Autumn Splendor Auction: Americana, Railroad, Numismatics, Mining (October 2021)

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location3555 Airway Drive Suite 309, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States In Person PreviewPreview

Auction Details

Welcome to our Autumn Splendor Auction, the first of our fabulous end-of-the-year sales! This sale features many important collections:

**Stuart “Scotty” MacKenzie Montana Collection**

Stuart (Scotty to his immediate family and circle of Montana friends) was an inveterate collector and dealer. Aside from his regular job as a lawyer in a firm of two with his old school buddy, he did damn near everything else. If the kids wanted a horse, there was one. Then four. Then more. After his wife Shirley spotted one of the kids swinging in the air, hanging onto the reins for dear life, that was it for the horses.

Then there was the ranch and cattle. Too much cow poop on the boots in the office that also came home into the house, and that was it for the ranch. Stuart scoured the backroads of northern Montana looking for documents, archives, company files, libraries, correspondence – most anything historical except bottles and tokens. He got lucky - that bug never bit him.

He was a regular at university library book sales, often buying the “whole thing.” He’d trade for things he wanted, trade for stuff he didn’t want, but the museum or society really wanted it badly, so off it went. He was a major supporter of the local Chinook Historical Society (Blaine County Historical Society), and a major contributor and concept man for the Chinook Wildlife Museum on Main Street today.
His grandfather was a Montana Senator, and a wing of the university in Havre is named after him. The family were die-hard UMontana fans and supporters. A family house in Whitefish was a regular vacationing spot, not far from Glacier National Park.

In all the years of knowing Stuart (40 or so), I never got the opportunity to meet his wife Shirley or his kids. It seems the few shows I did not attend on some years (Memphis, in particular), the family would be there, but I wasn’t. When he called me a few days before his passing, I heard the emergency of the hour in his voice. I thought I’d talk to him in a few days, but it was too late. But I finally got to meet Shirley, and she’s a “ten” in every way. But at least he had told me over the years what he had, where it was, and so forth, so that when I first went to Chinook, it was somewhat familiar to me. I knew what to look for and where. We brought back two 28-foot trucks and a large, tall van full of goods, probably 18-19 tons of collectible material. A local auction was held for some of the larger and fragile material in his store, which had been closed for ten years. We also left behind another 28-foot truck worth of goods, but we had sorted thru most.

Even though Chinook is a prairie town, a stop on the Burlington Northern 20 miles from Havre (HAV’– er), the midpoint between Seattle and Minneapolis, Stuart had a strong love of mining stuff. He scored big in Butte, in Virginia City, in Pony, Helena and many other towns. He put together massive correspondence collections which will be offered at a future date. We put together a massive Montana town document collection of over 500 different locations – nearly 600! There are document archives from many of Montana’s most famous towns that are offered in this sale and upcoming sales. This is a very rare opportunity to garner such collections. We have not seen anything like this since about 1992 when we sold off a major Nevada archive in San Francisco.

Another major holding are his fruit labels and other labels, which date from the 1870s right through about 1950 or so. These come from all over America, and some from Europe. He bought large accumulations from dealers who bought out closed printer businesses. He also scored a huge deal on Victorian wall art, mostly pretty ladies in attire of the times, the kind put up in saloons, and well used today in interior decorating. He found large advertising groups sure to make hundreds of collectors happy.

Then there are postcards, postal history, bird prints, and a fantastic Montana library – hundreds of boxes, which we will supplement with another Montana library at a later date.

**Shirley Bovis Private Tombstone Cowboy Museum**

For decades, Shirley was a main-stay in Tombstone, an avid collector, part-time dealer and nice person. She bought long time Tombstone dealer Joe Soebbing’s adobe in the middle of town, and quickly turned part of it into a museum. She also owned the Tombstone Bead Company, an off-shoot of the Bovis Bead Company as America’s only dealer in specialty beads from Lyon, France, now long out of production. We hope to be offering these beads at a later date, as they have sat “idle” for more than 40 years. Shirley collected gambling items, saloon, cowboy, Native American – pretty much everything that is and was Tombstone. This collection will also come out a bit at a time.

**Western Coin Dealers and Collectors**

We continue to get in great collections of tokens, medals and bullion coins from a wide variety of western coin dealers and collectors. Our market has been very hot, and it shows. This sale features a great batch of so-called dollars.

**Ken Prag Postcards and Stocks**

We picked up another large group of cards and stocks from Ken, and by publication time may not have had time to process much, but it's coming! This sale features a large batch of California postcards, as well as more rare autograph stocks including American Express, Wells Fargo, Robert Morris, and more!

**Railroad Passes, Lock Keys, Lamps, Stocks, & Ephemera**

We received consignments from three important railroad pass and stock collections, all in this sale. It's still tough for us to price them, so we try to keep the start price cheap and you guys figure out the rest! This sale also features nearly 200 lots of lock keys and lamps, and a huge railroad library.

**Mining**

Western mining photographs, documents, and publications, as well as carbide lamps. Mining stocks include an issued Bodie stock signed by Leland Stanford; a California mining stock signed by famous Western author Bret Harte; and a collection of Canadian stocks.

**Hollywood & Disney Autographs & Ephemera**

A huge group of autographed pictures and cuts from Hollywood's biggest stars thru time. Also rare Disney collectibles and ephemera.

**Rare Books**

In addition to nearly 75 lots of Montana directories from the MacKenzie Collection, we're thrilled to offer a Shakespeare Original First Folio Fragment, "The First Part of Henry the Fourth."

**& Much More!

Native Americana; jewelry; a big group of belt buckles and other cowboy collectibles; bottles & saloon collectibles; rare Western documents and photos; militaria including Civil War knives; gaming & circus collectibles; art & advertising, and more!

Keep the Collections Coming!

We have three of the best western collections of their kind coming up in future months. And I mean the kind you’ve all been waiting for, but did not know about them.

Please keep us in mind for selling your collection, and contact me, fredholabird@gmail.com. --Fred Holabird & Team--

Auction Schedule

Day 1, October 28th, 2021, Lots 1000-1651
General Americana Pt. I
Alaska-Wyoming incl. MacKenzie Montana Ephemera Collection (1000-1538)
Bottles & Saloon & Cigar (1539-1602)
Marbles & Toys (1603-1651)

Day 2, October 29th, 2021, Lots 2000-2632
General Americana Pt. II (2000-2537)
Books feat. the Montana Directories & Shakespeare First Folio (2000-2174)
Gaming & Circus (2175-2209)
Cowboy (2210-2257)
Jewelry (2258-2295)
Miscellaneous (2296-2506)
General Foreign (2507-2537)
Firearms, Military, & Political (2538-2632)

Day 3, October 30th, 2021, Lots 3000-3661
Art & Advertising (3000-3152)
Native Americana (3153-3226)
Transportation (3227-3661)
Air, Auto, Steamer (3227-3259)
Railroadiana (3260-3661)
Passes (3260-3328)
Ephemera (3329-3421)
Keys (3422-3555)
Lamps (3556-3614)
Model Trains (3615-3661)

Day 4, October 31st, 2021, Lots 4000-4618
Mining Ephemera & Collectibles (4000-4110)
Stocks & Bonds (4111-4371)
Mining (4111-4233)
Oil (4234-4251)
Railroad (4252-4298)
Misc. incl. Autographs, Early American, & Express (4299-4371)
Numismatics (4372-4618)
Ingots (4372-4377)
Currency, Scrip, Ephemera (4378-4409)
Coins (4410-4462)
Medals & So-Called Dollars (4463-4565)
Tokens (4566-4618)

Day 5, November 1st, 2021, Lots 5000-5648
Philatelic (5000-5398)
Postcards (5000-5367)
Covers & Stamps (5368-5398)
Bargains & Dealer Specials (5399-5648)
General Americana (5399-5482)
Stocks & Bonds (5483-5573)
Numismatics (5574-5648)




SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. Shipping and handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing as it is based on the size and weight of your purchase. Additional shipping and handling costs, if required, will be re-invoiced for the balance due. Items are not shipped until the invoice is completely paid. Many buyers purchase a number of lots. Every effort will be made to include all lots in a single shipping charge calculated to cover the weight and size.SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size a...
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CT Ham Co. Railroad Conductor's Lantern, Model 3-1/2, Brass Plated  [138571]3598 - CT Ham Co. Railroad Conductor's Lantern, Model 3-1/2, Brass Plated [138571]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass-plated railroad conductor's lantern by CT Ham, model 3-1/2 with intact clear glass globe. It is about 10.5 inches tall, and about 5.5 inch...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to S*****3 for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
 
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Dietz Railroad Conductor's Lantern #8  [138358]3599 - Dietz Railroad Conductor's Lantern #8 [138358]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early version of a Dietz Railroad Conductor's lantern with thick-walled clear glass globe, intact and undamaged. Top of the globe reads // MACBE...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (190.00 + 47.50BP) = 237.50
 
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Dressel Railroad Reflex Switch Lamp  [138312]3600 - Dressel Railroad Reflex Switch Lamp [138312]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Railroad switch lamp made by Dressel used to indicate the position of a railroad switch. It has four lenses, each about 5.25 inches in diameter, two b
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to p****s for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Railroad Crossing Lamp by Dressel  [138324]3601 - Railroad Crossing Lamp by Dressel [138324]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Railroad crossing lamp with black sheet metal frame and one ~5-inch diameter, red glass Fresnel lens. This would have been mounted on the crossbuck si
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to t********f for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Railroad Switch Lamp by Handlan  [138318]3602 - Railroad Switch Lamp by Handlan [138318]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Track switch lamp made by Handlan with black steel frame and four, ~5-inch diameter, glass Fresnel lenses, two red, two green. About 16.5 inches tall,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to p****s for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Railroad Classification Lamp by Pyle National Company   [138310]3603 - Railroad Classification Lamp by Pyle National Company [138310]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Engine classification lamp by Pyle National Company with two, ~5.5-inch diameter, Fresnel lenses with green filters inside behind each lens, all in a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Engine Classification Lamp by Pyle-National Co.  [138314]3604 - Engine Classification Lamp by Pyle-National Co. [138314]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Cast-iron, spherical lamp used to indicate the type of train an engine was pulling. Two ~5-inch, clear Fresnel lenses with green filters inside that c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Railroad Coach Sconce Lamps  [138416]3605 - Railroad Coach Sconce Lamps [138416]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This pair of sconce lamps are unmarked and for interior railroad cabin usage. 10 inches overall length with a clear Pyrex glass. The construction is b
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to 3***6 for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Railroad Conductor's Lantern, Santa Fe Railroad  [138577]3606 - Railroad Conductor's Lantern, Santa Fe Railroad [138577]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Railroad conductor's lantern with intact clear glass globe embossed with the Santa Fe railroad logo. Metal base of the lantern is also embossed ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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United Switch & Signal Co Railroad Lamp  [138306]3607 - United Switch & Signal Co Railroad Lamp [138306]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Railroad signal lamp with no bottom and no burner. It has two clear Fresnel lenses, each approx 5 inches in diameter. The lamp is 15 inches tall and 8
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Railroad Lamp Group - 4 pieces  [138332]3608 - Railroad Lamp Group - 4 pieces [138332]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four different railroad lamps including: One caboose marker lamp by Pyle with four ~1.5-inch diameter, glass Fresnel lenses, one red and three amber (
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 350.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Railroad Lamp Parts Group  [139435]3609 - Railroad Lamp Parts Group [139435]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
large group of parts including unassembled signal lights and parts and kerosene lamp bases. Used by an advanced lamp collector for his restoration pro
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to c********t.. for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Railroad Lanterns & Such ( 5)  [139342]3610 - Railroad Lanterns & Such ( 5) [139342]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A small group of railrodiana, including an oil dispenser from the Great Northern Railway, an electric signal lantern and a coal oil lantern with red a
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Railroad Lamp, Lock, Key Collectibles Library  [139434]3611 - Railroad Lamp, Lock, Key Collectibles Library [139434]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One file storage box full (1 cubic foot) of correspondence and collectibles from collector Al Barker c1980-2000. An interesting personal group of file
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Brass Railroad Whistle, Pacific Electric Railway  [138750]3612 - Brass Railroad Whistle, Pacific Electric Railway [138750]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass, single-chime railroad steam whistle, about 20 inches tall and 1-3/4 inches in diameter. Has two orifices but only one undivided resonating cham
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Brass Railroad Whistle, Three-Chime, Unknown Railroad  [138751]3613 - Brass Railroad Whistle, Three-Chime, Unknown Railroad [138751]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass, three-chime railroad steam whistle, about 15 inches tall and 1-3/4 inches in diameter. Has three orifices, each with its own resonating chamber
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Locomotive Engine Plaque, Brass, H.K. Porter Co.  [140408]3614 - Locomotive Engine Plaque, Brass, H.K. Porter Co. [140408]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Reproduction locomotive engine plaque in brass for the H.K. Porter Company, Pittsburgh, U.S.A. No 5580, 1914. See photo for details. 7-1/4 x 7-1/2 inc
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 70.00 | Estimate : 140.00 - 180.00
 
 
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Model Railroad Trolley Magazines & Periodicals  [128135]3615 - Model Railroad Trolley Magazines & Periodicals [128135]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A box full of the model railroading publication "Trolley Talk." How many? I don't know, but the box is filled. This is a collection fo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 75.00 - 100.00
Sold to t******h for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Model Railroading Magazine Collection (75)  [128256]3616 - Model Railroading Magazine Collection (75) [128256]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a collection of 75 model railroading publications, including several editions of Railroad Model Craftsman, Traction & Models, a modelers...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to M********9 for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Aristo Craft G Scale Water Tower  [138017]3617 - Aristo Craft G Scale Water Tower [138017]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
In original box, Ariosto Craft Trains, Polk's Inc. Water tower, water spigot operable. near new condition. Can dispense liquid and can double as...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 140.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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