"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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Alice G&SMC Annual Report, 1899, Montana    [173292]2241Alice G&SMC Annual Report, 1899, Montana [173292]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is an original Annual Report for Alice Gold and Silver Mining Company, dated January 1, 1899. 26 pages (one sided). Each page has black print wit
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 250.00
Merk Family Letter Archive, Montana Mining    [164221]2242Merk Family Letter Archive, Montana Mining [164221]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of 200 or more letters to and from Fred R. Merk Esq., c. 1890-1900. 200 or more letters c. 1869-1906 from Ella Merk to her parents. Fred Me
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to a****a for (750.00 + 187.50BP) = 937.50
Bivin's Gulch Mining Archive, 1863-1872    [166476]2242bBivin's Gulch Mining Archive, 1863-1872 [166476]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A fascinating and very historical archive of just under 60 (sixty) original mining claim documents from Bivins Gulch, Madison County, Montana. The doc
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to 1**9 for (1,200.00 + 300.00BP) = 1,500.00
Mining Papers Group    [172819]2243Mining Papers Group [172819]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Assortment of mining papers with approximated counts. Missouri Mining Co, 1917, possibly in Norris, MT, 30 pieces. Eastern Mine and Mill, c. 1902, Vir
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to S****2 for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
Montana Mining Co. Incorporation Paper Collection, 29    [164238]2244Montana Mining Co. Incorporation Paper Collection, 29 [164238]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
29 Montana mining incorporation papers. Mines include Orq Fino, Coeur D'Alene, National, Galena, Bearpaw, Orlando, Pennmont, Triangle, Mint, New...
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to h****y for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
Montana Mining Ephemera    [168092]2245Montana Mining Ephemera [168092]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 25 pieces of Montana mining ephemera c. 1885-1935. Anaconda Copper, Elkhorn Mining, Nevada Crescent Gold Mines, Fraser Chalmers, Highland Cons.
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
North Horn Silver Mining Stock, Report by Couch and More    [168304]2246North Horn Silver Mining Stock, Report by Couch and More [168304]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
North Horn Silver Mining stock issued to Thos. Couch, 1882. Couch wrote the included 12pp mine report with color maps. 1885 Couch note book with hand
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to S***6 for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
Aurora, Nevada Photograph Group with 3 NE Johnson  c.1927  [168861]2247Aurora, Nevada Photograph Group with 3 NE Johnson c.1927 [168861]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4 photos. Three are c.1920s similar bird's-eye views, 5 x 7". All from the NE Johnson Photograph Collection. Third is a modern copy ...
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to f*****E for (100.00 + 0.00BP) = 100.00
Assay certificates, framed, Austin, William Pardy    [175620]2248Assay certificates, framed, Austin, William Pardy [175620]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot includes three assay certificates for William Pardy from assay offices located in Austin, Nevada, professionally mounted and framed (glass feature
Start Price : 600.00 | Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,500.00
11x Different Austin RN Checks, 1870-82    [173913]224911x Different Austin RN Checks, 1870-82 [173913]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is the best collection we have had up for sale so far: 11x checks from Austin with various imprinted revenue stamps. All in good to great conditi
Estimate : 250.00 - 350.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
Austin, Nevada "Sack of Flour" 1864 Bid Sheet, the Original Document  1864  [169387]2250Austin, Nevada "Sack of Flour" 1864 Bid Sheet, the Original Document 1864 [169387]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Document of pledges signed by the United Merchants of Austin, Nevada for a “Sack of Flour” auctioned for the U.S. Sanitary Fund by R
Start Price : 5,000.00 | Estimate : 10,000.00 - 17,500.00
Nevada & Colorado Mining District Prospectuses (6x)    [173183]2251Nevada & Colorado Mining District Prospectuses (6x) [173183]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nevada and Colorado Mining District Prospectuses: 1. Advanced proof for Bullfrog Mining and Milling Co., incorporated in Nevada, pamphlet with 4 pag
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co. Mining Messages in Code  1877  [155826]2252Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co. Mining Messages in Code 1877 [155826]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two 1877 telegrams sent from San Francisco to Carson City, Nevada. Both messages addressed to Carson City Savings Bank and are in code because
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Carson City Mint Archive    [175590]2253Carson City Mint Archive [175590]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of 10 Carson City Mint silver bullion receipts, c. 1885-1904. 1897"bars, dust etc." 10.3oz, 423F Ag, 238 F Gold from C H Peters thru...
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Christian Zabriskie "Seeking a Favor" Letter  1888  [170591]2254Christian Zabriskie "Seeking a Favor" Letter 1888 [170591]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A letter handwritten and signed by Christian Zabriskie who was the vice president of the Pacific Borax Company and the namesake of Zabriskie Point in
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Delamar Nevada 5"x 9" Photo  1800s  [171386]2255Delamar Nevada 5"x 9" Photo 1800s [171386]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Delamar, Nevada is a ghost town today, but back in the late 1800s, it was booming goldmining town that produced $8.9 m Unfortunately, the gold in the
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to c****o for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
Territorial Assessment Receipt for WC Ralston in Nevada Mine  1864  [155357]2256Territorial Assessment Receipt for WC Ralston in Nevada Mine 1864 [155357]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Assessment receipt from the San Francisco office for the Independent Gold & Silver Mining Company, June 22, 1864. Received of WC Ralston, $1,000...
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Esmeralda County Assessment of Mines    [150404]2257Esmeralda County Assessment of Mines [150404]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Assessment of 11 mines. Listed by owner. Wilson & Brothers and A. J. Homes owned the mines with the greatest yield; over $11,000. Has a 5c green...
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to f*****E for (120.00 + 0.00BP) = 120.00
Eureka Mining District Cloth Map, 1882  1882  [171209]2258Eureka Mining District Cloth Map, 1882 1882 [171209]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
If you are looking for a Eureka mine you will find it here-From the famous to the forgotten. Eureka itself appears on map. Has to include near 250 min
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
G.W. Bell Assay Office - Silver Bars Receipt, rec'd from Dalls Mill, Franktown, NV  1864  [169261]2259G.W. Bell Assay Office - Silver Bars Receipt, rec'd from Dalls Mill, Franktown, NV 1864 [169261]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
G.W. Bell Assay Office, Savage Mine, Dalls Mill, Franktown, NV, 1864. Nevada territorial deposit of Silver Bars (bullion crossed out) deposited for th
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
CDV of Mines of Gold Hill, c 1863    [170603]2260CDV of Mines of Gold Hill, c 1863 [170603]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
CDV of Quartz Mills at Gold Hill, Nevada, photo circa 1863-4, sold in 1865. Fantastic CDV by Lawrence & Houseworth. "738. Quartz Mills at G...
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to G********m.. for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
Forman Shaft, Gold Hill, Nevada Mounted Photograph    [164651]2261Forman Shaft, Gold Hill, Nevada Mounted Photograph [164651]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No. 927. "Foreman[sic.] Shaft, Gold Hill, Nev." No photographer listed. Probably c.1900-10. 5 x 8" photo on 7.75 x 10.75" mount....
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Gold Hill Stereoview, No. 4158    [171665]2262Gold Hill Stereoview, No. 4158 [171665]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Stereoview of Nevada's mining history, overlooking "Gold Hill, from the Reservoir" by Watkins' New Series, Yosemite and Pacific Co...
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to S********e for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
Letter to Early Comstocker Vignot With Reference to Ormsby  1860  [173858]2263Letter to Early Comstocker Vignot With Reference to Ormsby 1860 [173858]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Letter datelined San Francisco, January 23rd, 1860. Addressed to Jean Vignot in Gold Hill, Utah Territory, from notary public E. Dupree. Mentions prom
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to c********e for (550.00 + 137.50BP) = 687.50
Map of Gold Hill Front Lodes 1864  1864  [167524]2264Map of Gold Hill Front Lodes 1864 1864 [167524]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
14.5 x 23.5" black and white litho by Oakley and Thomson Boston. Survey July 1864 Westcoatt on claims located in sept and oct of 1859. The map ...
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
Mining Stock Issued to & Signed by Almarin B. Paul, Gold Hill Banker & Mining Man  1882  [164613]2265Mining Stock Issued to & Signed by Almarin B. Paul, Gold Hill Banker & Mining Man 1882 [164613]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a California mining stock issued to an important figure in California and Nevada mining history. Location: Nimshew, Butte County, California (
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
1919 Foldout Pocket Map of the Divide!  1919  [171210]22661919 Foldout Pocket Map of the Divide! 1919 [171210]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This was exactly the time that the Divide became the place to mine. It was between Goldfield and Tonopah. Forty different mines listed in index. Priva
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to c********e for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
Florence Goldfield Mining Assay Archive    [175734]2267Florence Goldfield Mining Assay Archive [175734]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Florence was and still is the key gold producing mine in Goldfield, NV. It is one of the early discoveries well discussed in Zanjani's book ...
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to O*********n for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
Goldfield Nevada  Ephemera Collection(19)  1900s  [171515]2268Goldfield Nevada Ephemera Collection(19) 1900s [171515]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Goldfield ephemera collection of 19 pieces, including eight (8) picture postcards of the region, a check written by the Tonopah and Goldfield Railroa
Estimate : 240.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
Vernal Mine Assay Report Archive    [175735]2269Vernal Mine Assay Report Archive [175735]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Archive of about 23 assay reports from 1913 from mill screenings, "grabs" etc. up to about 7oz/ton of gold. Goldfield Nevada Franklin C...
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Abstract of Mining Production in Lincoln County    [150405]2270Abstract of Mining Production in Lincoln County [150405]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
For March of 1870. Three mines are listed by owner. The Ely & Raymond Ò one of Lincoln County's most famous mines Ò was the main p...
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to f*****E for (120.00 + 0.00BP) = 120.00
George Wingfield Letter  1928  [170590]2271George Wingfield Letter 1928 [170590]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a letter to A.H. Lawry of Goldfield, Nevada and signed by George Wingfield. It basically tells Lawry to not remove ore samples from his mine
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Bullfrog Check Collection, 4    [173362]2272Bullfrog Check Collection, 4 [173362]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 pictorial Bullfrog checks 1909 and 1910. 2x non pictorial Bullfrog Bank & Trust 1907. "The Bullfrog mining district was a boom for Nevada...
Estimate : 200.00 - 250.00
Sold to c*****r for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
Grub Stake Request Letter  1928  [172978]2273Grub Stake Request Letter 1928 [172978]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Handwritten letter from one Charles G. Aldridge of Schurz, Nevada to M.H. Poehlman, requesting help in securing a grubstake of $500 from George Wingfi
Start Price : 40.00 | Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Bacon and Trench Mills, c1870s, Stereoviews, Silver City  c.1870s  [173784]2274Bacon and Trench Mills, c1870s, Stereoviews, Silver City c.1870s [173784]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2 different mills. These mills were in the vicinity of the original discovery site for the Comstock by the Grosh brothers. Both stereoviews are
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,800.00
Silver City Stereoview, Rare!    [173127]2275Silver City Stereoview, Rare! [173127]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare c. 1868 Silver City, NV stereoview by G L Hepburn showing buildings and a wood trestle. Some brown toning on both images, please inspect. Silver
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Two Silver City Territorial Stereoviews  c1864  [171207]2276Two Silver City Territorial Stereoviews c1864 [171207]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two old and historic steroviews. 1) GL Hepburn. Hand written No. 3, Silver City, Nevada. Shows mine in front of city. 2) Handwritten ‘Silver
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Tonopah Assayer Receipts (36)  1900s-1920s  [173320]2277Tonopah Assayer Receipts (36) 1900s-1920s [173320]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A group of 36 assayer certificates of assay from R.H. Officer & Company, Jameson & Davidovich, Tonopah Assay Office and Electric Shop, The ...
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
Comstock Mining Check Collection incl. William Sharon Rarity  1864-1882  [173856]2278Comstock Mining Check Collection incl. William Sharon Rarity 1864-1882 [173856]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 13. 1) Best is a Union Mill & Mining Company, Bank of California check issued to and signed by William Sharon for $50,000 (over $1 millio...
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
Hale & Norcross SMC Check, Leopold Kuh, Virginia City  1867  [173804]2279Hale & Norcross SMC Check, Leopold Kuh, Virginia City 1867 [173804]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare! Dateline Virginia, Nev., March 2nd, 1867. No. 1390. Pay $24 to L. Kuh. Signed by C.C. Thomas as superintendent. Orange Nevada and US IR sta
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to B*********g for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
"Down Memory Trail to The Comstock in Pictures" by John J. "Count" Mahoney  1947  [164575]2280"Down Memory Trail to The Comstock in Pictures" by John J. "Count" Mahoney 1947 [164575]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Down Memory Trail to The Comstock in Pictures - by John J. "Count" Mahoney. No date listed, but its publication is mentioned in the Nevada...
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,500.00
Bank of CA Promissory Note, W. Sharon, A. Hayward  1870  [173801]2281Bank of CA Promissory Note, W. Sharon, A. Hayward 1870 [173801]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Bank of California promissory note for $20,000 issued in 1870 in San Francisco to A(lvinza) Hayward. Signed by Hayward on reverse. Signed by William S
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Bonanza Mines and the Bonanza Kings of California by Dewey  1879  [164158]2282Bonanza Mines and the Bonanza Kings of California by Dewey 1879 [164158]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare gilded cover, Bonanza Mines and the Bonanza Kings of California by S P Dewey, Their Five Years Reign. 1879. 87pp. Spine wear, repaired fron
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,500.00
California at Close of 1860 by Edward Visher    [171212]2283California at Close of 1860 by Edward Visher [171212]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Includes EARLY Nevada! Over half the 3 page paper is mining. Includes notes on the Silver Region of western Utah (soon to be Nevada). He highlighted t
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Carson River Comstock Mills Stereoview Group    [164634]2284Carson River Comstock Mills Stereoview Group [164634]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4 different. Some of the largest Comstock mills were built along the Carson River from Empire to below Dayton. Harnessing the water for power (
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to k********3 for (800.00 + 200.00BP) = 1,000.00
CDV of C Street from the International Hotel, Virginia City, Nevada  c.1864  [164526]2285CDV of C Street from the International Hotel, Virginia City, Nevada c.1864 [164526]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Excellent early view of the main street in Virginia City, with Gillig, Mott & Co. hardware building identified on the right (makers of the famou...
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
Claim Map of the Middle Section of the Comstock, c1920    [173201]2286Claim Map of the Middle Section of the Comstock, c1920 [173201]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
31 x 56" black ink on velum original claim map, 1" to 100', for the Comstock Merger Mines Inc. this map shows the gut of the Comstock ...
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Comstock "Bonanza Mines" Annual Reports: California and Consolidated Virginia  1877-80  [164351]2287Comstock "Bonanza Mines" Annual Reports: California and Consolidated Virginia 1877-80 [164351]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2 different, both rare. The California and Con. Virginia were adjacent mines controlled by the Bonanza Firm and the site of the Big Bonanza dis
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to i***y for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
Comstock Lode Assay Office, DW Balch Ephemera Group  1869-76  [164606]2288Comstock Lode Assay Office, DW Balch Ephemera Group 1869-76 [164606]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3. 1) Check-sized receipt for the Comstock Lode Assay Office, DW Balch Proprietor and Assayer. Virginia, Nev., March 10th, 1876. Deposit of 9,3
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to B*********g for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
Comstock Merger Mines Assay Comparisons, 1922    [173203]2289Comstock Merger Mines Assay Comparisons, 1922 [173203]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Original pen and ink on linen 17 x 30" dated Nov 1922 for the Comstock Merger Mines. This important document shows the comparison of multiple a...
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00