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Business Details
48 Years
experience
Western Antiques & Native American Artifacts in Jackson, WY
Fighting Bear Antiques was established in Jackson, Wyo., in 1978, evolving from a general antique store to a specialized purveyor of Western antiques, Native American artifacts, and Thomas Molesworth furniture. Our expertise spans rustic Western design, Plains Indian beadwork, Navajo textiles, and vintage collectibles, reflecting decades of dedicated sourcing and scholarship. Terry Winchell, a lifelong enthusiast of Western heritage, and Claudia Winchell, with her background in fine arts, curate an inventory rooted in authenticity and historical significance. We prioritize quality, offering only genuine, non-contemporary pieces, including over 100 examples of Native American beadwork and a comprehensive collection of Molesworth furniture.

Our mission is to help clients recreate the timeless aesthetics of early 20th-century Western lodges through curated artifacts and personalized service. With extensive knowledge of Thomas Molesworths legacyincluding his work for the Annenberg Lodge and Rockefeller Ranchwe provide expert guidance on Western design principles. We actively seek quality collections and maintain transparent communication, ensuring timely responses to inquiries. Our location in Jackson Hole, near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, positions us as a destination for collectors and enthusiasts. Through lectures, publications, and meticulous curation, we uphold a commitment to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the American West.
Services
Native American Moccasins Molesworth Furniture Native American Ollas Beadwork Authentication Navajo Textile Collection Western Antique Sourcing Cultural Artifact Consultation Swiss Carving Sales Black Forest Artifacts Antique Appraisal
Details
  • Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
  • We specialize in Thomas Molesworth furniture, a pioneer of Western lodge design, with direct ties to historic collections.
  • Our inventory includes over 100 authentic Native American beadwork pieces, verified for historical accuracy.
  • Owners Terry and Claudia Winchell combine 40+ years of experience in Western antiques and cultural preservation.
  • We offer exclusive access to rare Molesworth commissions, including pieces from the Annenberg Lodge auction.
  • Transparent authentication process ensures all items are vintage, with no contemporary reproductions or fakes.
Update Listing
Services
Molesworth Furniture Sales
Fighting Bear Antiques offers an unparalleled selection of Thomas Molesworth furniture, including rare commissions and lodge pieces. Our inventory spans dining tables, chairs, and custom carvings from the 1920s-1940s. Each piece is authenticated through historical records and provenance, ensuring period accuracy. Clients benefit from our deep expertise in Western design principles and direct access to pieces from landmark collections like the Annenberg Lodge.
Native American Beadwork
We specialize in authentic Plains Indian beadwork, including moccasins, papooses, and decorative panels. Our collection features intricate seed bead designs dating to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Each piece is verified for historical accuracy, with no contemporary reproductions. Our expertise helps collectors understand tribal variations and the cultural significance of materials like turquoise and wampum.
Antique Appraisal Services
Our appraisal services focus on Western antiques and Native American artifacts, leveraging Terry Winchell's decades of experience. We provide detailed assessments of provenance, period accuracy, and market value. Clients receive comprehensive documentation suitable for insurance or estate purposes, with a focus on items related to Thomas Molesworth and early 20th-century lodge design.
Navajo Textile Collection
Our inventory includes 50-75 vintage Navajo textiles from the 1920s-1960s, featuring chief blankets, serapes, and Germantown weavings. Each textile is authenticated through material analysis and historical context. We provide detailed condition reports and cultural background, helping collectors understand weaving techniques and regional patterns specific to Navajo traditions.
Cultural Artifact Consultation
We offer expert consultation for museums, interior designers, and private collectors seeking to build historically accurate Western collections. Services include artifact sourcing, interior design integration, and educational resources on Thomas Molesworth's design legacy. Our approach combines academic rigor with practical application for both residential and institutional projects.
People
Terry Winchell
Owner & Founder
Terry Winchell founded Fighting Bear Antiques in 1978 after decades of collecting Western artifacts. A specialist in Thomas Molesworth furniture, he authored two books on Western design and has lectured extensively on Native American art. His expertise stems from lifelong immersion in Western heritage and sourcing artifacts across the U.S.
Claudia Winchell
Co-Owner
Claudia Winchell brings expertise in fine arts and a passion for intricate Native American beadwork to the business. A former resident of New York, she now curates the gallery's textile and beadwork collections. Her background in art curation enhances the gallery's focus on aesthetic and historical accuracy in every piece.
Questions
What types of Native American artifacts do you specialize in?
We focus on beadwork, moccasins, ollas, and baskets, with an emphasis on pre-20th-century pieces verified for authenticity.
How can I verify the authenticity of your Molesworth furniture?
Our Molesworth pieces come with provenance documentation, including auction records and historical references from our 40+ years in business.
Do you purchase private collections?
Yes, we actively seek quality collections and offer competitive pricing for estates or individual pieces aligned with our specialties.
Can you help recreate a Western lodge interior?
Our expertise in Thomas Molesworth's design principles allows us to curate complete lodge interiors using period-accurate textiles, furniture, and artifacts.
Are your Navajo textiles vintage or contemporary?
We exclusively sell vintage Navajo textiles from the 1920s-1960s, with no modern reproductions in our inventory.