Cowboy Boots Worn by Andy Warhol

Christie’s auction house is having a sale of entertainment memorabilia on June 22, 2006 (New York.) Telephone & online bidding is welcome.

Included among the many lots… there are two containing cowboy boots owned by the artist, Andy Warhol.

The boots pictured here are a pair of Olsen Stelzer (Henrietta, TX) in green, white and brown leather, size 8½, complete with its original box. These are the ones to buy… because when we think about Warhol we think about colorful work, and bold personal style.

Some folks buy vintage boots based on size, artistic flair, or a maker’s label… but even factory made boots become interesting, once you know someting about the previous owner.

Here’s a tip for your own collecting…

Check back with Ebay sellers once you’ve won your item. See if you can get information about the previous owners of the boots, family names, occupation, or the city in which he/she lived. Experienced dealers will expect questions like this from serious buyers. Family members will often be happy to reply to a respectful inquiry.

Even a short phrase like “My wife’s Daddy used to wear these in the parade every year,” might not seem like much, but keeping track of information like this adds to value and charm to your cowboy boots.

Photo courtesy of Christie’s.

Bootmakers in the News: Rocky Carroll

(I find myself saying Rocky Carroll is “in the news” about as often as I say, Rocky Carroll is “in Houston.”)

Here’s the Washington Post article with the scoop on the custom cowboy boots President Bush gave to country star, Kenny Chesney. (Sorry, I haven’t come across a photo yet.)

Our President seems to be a fan of eelskin. The boots Rocky Carroll made Kenny sound a lot like the ones the President himself wore to the 2004 National Republican Convention, with dignified vamps of black eelskin, star spangled tops with his initials and the American flag waving.

You can contact Mr. Rocky Carroll at RJ’s Boot Company (Houston, TX)

(888) RJ-BOOTS

Don’t you love surprises?



Recently, I bought a copy of Miss Enid: The Lady Texas Bootmaker. I paid $30 ‘cuz it was rumored to be hardcover with its paper dust jacket still in very good condition.

When I got it I found it had been signed by the author, Dale Terry… also inside was a little slip of paper with Enid Justin’s signature. Wow! (zoom)

Miss Enid founded the Nocona Boot Company in 1925… staying put in Nocona, Texas when her brothers took Justin Boots to Fort Worth. She ran Nocona Boots straight through wartime shortages and two failed marriages …and yes, with every divorce sprang a new cowboy boot business competitor. (Okay, the gossip is about 70 years old now, but it sure is a good read.) Miss Enid was a brave and remarkable business woman.

With only a thousand copies printed, don’t feel left out. Ask you local librarian if she/he can track down a copy for you.

While writing my book, I’ve rediscovered the power, economy and efficiency of the interlibrary loan. Books, past magazine articles…because you can’t find everything you need on the web.

Gotta go, I’m off to the library.

Reference: JUSTIN, Enid, and Dale TERRY. Miss Enid: The Texas Lady Bootmaker. Austin: Nortex Press, 1985

Custom made, vintage and popular cowboy boot brands. Advice from author & expert, Jennifer June (& others) about buying cowboy boots online.

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