Fighting Bear Antiques

Fighting Bear Antiques is a Jackson Hole antiques gallery on US-89 just south of town, in operation since 1981, specializing in museum-quality Western Americana including Thomas Molesworth furniture, Native American beadwork, Navajo textiles, and early 20th-century Western paintings. The right fit is serious collectors of Western Americana, designers sourcing for Western-themed homes, and travelers willing to spend an hour browsing real artifact-grade work. The wrong fit is anyone hunting for affordable decorative pieces; this is investment-grade antique territory.

Inside the operation

A gallery-style antique shop carrying museum-quality Western pieces. Thomas Molesworth-designed furniture (the iconic Wyoming furniture-maker whose pieces define mid-century rustic Western design) is a centerpiece category. American Indian art including beadwork, leather, and ceremonial pieces. Navajo rugs and textiles. Arts and Crafts-era furniture. Early 20th-century Western paintings. The store also offers professional restoration services and shipping for purchases.

Gallery Highlights: Unique Western Antiques & Rustic Furnishings

Three reasons. First, the curation is serious. After 40+ years in the business, the inventory is sourced from real auctions, estate sales, and private collections; this is not reproduction or decorative-style work. Second, Thomas Molesworth specifically. Fighting Bear is one of the deeper sources for authentic Molesworth pieces in the country; collectors building serious Molesworth collections start here. Third, the shop is part of the Jackson Hole Western-design ecosystem; designers and homeowners building authentic Western interiors find pieces here that don't show up in retail furniture.

How to plan a visit

Walk in during open hours; plan an hour or more for a serious browse. For collectors, ask the staff about specific categories; the inventory rotates and there is often work in storage that isn't on the floor. Bring measurements if shopping for furniture; rooms in the Tetons have specific dimensions and Molesworth pieces are large. Shipping is arranged for purchases; restoration work can be arranged for pieces brought in.

Honest tradeoffs

Two honest tradeoffs. First, this is investment-grade pricing; signature Molesworth pieces and significant Native American work can run into five and six figures. Second, the inventory is finite and pieces move; if you see something that fits, decide. The same piece will not be there next month.

One thing to keep in mind

For new Jackson-area homeowners building a Western interior, Fighting Bear is the right first stop before furnishing decisions are locked in. Owning a single authentic Molesworth piece (a chair, a small table) anchors a room more effectively than a roomful of reproduction Western furniture. Ask the staff about restoration work too; if you have inherited a piece that needs work, this is one of the few places in the region that can handle it.

Last word

For museum-quality Western Americana and authentic Thomas Molesworth furniture in Jackson Hole, Fighting Bear Antiques is one of the right calls in the country. Plan time, ask substantive questions, and treat the shop as the gallery it is.

FAQ

Do they carry Molesworth?

Yes. One of the deeper sources for authentic Thomas Molesworth furniture in the country.

Do they ship purchases?

Yes.

Do they restore antiques?

Yes. Professional restoration services for the kinds of pieces they sell.

What are the hours?

Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Sunday.