PrintHappy Trails to Roy Rogers Museum
EnlargeOn December 12, 2009, the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Branson, Missouri, closed its doors, the victim of a sagging economy and an aging demographic. Buckeroos who grew up watching the King of the Cowboys and his Queen of the West now have an opportunity to own a piece of their legacy as the items that Roy so diligently preserved are offered in three public auctions. The first took place in January, but the remaining two auctions will be held this summer in Denver and New York.
On June 26, during Brian Lebel’s Old West Show & Auction in Denver, you can bid on Roy’s personal firearms collection and hunting gear, including his first belt and double-holster rig, a Model 12 Winchester shotgun that he bought off a disgruntled Clark Gable, and gold-plated 101 Ranch revolvers. Among the other items up for bid are Roy’s favorite hunting hat, his last motorcycle, and his canary yellow 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible.
As the final event, the High Noon and Christie’s Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum Sale will take place July 14–15 at the Christie’s Manhattan location. Such iconic items as Trigger, Buttermilk, and Bullet (all mounted) go up for bid, along with many of the Rogers family’s personal treasures: family photos, fishing gear, Dale’s charm bracelet chronicling 40 years of her life, the family’s Wallace china set, and a large round dining table and coordinating Lazy Susan handmade by actor and family friend George Montgomery. The collectibles also include Edward H. Bohlin silver parade saddles, licensed toys, boots, film and TV costumes, autographed sports memorabilia, the famous Nudie’s of North Hollywood Bonneville convertible that Roy and Dale used for special appearances, and even the family jeep, Nellybelle. Roy “Dusty” Rogers Jr. will be on hand to add a personal touch.
FYI: High Noon, 310.202.9010, www.highnoon.com; Christie’s, 212.636.2434, www.christies.com; Old West Show & Auction, 307.587.9014, www.denveroldwest.com.
Issue: July 2010
