James Kenneth Ralston Paintings & Artwork for Sale | James Kenneth Ralston Art Value Price Guide

Feb. 14, 2026
James Kenneth Ralston Bronze Grizzly Bear
Est: $100 - $150
Title is Montana Griz. 3 3/4" by 3 3/8" by 1 3/4". James Kenneth Ralston (1896 - 1987) was active/lived in Montana. James Ralston is known for Historical-west, genre painting, illustration. James Kenneth Ralston was born in Choteau, Montana, on March 31, 1896. His paternal grandparents, left Independence, Missouri, by ox team for the gold camps of Colorado in 1859. His father was the first born to Samuel F. and Mary Gregg Ralston. In 1863, they headed for Idaho, and in 1864 they moved to the Alder Gulch area in the Montana Territory. In the spring of 1878, his father, Will Ralston, moved the Ralston cattle to the Teton River near Choteau, Montana. In 1885, Will Ralston married Ellen Mathewson and they had five children of which James Kenneth Ralston was the fifth child. In 1903, Will Ralston took over as the general manager of the Flying U Ranch near Choteau, Montana. They then moved to Helena where James Kenneth Ralston received his first formal art instruction. In 1905, his father was engaged by B. H. Tatum of Helena to put together a cow outfit. In 1906, the family moved from Helena to the Capital P ranch just south of the Missouri River across from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. In 1917, he went to Chicago and enrolled at the Chicago Art Institute for a brief three month tuition. Upon entering the U. S. Army the following spring, he served with the 62nd Infantry, Eighth Division. In the fall of 1920, he again went to Chicago and entered the Chicago Art Institute again. After his marriage in 1923 to his wife, Willo, they went to the Pacific coast where for seven years he worked as a commercial artist doing illustrations for books, newspapers, and advertising agencies. They came back to Montana in 1930 to take over his father s ranch, the Roman E, near Culbertson, but the Depression and drought made them leave in 1935. They decided on Billings for his studio and that began his vocation as a professional artist. His work is in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri; the Custer Battlefield National Monument; and the Montana Historical Society in Helena, Montana. His murals adorn many fine retail and professional locations throughout the country. James Kenneth Ralston died in 1987.
Davis Brothers Auction
Feb. 12, 2026
James Ralston, 1896-1987, Mare and Foal (Horses)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
James Ralston 1896-1987 Mare and Foal (Horses) oil on canvas laid on board signed lower left: JK Ralston -
Jackson Hole Art Auction
Sep. 13, 2025
Signed James Kenneth Ralston Pen and Ink Cartoons
Est: $800 - $1,200
For your consideration is an Original and Scarce Signed James Kenneth Ralston Pen and Ink cartoon, advertisement drawings (3) for Snook Art Co. Billings, Montana, circa 1930-1940s. J.K. Ralston (1896-1987), born in Choteau, Montana, was an accomplished painter of the Old American West whose primary topics were the American West and images of cowboys and American Indians; he also did commercial artwork. Ralstons works are on display at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the Western Heritage Center, the Montana Historical Society, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Museum. The National Park Service commissioned Ralston to render a depiction of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, easily one of his best and most famous works seen by thousands of people passing the Little Big Horn visitors center. Ralston was inducted by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum into the Hall of Great Westerners in 1978. Later he was inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2012. Original JK Ralston Artwork is immensely collectible and valuable, with this being one of only four known cartoon advertisement pieces ever produced by his handa truly important piece of Montanas History. The first drawing shows two men, one a cowboy the other a caricature of "Uncle Sam" atop a mule. Both are on a ridge overlooking the city of Billings, Montana. A sign / billboard is to their left, "Billings Flood Loss in 1937 $3,000,000". The cowboy asks, "Suppose it's another flood comin' uncle?", and the rider, with a question mark hovering above his hat, says, "Wonder what the city dads have done about it". In the distance dark storm clouds hover above the northern heights. Below the riders is the advertisement, "Get Your Home Under Cover With - PITTSBURGH PAINT PRODUCTS Sun Proof Paints - Waterspar Enamel - Wallhide - We Sell Glass For All Purposes - SNOOK ART CO. Billings". The second drawing features the same two characters from the previous drawing, a cowboy and Uncle Sam, astride their respective horse and mule. They're chasing wolves with names, "Recession", "Reds", and "Agitators". A running bull is named, "American Business". An eagle flying overhead says, "Fog Em Boys". A billboard on a tree is labeled, "$10,000 Reward for BIG NOSE NAZI". Below the scene is the advertisement, "Clean Up With - PITTSBURGH PAINT PRODUCTS WALLHIDE Waterspar Enamel And Sun Proof Paint SNOOK ART CO. The Art Show Place Of The Northwest Billings". The last drawing has the same characters, the cowboy and Uncle Sam, both up in a tree. The cowboy says, "Better Not Try Milkin' Her Yet Uncle". Immediately below is a bull named "Discontented Business". Behind the bull is a waiting wolf named, "Recession" who says,"Sweet Pickins They're Playin' Right Into My Mitt", a bird overhead says, "Try Cooperation Boys". Above the cowboy is a sign, "To Happy Valley Ranch School House" pointing towards a school building. The horse and mule are galloping towards the school with the horse saying, "We'll Lope Over Here And Sit Down". Below is the advertisement, "You are safe when you use PITTSBURGH PAINT PRODUCTS Put your men to work with these fine materials we sell glass and mirrors SNOOK ART CO. Billings". All three drawings are signed, "JK RALSTON". Professionally mounted in black coloured metal frames, the matted pen & ink drawings are in very nice condition. Two measure 11.25"W x 13.25"L, one is 11.25"W x 13.75"L, each is .75"D. Combined weight is 6lb, 8oz.
North American Auction Company
May. 30, 2025
James Ralston (1896-1987): They Camped Their Wagons in a Ring, 1945
Est: $600 - $900
James Ralston (1896-1987): They Camped Their Wagons in a Ring, 1945 Dimensions: 7 7/8 x 11 Framed/base dimensions: 15 1/2 x 18 11/16 x 1 3/4 Signature: signed and dated lower left: JKRalston 45 ©
Jackson Hole Art Auction
Feb. 08, 2025
James Ralston Indians Camped Pen & Ink Drawing
Est: $600 - $800
Illustrated on page 176 Both Feet in the Stirrups by Bill Huntington. Pen and Ink on Paper. 14 1/2" by 18" framed. Some foxing in the field as shown. James Kenneth Ralston (1896 - 1987) was active/lived in Montana. James Ralston is known for Historical-west, genre painting, illustration. James Kenneth Ralston was born in Choteau, Montana, on March 31, 1896. His paternal grandparents, left Independence, Missouri, by ox team for the gold camps of Colorado in 1859. His father was the first born to Samuel F. and Mary Gregg Ralston. In 1863, they headed for Idaho, and in 1864 they moved to the Alder Gulch area in the Montana Territory. In the spring of 1878, his father, Will Ralston, moved the Ralston cattle to the Teton River near Choteau, Montana. In 1885, Will Ralston married Ellen Mathewson and they had five children of which James Kenneth Ralston was the fifth child. In 1903, Will Ralston took over as the general manager of the Flying U Ranch near Choteau, Montana. They then moved to Helena where James Kenneth Ralston received his first formal art instruction. In 1905, his father was engaged by B. H. Tatum of Helena to put together a cow outfit. In 1906, the family moved from Helena to the Capital P ranch just south of the Missouri River across from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. In 1917, he went to Chicago and enrolled at the Chicago Art Institute for a brief three month tuition. Upon entering the U. S. Army the following spring, he served with the 62nd Infantry, Eighth Division. In the fall of 1920, he again went to Chicago and entered the Chicago Art Institute again. After his marriage in 1923 to his wife, Willo, they went to the Pacific coast where for seven years he worked as a commercial artist doing illustrations for books, newspapers, and advertising agencies. They came back to Montana in 1930 to take over his father's ranch, the Roman E, near Culbertson, but the Depression and drought made them leave in 1935. They decided on Billings for his studio and that began his vocation as a professional artist. His work is in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri; the Custer Battlefield National Monument; and the Montana Historical Society in Helena, Montana. His murals adorn many fine retail and professional locations throughout the country. James Kenneth Ralston died in 1987.
Davis Brothers Auction
May. 05, 2024
JAMES RALSTON "THREE CORNER MOUNTAIN" OIL ON CANVAS
Est: -
James Kenneth Ralston (1896 - 1987) "Three Corner Mountain" Oil on Canvas. James Kenneth Ralston was born in Choteau, Montana in 1896. His work is in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri; the Custer Battlefield National Monument; and the Montana Historical Society in Helena, Montana. Artist: James Ralston Title: "Three Corner Mountain" Medium: Oil on Canvas Signature Type: Hand Signed Signature Location: Lower Left Site Measurement: 24" x 36" Image Keywords: Southwestern, Western Artwork, Art; Ref: BD1992
Bradford's
Apr. 06, 2022
J.K. Ralston Signed & Dated Print
Est: $100 - $200
J.K. Ralston Signed & Dated Print. Measures 10-in. x 40-in. image size. Professionally framed. This item requires buyer pick up or use of an outside shipper. If lot is absent of a condition report one may be requested via email. Condition report is provided as an opinion only and is no guarantee as condition can be subjective. Buyer must view photographs or scans to assist in determining condition and ask further questions if so desired. This item requires the use of an outside shipper. Buyer to select shipper and make all arrangements. Here are 2 options: The UPS Store 12402 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99218 509-467-4451 store0957@theupsstore.com. Or, Action Shipping 11807 E Trent Ave, Spokane, WA 99206 509-926-2445 contacts@actionshipping.comcastbiz.net
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Dec. 09, 2021
JAMES KENNETH RALSTON (1896 - 1987): COWBOY
Est: $400 - $600
oil on canvas; signed and dated 192[?] lower right; titled to gallery label; Provenance: Estate of Dewitt McCall; Condition: wax-lined; 9 x 13 inches; 16 x 19 3/4 inches frame
Abell Auction
Oct. 14, 2021
JAMES KENNETH RALSTON (1896 - 1987): COWBOY
Est: $400 - $600
oil on canvas; signed and dated 192[?] lower right; titled to gallery label; Provenance: Estate of Dewitt McCall; Condition: wax-lined; 9 x 13 inches; 16 x 19 3/4 inches frame
Abell Auction
Jul. 13, 2019
JK Ralston (1896-1987) Original Women of the West
Est: $1,000 - $3,000
This is an original and scarce James Kenneth Ralston oil on stretched canvas titled, Women of the West and dated 1973. J.K. Ralston (American 1896-1987) was an accomplished painter of the Old American West who was born in Choteau, Montana in 1896, the 19th Century. Ralstons works are on display at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the Western Heritage Center, the Montana Historical Society and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Museum. The work of art, which is in a nice medium to larger size, shows a group of Montana Native American Indians (possibly Crow, Flathead, Sioux, Blackfoot, or Gros Ventre) all being women traveling across a Montana valley with a Mountain Range in the background. The main character of the painting is a woman in full dress on horseback with drag poles and wearing a papoose cradle board. Also shown in the painting are multiple wolf-dogs (wolfdogs) with drag poles on their backs. The painting is signed in the lower right, JK RALSTON 73 and is handwritten on the back WOMEN OF THE WEST. Very few original paintings have been offered for sale and one example was shown on the Antiques Roadshow and appraised at a value of $15,000 by Alan Fausel of Bonhams, New York (this example shows the same size, and coloring with our example having better subject matter). The piece shows good coloring and overall good condition with some wear (beneath the central figures hoof is some chipping and, in the sky, also shows some flaking, but can be repaired). The work of art canvas measures 26 by 18. The frame is 30.25 by 22.25. The horse also shows some chipping as shown.
North American Auction Company
Sep. 14, 2018
The Attack by James Ralston
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
James Ralston (1896-1987), oil on canvas, 48 x 80, signed lower left
Jackson Hole Art Auction
Sep. 14, 2018
Goin' to Town by James Ralston
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
James Ralston (1896-1987), oil on canvas, 48 x 72, signed lower left
Jackson Hole Art Auction
Sep. 14, 2018
River Fort by James Ralston
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
James Ralston (1896-1987), oil on canvas, 48 x 72, signed lower right
Jackson Hole Art Auction
Sep. 14, 2018
Return of the War Party by James Ralston
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
James Ralston (1896-1987), oil on canvas, 48 x 72, signed lower right
Jackson Hole Art Auction
Mar. 17, 2018
James K. Ralston, bronze
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
James K. Ralston (1896-1987) Brother Frank Topping off the Broomtail 13 ¼" x 7 ¼" x 4" bronze Inscribed: J.K. Ralston, © 12/100, Stamped BB $2,000-3,000
March In Montana
Jan. 19, 2018
Ralston, J.K. (1896-1987) "Cowboy and Rabbit"
Est: $200 - $400
Ralston, J.K. (1896-1987) "Cowboy and Rabbit"
Scottsdale Art Auction, LLC
Jan. 19, 2018
Ralston, J.K. (1896-1987) "The Boasters"
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
Ralston, J.K. (1896-1987) "The Boasters"
Scottsdale Art Auction, LLC
Jan. 19, 2018
Ralston, J.K. (1896-1987) "Fur Company's Men"
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Ralston, J.K. (1896-1987) "Fur Company's Men"
Scottsdale Art Auction, LLC
Nov. 08, 2015
James Kenneth Ralston (1896-1987)
Est: $400 - $800
Ca.1960s, Large and unique signed original pen and pastel depicting a cowboy and his mount taking a break. 20" x 13" (31-1/4" x 24-1/4" framed)
Allard Auctions
Apr. 11, 2015
JAMES KENNETH RALSTON (1896-1987) Captain Clark on the Yellowstone oil on canvas signed lower right J. K. Ralston 66 11"...
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
JAMES KENNETH RALSTON (1896-1987) Captain Clark on the Yellowstone oil on canvas signed lower right J. K. Ralston 66 11" x 14"
Nadeau's Auction Gallery
Aug. 28, 2009
Chromolithograph of Custer's Last Stand by J.K. Ralston,
Est: $100 - $200
14" x 20", with printed title Call of the Bugle. Matted and framed, 23.75" x 32.5". J.K. Ralston (1896-1987), noted American painter and illustrator best known for his genre scenes and depictions of the historic west. A dramatic portrayal of Custer and the 7th U.S. Cavalry fighting the Native American Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne at the Battle of Little Big Horn.
Cowan's Auctions
Feb. 11, 2006
Ralston, James Kenneth
Est: $500 - $800
Ralston, James Kenneth Montana (1896-1987) THREE WORKS: BISON FAMILY bronze with dark brown patina, on wood base signed: on base H8" W11" D4", H8" W10" D3", and H5" W6" D2 1/2" *Artist biography: James Kenneth Ralston was born in Choteau, Montana, on March 31, 1896. His paternal grandparents left Independence, Missouri, by ox team for the gold camps of Colorado in 1859. His father was the first child born to Samuel F. and Mary Gregg Ralston. In 1863, they headed for Idaho and in 1864, moved to the Alder Gulch area in the Montana Territory. In the spring of 1878, his father, Will Ralston, moved the Ralston cattle to the Teton River near Choteau, Montana. In 1885, Will Ralston married Ellen Mathewson, and they had five children; James Kenneth Ralston was the fifth child. In 1903, Will Ralston took over as the general manager of the Flying U Ranch near Choteau, Montana. They moved to Helena, where James Kenneth Ralston received his first formal art instruction. In 1905, his father was engaged by B. H. Tatum of Helena to put together a cow outfit. In 1906, the family moved from Helena to the Capital P Ranch just south of the Missouri River across from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. In 1917, he went to Chicago and enrolled at the Chicago Art Institute for a brief three-month period. Upon entering the U. S. Army the following spring, he served with the 62nd Infantry, Eighth Division. In the fall of 1920, he returned to Chicago and entered the Chicago Art Institute again. After his marriage in 1923 to his wife,Willo, they went to the Pacific coast, where for seven years he worked as a commercial artist doing illustrations for books, newspapers, and advertising agencies. They came back to Montana in 1930 to take over his father's ranch, the Roman E, near Culbertson, but the Depression and drought made them leave in 1935. They decided on Billings for his studio, and that began his vocation as a professional artist. His work is in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri, the Custer Battlefield National Monument, and the Montana Historical Society in Helena, Montana. His murals adorn many fine retail and professional locations throughout the country. James Kenneth Ralston died in 1987.
Charlton Hall