"Christmas Chronicles", 2023 December Live Auction

Auction Details

Christmas is coming early to our Collectors this year! Welcome to our Holabird's 2023 Christmas Chronicles, our biggest sale of the year!


The Christmas Chronicles December Auction is our Grand Finale of 2023 and we've included every collecting category as a Christmas Thank-You for our valued customers.

December is loaded with BRAND NEW ITEMS featuring collectibles from the Robert Coelln Western Collection, The Jan Garvis Mining Collection, The Franklin Collection, The Herzog Collection, The Chunlin Zhu Natural Wonders Collection, The Gary Bracken General Store Collection, plus many others!
No matter what you collect we encourage you to browse the entire online catalog for the DECEMBER LIVE AUCTION as hidden rarities are scattered throughout the sale! While our December's Sale includes an incredible selection of RARE Antique Photographs, you will also find photographs peppered in almost every other section, like the never-before-offered original, antique photograph of Doc Holiday and Big-Nose Kate you will find listed in our Cowboy section!
We've worked hard this fall to clear out our warehouses and list another big group of MINERAL DISPLAY SPECIMENS from the Chunlin Zhu Collection! Many of you have purchased massive specimens from this collection for incredible prices and dealers have made huge profits in this category since our premier sale over a year ago. We are proud to offer another BRAND-NEW GROUP of spectacular display specimens, as we are reaching the last of the Chinese pieces. This may be one of your last chances to purchase pieces like this well below wholesale -- just in time for the 2024 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show! We recommend pick-up for the larger pieces as shipping prices on some of these rocks are restrictive but this has offered an unbelievable opportunity for nearby customers willing to make a trip to Reno. And while you are in the neighborhood, don't miss the General Store items from Bracken, another collection that is coming to a close. For Dealers who enjoy a winter vacation in Reno/Tahoe, picking up from our year-end sale will definitely give you a leg up on your 2024 profit margin!
If you aren't within driving distance of Reno, no worries! December has an incredible variety of ephemera, coins, jewelry, and other easy-to-ship items for you to cross off your wish list this Christmas and if you won in our Black Friday Weekend Timed auction and your shipment did not go out early, we will combine your items and ship both orders together to save you money on your shipping invoice.

Thank you and happy bidding!

Day 1
Art (1000-1051)
Photography (1052-1138)
Native American Art (1139-1162)
Imported Collectibles (1163-1201)
Home (1202-1215)
Souvenir Plates (1216-1225)
Silverware (1226-1230)
Jewelry (1231-1241)
Native American Artifacts (1242-1392)
Maps (1393-1418)
Books (1419-1535)
Entertainment (1536-1551)
Musical Instruments (1552-1555)


Day 2
Minerals (2000-2052)
Mining (2053-2400)
Cowboy (2401-2438)
Tobacciana (2439-2452)
Bottles (2453-2476)
Saloon (2477-2492)
Gaming (2493-2501)
Firearms-Weapons (2501-2509)
Military (2510-2552)
Political (2553-2587)

Day 3
Sports (3000-3009)
Tokens (3010-3023)
Badges (3024-3037)
Numismatics (3038-3181)
Coins (3039-3056)
Currency (3057-3083)
Ephemera (3084-3112)
Ingots (3113-3149)
Exonumia & Medals (3150-3182)
SS Central America (3183-3213)
Transportation (3214-3300)
General Collectibles (3301-3332)
Tools (3333-3334)
General Store (3335-3411)
Ephemera,
Geographically Sorted (3412-3593)

Day 4
Stocks & Bonds (4000-4429)
Including mining, railroad, etc
Philatelic - Postal History (4430-4465)
Postcards (4466-4486)
Stamps – USA (4487-4521)
Stamps – Worldwide (4522-4528)
Wells Fargo & Express (4529-4576)
Firefighting Memorabilia (4577-4579)
Fraternal Organizations (4580-4582)

Shipping is billed separately. Pay your auction invoice early as purchases are packed in the order payments are received. Pick-up must be scheduled 24 hours in advance when you receive your shipping preference email after the auction. Invoices will go out immediately after the auction ends.

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California Powder Works Ephemera    [160585]2191California Powder Works Ephemera [160585]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice group of ephemera from The California Powder Works. 14 covers c. 1894-97 addressed to S R Buford, Virginia City, Montana. 2 receipts for payment
Start Price : 400.00 | Estimate : 800.00 - 2,000.00
D.O. Mills Collection, Bank of California, historic    [173943]2192D.O. Mills Collection, Bank of California, historic [173943]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Superb collection relating to D.O. Mills and the first banking house in California. Includes: 1) 3x company check No. 186 (June 29th, 1859), 221 (Augu
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to e******n for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
Dredges by Yuba Manufacturing    [171295]2193Dredges by Yuba Manufacturing [171295]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hardcover Gold Dredges by Yuba Manufacturing, 1927. Lots of dredge and dredge parts photos of the bucket line machine that harvested California gold.
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Geology and Production of Mercury in California Library, 20 Vols.    [173022]2194Geology and Production of Mercury in California Library, 20 Vols. [173022]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
20 volumes of publications c. 1918-57 about the geology and production of mercury in California. New Almaden, Mayacamas, Parkfield, economic aspects,
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Gold Dredges by Yuba Manufacturing    [171293]2195Gold Dredges by Yuba Manufacturing [171293]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hardcover book in original cardboard mailer. Gold Dredges by Yuba Manufacturing, 1927. Lots of dredge and dredge parts photos of the bucket line machi
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to r********e.. for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
Houseworth Stereoview of a Classic Multi-Stage Long Tom  c1868-1870  [123692]2196Houseworth Stereoview of a Classic Multi-Stage Long Tom c1868-1870 [123692]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The long tom is a small sluice that uses less water than a regular sluice. It consists of a sloping trough 12 feet long, 15 to 20 inches wide at the u
Estimate : 240.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
Key California Gold Mining Publications, 2    [173007]2197Key California Gold Mining Publications, 2 [173007]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
These are 2 key California gold mining publications. 1895 California Gold Practices by Preston, the early development and use of milling equipment dur
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 250.00
Mining Equipment Auction Broadsides (2)    [158404]2198Mining Equipment Auction Broadsides (2) [158404]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two mining equipment auction broadsides._x000D_ A) Broadside for the auction sale of mining and milling equipment from the Markall Machinery Company.
Start Price : 95.00 | Estimate : 190.00 - 400.00
Placer Mining Arrastra Steroeview    [171213]2199Placer Mining Arrastra Steroeview [171213]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
By Thomas Houseworth of San Francisco. Location of placer mining arrastra is not identified. Very rare! The arrastra was an early method of crushing o
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 2*****s for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
Rare Chinese Ticket for Silver to Hong Kong    [171200]2200Rare Chinese Ticket for Silver to Hong Kong [171200]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare Chinese Ticket for Silver to Hong Kong Chinese ticket regarding silver being shipped from California to Hong Kong! We have never seen anything li
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
Aspen Assay Receipts - Rare! (2)  1894 & 1896  [123615]2201Aspen Assay Receipts - Rare! (2) 1894 & 1896 [123615]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2. 1) Taylor & Brunton Sampling Works Company assay memorandum. Dateline Aspen, Colorado, Nov. 7, 1894. This piece has two important thin...
Estimate : 160.00 - 300.00
Sold to c*********p for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
Bonanza, Colorado, 1881 Photo in Frame    [172598]2202Bonanza, Colorado, 1881 Photo in Frame [172598]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Framed 1881 photo of Bonanza, Colorado taken from Mineral Hill in 1881 by William Dulles as per back inscription. Mining camp buildings in a valley. P
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 3****m for (425.00 + 106.25BP) = 531.25
Boston and Colorado Smelting Company Assay Reports, Boulder  1881-1886  [123574]2203Boston and Colorado Smelting Company Assay Reports, Boulder 1881-1886 [123574]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4 assay memorandums, 3 different styles, for the Boulder Agency of the Boston & Colorado & Smelting Co. Reports for mines are in Suns...
Estimate : 240.00 - 600.00
Sold to d****z for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
Brownsville Mining Camp Stereoview    [123607]2204Brownsville Mining Camp Stereoview [123607]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Stereoview by Underwood and Underwood. C. Bierstadt, Publisher. Sharp and contrast and clear photographs. Titled "Brownsville Mining Camp on th...
Start Price : 120.00 | Estimate : 240.00 - 500.00
Original Patent Plats, Griffith Mining District, 4 c. 1878    [175572]2205Original Patent Plats, Griffith Mining District, 4 c. 1878 [175572]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
4 original patent plats, Griffith Mining District, Clear Creek county, Colorado. "In 1859 George and David Griffith found gold in the Georgetow...
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Cripple Creek Sampling and Ore Company Assays  1897-1908  [123619]2206Cripple Creek Sampling and Ore Company Assays 1897-1908 [123619]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three. 1) 1897 results for the Colorado Springs M&L Co., Roy Gold Crater Mining Company. SP Duff was treasurer of the Pride of the Rockie...
Start Price : 80.00 | Estimate : 160.00 - 400.00
Cripple Creek USGS Geology Books, 2    [167981]2207Cripple Creek USGS Geology Books, 2 [167981]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hardcover 1895 Annual Report of the USGS to the Secretary of the Interior, Part II, Papers of an Economic Character, 598pp with index. Softcover 1906
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Cripple Creek, CO Ephemera Group    [175793]2208Cripple Creek, CO Ephemera Group [175793]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Assorted Cripple Creek ephemera. Croesus Gold Mining stock, 1900. Bank of Goldfield 1902 pictorial check. 3 postcards. Arbuckle Coffee trade card. Cr
Estimate : 160.00 - 250.00
Sold to j********g for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
Stratton's Independence Limited, 1906-08, Lot (6x)    [173312]2209Stratton's Independence Limited, 1906-08, Lot (6x) [173312]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Stratton's Independence Mines Ephemera Lot of 6 items, all revolving around W.S. Stratton and his investments. Winfield Scott Stratton (1848- ...
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Denver Assay Collection (11)  1897-1919  [123638]2210Denver Assay Collection (11) 1897-1919 [123638]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 11. 1) A particularly excellent business card for R. R. Waitz, fire assays, electro-lixiviation, chemical analysis, etc. 2) Omaha Grant and Sme
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Von Schulz & Low Assay Collection (5)  1887-1911  [123637]2211Von Schulz & Low Assay Collection (5) 1887-1911 [123637]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 5. 1-2) 1887 assays. One for Hodges with five samples. Best had 0.20% gold and 0.24% silver. Company stamp. Second to Gregory Bowre. Five sampl
Start Price : 80.00 | Estimate : 160.00 - 400.00
Georgetown Assay Receipt Collection (4)  1872-1887  [123639]2212Georgetown Assay Receipt Collection (4) 1872-1887 [123639]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4. Three different Georgetown assay works. 1) Rarest piece is 1872 Colorado Assay Office. Assay report for the Silver Wing in the Snake River D
Estimate : 220.00 - 400.00
Sold to c*********p for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
Georgetown Cabinet Card by  McKirahan & Whitter    [123598]2213Georgetown Cabinet Card by McKirahan & Whitter [123598]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Cabinet card photo of three miners, their stone cabin, and six fully loaded pack mules in the snow. Some discoloration. Crisp details. Revere has prin
Start Price : 80.00 | Estimate : 160.00 - 300.00
Georgetown, Colorado Stereoviews (3)    [123610]2214Georgetown, Colorado Stereoviews (3) [123610]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3 different. 1) Kilburn Bros. No. 4401. Looking down a main street. Nice contrast. 2) W. H. Jackson, Denver. No. 1720. Clear Creek Series. Ove
Start Price : 240.00 | Estimate : 480.00 - 1,000.00
Mining Stock & Doc., 1867-1910, Gilpin    [173315]2215Mining Stock & Doc., 1867-1910, Gilpin [173315]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Colorado Gold Rush Stock Certificates and Ephemera, Gilpin District, Colorado. One of the the first gold mining companies on/near Gregory Gulch, part
Estimate : 550.00 - 800.00
Sold to S****2 for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
Idaho Springs Assay Collection (7)  1888-1896  [123640]2216Idaho Springs Assay Collection (7) 1888-1896 [123640]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 7. 1) J. J. Elliott Assay report with 18 lines. Although this is unused, it might be the most interesting for rarity. 1880s. 2) JJ Elliott blu
Estimate : 240.00 - 600.00
Sold to c*********p for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
Claims Report for the Eldorado Lode, Colorado Territory, 1865  1865  [123573]2217Claims Report for the Eldorado Lode, Colorado Territory, 1865 1865 [123573]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare territorial claim document for Lake County dated July 18, 1865. Charles L. Wall discovery claim. Eldorado Lode. La Plata District. Lists 8 c
Estimate : 160.00 - 400.00
Sold to d****z for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
Arkansas Valley Smelting Company Assays, Leadville, Colorado  1896-1898  [123635]2218Arkansas Valley Smelting Company Assays, Leadville, Colorado 1896-1898 [123635]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3. 1) 1896. #2681. For the Silver Cord Mining Company (Royalty in Yak M&M). Net value $310.36. Signed by Ferree. 2) 1897. #933. For the Y...
Start Price : 120.00 | Estimate : 240.00 - 500.00
Chippewa Consolidated Mining Company Prospectus, 1881    [172575]2219Chippewa Consolidated Mining Company Prospectus, 1881 [172575]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Prospectus of the Chippewa Consolidated Mining Company Incorporated January 3, 1881. Capital stock, $2,500,00 in shares of $10 each. Leadville Co. ; F
Estimate : 200.00 - 600.00
Sold to g******k for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
Leadville, Colorado Stereoviews (2)    [123608]2220Leadville, Colorado Stereoviews (2) [123608]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2 different. 1)J. Thurlow Photo, Manitou, Col. No. 188. "Chestnut street, looking west." Fantastic early view with easily readable ...
Start Price : 240.00 | Estimate : 480.00 - 1,000.00
ProspectU.S. Consol. Yankee & Breece Hills MC, 1880    [173302]2221ProspectU.S. Consol. Yankee & Breece Hills MC, 1880 [173302]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is an original prospectus of the Consolidated Yankee and Breece Hill's Mining Company, Leadville, Colorado. Incorporated June 29, 1880. Cap...
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to g******k for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
Colorado Assay Receipts -SCARCE (2)  1885  [123634]2222Colorado Assay Receipts -SCARCE (2) 1885 [123634]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two different receipts from scarce Colorado assayers. 1) Colorado Smelting Company. South Pueblo, Colorado. Assayer A. Wright, For the D. Wood
Start Price : 80.00 | Estimate : 160.00 - 300.00
Two Summit County Patented Claims Maps Pair    [175573]2223Two Summit County Patented Claims Maps Pair [175573]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare printed map of Jessie & Dania Gold Mining Companies claims by Thos. Perry, Chicago, c. 1893. Claims are colored by "group". 9.5x1...
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Victor, Colorado Assay Office Photograph  c1891  [123571]2224Victor, Colorado Assay Office Photograph c1891 [123571]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Shortly after gold was discovered in the Cripple Creek area, Victor was born. Although poorly processed, this 6.5 x 4.25" photograph clearly sh...
Start Price : 120.00 | Estimate : 240.00 - 400.00
Colorado Assayer Document Collection, c1897-1911    [173124]2225Colorado Assayer Document Collection, c1897-1911 [173124]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Seven documents from various smelting companies or sampling works, c 1897-1911. Includes ASARCO Denver (1900, Habendum MC, Leadville); Arkansas Valley
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Colorado Gold Mining Co. Stockholder's Reports (4)    [173496]2226Colorado Gold Mining Co. Stockholder's Reports (4) [173496]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Colorado United Gold Mines Co., Colorado Springs, Feb. 1, 1911. ~ Letter to stockholder's announcing absence of dividends. Includes stamped cove...
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Colorado Letter/letterhead Grant Smelting Co.  1883  [130553]2227Colorado Letter/letterhead Grant Smelting Co. 1883 [130553]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dated Feb. 10, 1883. The Captain has spoiled the author's chances in Virginia. It seems he wasn't willing to write a letter of support. The ...
Start Price : 80.00 | Estimate : 160.00 - 300.00
Stereoview of Mining Arrastre, Possibly in Colorado    [164582]2228Stereoview of Mining Arrastre, Possibly in Colorado [164582]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"The Gold Regions. No. 20. Arrastre in Motion and Arrastre at Rest. Near Stirling, with snow-clad Mountain in the distance." Two early Arr...
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to t********n.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
Ramshorn Mining District Ephemera (Approximately 30)  1889  [171596]2229Ramshorn Mining District Ephemera (Approximately 30) 1889 [171596]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ramshorn Mining District ephemera group (30) The Ramshorn Mine is a silver and gold mine located in Custer County, Idaho at an elevation of 7,799 feet
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
5x Atlanta Mine Docs, 1866-70    [175933]22305x Atlanta Mine Docs, 1866-70 [175933]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of Mining Documents from the Atlanta Lode out of Middle Boise Mining District, Idaho; All papers are regarding John H. Downing, a miner who
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Hampton Mining and Smelting 1863 Report    [173366]2231Hampton Mining and Smelting 1863 Report [173366]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1863 report from Hampton Mining and Smelting. Located in boston, they formed in 1863 when it purchased lead mining properties in 1863. in North Hampto
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Michigan Mining Reports, 5    [167788]2232Michigan Mining Reports, 5 [167788]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
5 Michigan mining reports with assets and liabilities, shaft info and expectations. 1886 Osceola Cons. Mining-vertical crease. 1886 Quincy Mining-vert
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
Osceola Cons. Mining Annual Reports, 1896 and 1897    [175564]2233Osceola Cons. Mining Annual Reports, 1896 and 1897 [175564]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1896 and 1897 annual reports from Osceola Cons. Mining, a Michigan copper mining company. 1896 has foldout shaft map. 1897 has a vertical crease. Mi
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Tamarack Mining Reports, 3    [167787]2234Tamarack Mining Reports, 3 [167787]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 reports from Tamarack Mining, 1886, 1896, 1897. Copper mining assets and liabilities, discussion of yields, machinery etc. Vertical creases. Michi
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Ledger For The Huron Silver Mining Company  1865  [175501]2235Ledger For The Huron Silver Mining Company 1865 [175501]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Thomas Couch was a Butte, Montana, miner and Great Falls, Montana, rancher and had mining interests all over the state, including the Huron, also know
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
Boston and Montana Cons. Copper and Silver Mining Annual Reports, 7  1894-97  [175563]2236Boston and Montana Cons. Copper and Silver Mining Annual Reports, 7 1894-97 [175563]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Annual reports of Boston and Montana Cons. Copper and Silver Mining, 1890-92 and 1897-97. 1890-92 have foldout mine maps. They were a major Montana co
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to 1**9 for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
Butte Highlands Mining Ephemera Collection    [172817]2237Butte Highlands Mining Ephemera Collection [172817]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of Butte Highlands Mining Co. ephemera. Maps, stock receipts, assay receipts, 1920's correspondences, bond agreement etc. Butte Mont...
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Butte Highlands Mining Ephemera Group    [171688]2238Butte Highlands Mining Ephemera Group [171688]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 40 pieces of Butte Highlands Mining ephemera. Includes promo sheets, map, correspondences, several mining reports with claim info etc. Butte M
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
SF Molitor's Assay Letter For a Job to Elling    [173782]2239SF Molitor's Assay Letter For a Job to Elling [173782]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare letter to Henry Elling (later working for the USAO) on a SF Molitor letterhead in 1870's asking for an assayer job. Letter is unsigned...
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to f*****E for (130.00 + 0.00BP) = 130.00
Garnet Gold Mining Co. Correspondences    [163393]2240Garnet Gold Mining Co. Correspondences [163393]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 75 correspondences in binder related to Garnet Gold Mining Co. c. 1909-17. Letterheads, receivership, legal proceedings as the company failed et
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,500.00