The American Old West has a special allure because it reflects the value Americans place on persistent endeavor, sociality, and a belief in progress. Although the Old West has lost some of its appeal in recent years, it remains an essential part of our heritage and identity. The Americans of the Old West challenged the class structure and snobbery of the Eastern elite. Its heroes were the pioneers who ventured west in covered wagons, the merchants, the craftsmen, the cowboys, the miners, and the farmers.
The American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer Frederic Remington (1861 – 1909) specialized in depictions of the Old West. For most of the twentieth century an appreciation of the Old West was a sure way of taking pride in America. Many artists and photographers sought to capture the beauty of the Old West even as it passed into the modern era. Americans especially enjoyed reading Western stories by authors such as Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour. Shotgun Hospitality, 1908, oil on canvas, Hood Museum of art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
Television programs and movies revived memories of the West. The good guy may at first have taken a beating, but he always bested the bad guys in the end. Hundred of items were produced to promote cowboys such as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and others. By representing a strong Western character, actor John Wayne became iconic.
Children’s toys reflected the importance given to the Old West. Dolls, for example, were often dressed in cowgirl costumes. Boys played with toy figures representing fighting cowboys and Indians, forts, and cavalry soldiers. School lunch boxes depicted life on the prairie, stagecoaches, and herds of wild horses and buffalos. Children saved their money in banks made to represent Western themes. They took pleasure in watching the rodeo.
Collectors began seeking all things Western. Western paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures once adorned the home. Bookends of cast iron or bronze in various Western motifs kept books upright on shelves. Western wear was in style for many years. Shirts were fastened with snaps. Adults and children wore cowboy boots.
Leather and suede jackets had fringes. Vests, bandanas, belt buckles, and straps were Western-like. Denim (dungaree) was a common fabric associated with Western clothing. Bolo ties were typical of Western wear. The West inspired much fine jewelry, too.
Western hotels, dance halls, and saloons have a colorful history people can’t forget. The West produced and helped popularize guitars. The West was known for its railroads and trains. The iconography of the Wild West is extensive and collectible. Western Ameri- cana is easily recognizable and studied. Western antiques may be signed and have markings to identify and date them. There may be a remarkable regional provenance linked to them. Museums at times offer special exhibits of Western arts and crafts.
Collecting Western Americana is very rewarding. It may take you in unexpected directions. As you learn about and travel the field of collecting Western Americana you’ll be delighted at all you can accomplish.
Follow Us