Author Larry McMurtry’s typewriter, cowboy boots and more at Vogt, May 29
Circa-1960s Hermes 3000 typewriter used by Larry McMurtry in his Archer City, Texas home writing studio, estimated at $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of Vogt Auction Galleries
SAN ANTONIO – The partial personal estate of iconic Texas author Larry McMurtry will be offered on Memorial Day – Monday, May 29 – at noon Central time at Vogt Auction Galleries in San Antonio, Texas. Absentee and live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
The Oscar- and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show, Terms of Endearment, and the Brokeback Mountain screenplay, McMurtry perhaps more than anyone shaped how the country sees Texas, becoming one of the premiere voices of modern American literature. McMurtry died in March of 2021 at the age of 84.
The May 29 sale will include items from McMurtry’s residence in Archer City, Texas, featuring a collection of his typewriters, all used by the author in his Archer City home writing studio. While accepting his Academy Award for the Brokeback Mountain screenplay, McMurtry famously said, “Most heartfelt, I thank my typewriter. My typewriter is a Hermes 3000, surely one of the noblest instruments of European genius. It has kept me for thirty years out of the dry embrace of the computer.”
Larry McMurtry’s writing desk, on which he wrote many notable works, including (with Diana Ossana) the Academy Award-winning ‘Brokeback Mountain’ screenplay, estimated at $10,000-$20,000. Courtesy Vogt Auction Galleries
Larry McMurtry’s writing desk, manufactured by Roycroft Community circa 1910-1915, is estimated at $10,000-$20,000. The desk was used by McMurtry for writing many notable works, including (with Diana Ossana) the Academy Award-winning Brokeback Mountain screenplay, the teleplays to The Streets of Laredo and Dead Man’s Walk, and the novels Comanche Moon, Duane’s Depressed and Boone’s Lick.
Signed 1985 first edition of Larry McMurtry’s ‘Lonesome Dove,’ estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy of Vogt Auction Galleries
Also included are McMurtry’s personal copies of his landmark books. Several are signed by the author himself, including a first edition 1985 copy of Lonesome Dove, autographed by the author in pen and estimated at $1,000-$2,000.
Larry McMurtry’s bronze bookplate, estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Courtesy Vogt Auction Galleries
Another unique piece is the bronze desk weight that takes the form of McMurtry’s personal bookplate, which can be seen throughout his personal book collection. Its design was derived from the stirrup brand of Larry’s father, W.J. McMurtry, and is still in use by the family today. The bronze bookplate is estimated at $1,000-$2,000.
Larry McMurtry’s Colt Single Action Army .45LC revolver, estimated at $2,000-$3,000. Courtesy Vogt Auction Galleries
Other McMurtry belongings on offer include his Colt Single Action Army .45LC revolver, estimated at $2,000-$3,000; a pair of Tony Lama black leather cowboy boots worn by the author, estimated at $400-$800; and memorabilia from his Hollywood productions as well as artwork and furnishings from his home.
Larry McMurtry’s Tony Lama black leather cowboy boots, estimated at $400-$800. Courtesy Vogt Auction Galleries
The McMurtry pieces comprise lots 1 through 300 in the May 29 sale, which will also include a selection of complimentary cowboy and ranching heritage pieces from other Texas estates, beginning with lot 301.
Please contact Vogt Auction Galleries Director Rob Vogt for additional details by calling 210-865-8648 or emailing rob@vogtauction.com.
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