Shade Tree / Bill Vernon Cowboys

2004 – Estimated National Value Guide

Estimated Secondary Market Values:

In August 1990, the Cowboy Collector Society began monitoring the value of retired Cowboy sculptures. We gathered information from our dealers, collectors, buyers and sellers. We also assisted many collectors in the buying and selling of retired Cowboys among themselves. For several years we offered a Secondary Market Trading Service where collectors would list their retired pieces with us which would allow other people to see what pieces were for sale and purchase a particular piece from another Collector. Consequently, we had firsthand knowledge as to what collectors were willing to buy or sell their Cowboys for. Our National Value Guides would indicate what we felt were the fair value estimates to act simply a starting point at which to begin the bidding process. This process continued in a very limited fashion until 2004 which was the last Guide that we did.

The Fire That Changed the World of Cowboy’s:

On May 29, 1998, the Cowboy / Series of Evolution Wildlife factory burnt to the ground. Since it was a total loss, much of the historical information contained herein had to be assembled from memory, estimates, old catalogs, etc. Even at that there was so much that was now gone forever. Because we had Sales Representatives around the country, we were able to get some help in finding past products and information but not all. 

Which Cowboys Did Bill Actually Sculpt?

In the early years of the Shade Tree Cowboys, Bill had all the ideas but would instruct any number of his Staff Artists to do the actual sculpting work while he concentrated on running the company and production. It’s important to remember that Shade Tree & Bill Vernon Studios produced many other product lines all designed by Bill as well. Couple that with the rigors of running a company with as many as 90 employees not to mention several retail operations. Bill had had enough! It was not until 1981that Bill returned to the sculpting table. “Saddle Sores”(#231) was Bill’s first Cowboy sculpture. ALL Cowboys with a stock number higher than 231 are Bill’s direct sculptures. 

What Does “C.S”. or “C. Society” Beside the Artwork Title Mean?

These are Cowboys that were produced for Collector Society Members only and were not meant for purchase by the general public.

Estimated Quantities Produced & Values:

In the beginning Cowboys were not Limited Editions so we had no reason to track production quantities other than for our own inventory records. All stock numbers above #514 were produced as Limited Editions. On occasion, the information on this National Value Guide may or may not match exactly with the figures on the picture sheets but should be close estimates. When you see quantities with rounded whole figures like 1,500 or 2,000, it is safe to assume that these are fairly close estimates. Where you see what appears to be more exact numbers like 2,254 or 3,671 it is safe to assume that these figures are much more accurate but not perfect. Also, consider that over the years there were retiring pieces and some that went into Second Editions which can be a bit confusing. Bottom line, this entire National Value Guide is to be considered an “estimated guesswork” and should NOT be taken as gospel. This was strictly our current opinions at the time and must be accepted and interpreted that way. With all that we have been through, perfect recordkeeping was impossible! 

Editions – What Are They?

A piece goes into a different “edition” status (First, Second or Third) in the event changes are made to the original design. This was exactly the case with certain styles brought back after the fire of 1998 which also saw a mass retirement date. Sculptures that are in their second edition are clearly marked in the mold so they may be easily identified.

How Much is My Cowboy Worth?

We have been asked this question a million times! The fire in 1998 was the first gut punch that greatly reduce our tracking abilities. We had to rely primarily on estimating the secondary market values. Then came the Great Recession of 2008. That not only took out the economy but also destroyed the entire overall Collectibles Industry as well! Whether you’re talking Hummell, Precious Moments, you name it… prices everywhere plummeted! So, to answer the age old question today… 

Your Cowboy is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it! 

About This 2004 National Value Guide:

The 2004 Guide is what we have posted on this website. This was the last year that we created any more National Value Guides. Everything under the “Value” column was completely our estimations or opinions as to what each piece was worth at the time. We were in wind down mode back then and the gift and collectibles industry was experiencing a slow death. Certainly not perfect but it was the best that we could provide. 

In Closing:

We hope you find this website and National Value Guide helpful. It is just that… a “guide” to help give you some idea of what sculpture you have and how rare that piece may be and is by no means perfect in any way shape or form. 



THANK YOU for your interest in the Shade Tree / Bill Vernon Cowboys!!!