers and learn about their merchandise. It says to me that their interest is more than just a passing fad, that they have a genuine interest in the material. On day two, Lebels team and the crew from Morphy Auctions of Denver, Pa., collaborated to produce the auction of Western and Native American relics that took in $922,500. The top lot was an Edward H Bohlin silver saddle that sold for $50,820. A recap of this sale was in last weeks issue. Brian Lebels Jan. 26 and 27, 2024, Cody Old West Show and Auction, held in tandem with Morphys Las Vegas Antique Arms Show, will be at the Westgate Resort and Casino. To learn more, call Cheryl Goyda at 877-968-8880, ext. 755, or email cheryl.goyda@morphyauctions.com. All images courtesy of Brian Lebels Old West Events.