Scottsdale Art Auction
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Summer Sale | 2026 | Session II | Lots 259-510

Sat, Aug 22, 2026 01:00PM EDT
  2026-08-22 13:00:00 2026-08-22 13:00:00 America/New_York Scottsdale Art Auction Scottsdale Art Auction : Summer Sale | 2026 | Session II | Lots 259-510 https://bid.scottsdaleartauction.com/auctions/scottsdale-art-auction/summer-sale-2026-session-ii-lots-259-510-23849
Over 500 lots will be auctioned live online over two days August 21-22, 2026. Everything is hung and available to view in our Scottsdale showroom. You may bid both online (live, right along with the auctioneer) or via Absentee bid. Absentee (max) bids can be placed online or via Absentee Form by clicking [HERE] [VIEW SESSION 1] Scottsdale Art Auction miranda@scottsdaleartauction.com
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Will James (1892-1942) Set of two: 10 x 7 1/2 (3); 7 1/2 x 8 inches
Lot 265

Will James (1892-1942) Set of two: 10 x 7 1/2 (3); 7 1/2 x 8 inches

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
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Starting Bid
$600
[0 Bids]Bidding History
Bid increments chart

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Artist: Will James
Set of two (2):
3-page letter; Pen & Ink; 10 x 7 1/2 inches each; Letter signed lower right; Framed 18 x 32 inches
1-page letter; 7 1/2 x 8 inches; Signed lower right, dated lower left; Framed: 20 x 17 inches

Condition

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This lot's overall appearance is Fair.For more details please view the attached Condition Report.


Condition Reports are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Scottsdale Art Auction. Scottsdale Art Auction strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. All lots offered are sold “AS IS”. Please refer to item two (2) in our Terms and Conditions for further information.

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Provenance:
The Abe Hays Collection, Scottsdale, AZ
 
Exhibited:
Autry Museum Exhibit October 3, 97-Jan 4, 98
Nicolaysen Art Museum
Cow-Boy dans L'ame, Musee De La Civilisation, Quebec, April 10, 2002- March 15, 2003
 
Literature:
(both) Illustrated in the Will James book: The Drifting Cowboy
 
Will James (1892–1942) occupies a singular place in the history of Western American art and literature. A working cowboy before he achieved recognition as an artist and author, James drew upon firsthand experience of ranch life to create images of exceptional authenticity and vitality. His illustrations and stories eschewed romanticized depictions of the frontier in favor of scenes grounded in lived experience, capturing the movement, temperament, and spirit of horses, cattle, and cowboys with an economy of line that became his hallmark. His celebrated book Smoky the Cowhorse received the 1927 Newbery Medal and established James as one of the foremost interpreters of the American West, while his illustrations for books, magazines, and personal manuscripts remain among the most sought-after works by collectors of Western art.
 
The present group offered in Scottsdale Art Auction’s summer sale represents an outstanding assemblage of original works from the renowned Abe Hays Collection, one of the most important private collections of Will James material ever assembled. Hays devoted decades to preserving the artist's legacy, acquiring original drawings, manuscripts, published illustrations, and archival material that documented James's artistic and literary career. Several works offered here were included in the landmark exhibition of the Abe Hays Collection at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage (October 3, 1997–January 4, 1998), further underscoring their historical and scholarly importance.
 
These works present an exceptional opportunity to acquire original examples by one of the defining artistic voices of the American West.

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