Preliminary identification

Vintage Lee Riders Advertising Boot Jack, c. 1950s-1960s

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A functional wooden boot jack used as a promotional advertising piece for Lee Riders 'Authentic Western Pants.' It features a reinforced U-shaped notch and screen-printed graphics showcasing the brand's iconic…

Story

The 1950s saw a massive cultural shift where the rugged gear of the working cowboy became the fashion of the American teenager. This boot jack was a clever promotional tool given to customers or used in dry goods stores to help buyers slip off their boots…

Maker / Origin

H.D. Lee founded his company in Salina, Kansas, in 1889, originally as a grocery wholesaler before realizing he could make better workwear than he could buy.

Condition & Value

The piece shows authentic 'honest wear' consistent with use in a home or shop setting. The wood has a nice patina, and while there is some scuffing at the base, the primary advertising text remains sharp and highly displayable. The presence of the original protective rim and tacks adds to its value.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD