North American Auction Company
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Trails of Tradition: Parade Saddles, Beadwork & Western Auction

Sat, May 16, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-16 11:00:00 2026-05-16 11:00:00 America/New_York North American Auction Company North American Auction Company : Trails of Tradition: Parade Saddles, Beadwork & Western Auction https://live.naabid.com/auctions/north-american-auction/trails-of-tradition-parade-saddles-beadwork-western-auction-23448
Join North American Auction Company on May 16th for our Trails of Tradition: Parade Saddles, Beadwork & Western Auction. This is a wonderful collection of items including one of the largest Ted Flowers Saddles and Riggins Silver Mounted Parade Saddle item collection, Bruce VanLandingham Sundog, the Historic and Important ex-William H. Guthman 18th-Century Presentation Silver Mounted Pipe Tomahawk, and other collector items including Native American Beadwork and Weapons, Western History, Photos, Great Northern Calendars, fine Navajo Jewelry, Americana, and Luxury Jewelry. Visit Live.Naabid.com
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Lot 116

"California Joe", Earle E Forrest & Joe E Milner

Estimate: $600 - $800
Starting Bid
$125

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Featured in this lot is this Rare First Edition of "California Joe", by Joe E. Milner and Earle R. Forrest, 1935, The Caxton Printers, Ltd. Caldwell, Idaho. "California Joe Notes Scout and Indian FIghter" explores the life of this famous frontier scout and Indian fighter, who was a contemporary of Wild Bill Hickok and served in the American West during the late 19th century. The book covers his time in Arizona, the "Long War Trail of Apache Kid," and his reputation as a rugged frontiersman. Milner was described as a colorful, talkative character who often wore a briar pipe between his tangled red whiskers and rode a mule. He was considered one of the finest rifle shots on the plains and was a trusted friend of Wild Bill Hickok. Hickok reportedly once stated he had "two trusty friends: one is my six-shooter, and the other is California Joe". In 1868, Custer appointed him chief of scouts for the 7th Cavalry. However, he was quickly demoted after becoming "roaring drunk" to celebrate the promotion. In 1875, he scouted for the Newton-Jenney expedition, confirming the presence of gold in the Black Hills. Earle Robert Forrest (1883-1969) was a well-known author, historian, and photographer who specialized in the American Old West, amassing a collection of over 8,000 negatives documenting Navajo and Hopi culture. Co-author Joe E. Milner (d. 1936) was the grandson of Moses Embree "California Joe" Milner. He spent years corresponding with the War Department and gathering primary source material to verify his grandfather's exploits. The green cloth bound gold gilt stamped illustrated hardcover is in good overall condition, gold gilt still intact, scuffing and fading noted to covers and spine. Intact pages exhibit age tanning and very slight foxing. Measures 5.5"W x 7.625"L x 1.375"D, weight is 1lb, 4oz.

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