December Dreams Premier Auction: Western Americana, Mining, & Numismatics (December 2021)

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

Auction Details

Welcome to our "December Dreams" Premier Auction, our final sale of 2021!

December Sale Highlights
This December Sale includes many highlighted collections, including parts of the Ken Prag Postcard Collection, Bill McKivor Token and Medal Collection, MacKenzie Montana Collection, and the Ron Lerch Western Directory Collection, all supplemented by some world-class great rarities from other private collections nationwide.

Fresh to the market is the Ron Lerch Collection of Western Directories. The collection numbers nearly 700 different directories, and here are presented about 200 directories as the first part of this major historic and all-important reference material collection, picked somewhat randomly from the collection. Most of the Western states have several directories offered in this first sale. Some of the key pieces in the December sale are the two very rare San Francisco Chinese business directories, as well as a number of very rare county directories of the nineteenth century. Directories are considered “primary source” material, and as such are essential in aspects of historical research. Few of the directories in the Lerch Collection have been digitized (with the Langley’s San Francisco an obvious exception).

Yes, the Prag Collection keeps on giving! This sale contains about 500 lots of postcards, but the majority, perhaps 350 lots, are from California. This large group offers some of the best and rarest postcards we’ve offered yet, from Pioneer cards (Private Mailing Cards, c1898-1902) to rare artists and themes, such as Disney (1930s cards) and the Titanic (both pre-sinking and post sinking from 1912).

Within these two massive collections is a common theme: Hawaii. The Prag Collection offers about 40 lots of vintage Hawaii postcards, and there are about 7 Hawaiian directories from the Lerch Collection.

Antiquarian photography is another key category for collectors, including many historic and possibly unique western stereo-view cards and photographs, and an absolutely fabulous Ansel Adams original photograph group from his Yosemite Series (all signed), highlighted by “Moon over El Capitan”, print No. 10, considered by many as one of his greatest photographs.

As always, we have a strong Native Americana section, with baskets (more coming in the next sale), jewelry and art. Speaking of Art, we have three early Salvador Dali signed lithographic prints, and a rather wonderful group of Japanese wood block and lithograph prints, many with original signatures.

The MacKenzie Montana Collection continues, with several hundred lots of historical Montana documents and ephemera.

The Railroad and Mining sections contain selections from several private collections with a number of rarities. This sale features premier California Gold Rush and Nevada Territory mining collections!

Our Numismatics section includes a collection of So-Called Dollars and new offerings from the Bill McKivor Nevada token and world-medal collection, not to be missed!

Make sure to use the Keyword search tool to find items in your collecting areas across the three auction days. As usual, our team is happy and ready to answer questions.

And please send us those great collections for 2022! Yours could be the next world record!

--Fred Holabird & Team--


Auction Schedule

Day 1, Friday, December 17th, 2021, Lots 1000-1610
Philatelic (1000-1527)
Military, Political, & Firearms (1528-1558)
Gaming (1559-1577)
Model Railroad & Toys (1578-1610)

Day 2, Saturday, December 18th, 2021, Lots 2000-2683
Books feat. Ron Lerch Directory Collection, Part I (2000-2229)
Mining Artifacts & Ephemera (2230-2363)
Stock Certificates & Bonds (2364-2683)
Mining (2364-2551)
Railroad (2552-2624)
Miscellaneous (2625-2683)

Day 3, Sunday, December 19th, 2021, Lots 3000-3614
Native Americana (3000-3044)
Art feat. Ansel Adams (3045-3087)
General Americana (3088-3388)
Geographically Sorted
Misc. Categories incl. Coffee Mill Collection
Numismatics (3389-3613)
Coins & Currency (3389-3397)
Medals & So-Called Dollars (3398-3447)
Tokens feat. Bill McKivor Nevada Tokens, Part II (3448-3614)
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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Aloha Nui Series of Hawaiian Pioneer Postcards [130755]1360 - Aloha Nui Series of Hawaiian Pioneer Postcards [130755]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
13 total. All Aloha Nui series. All published by the Island Curio Shop. Ten have a guitar vignette. Postmarks are from 1902 to 1906. Includes Moana Ho
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*********r for (85.00 + 18.70BP) = 103.70
 
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Early Hawaiian Postcards, Pre Split Back [130740]1361 - Early Hawaiian Postcards, Pre Split Back [130740]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nearly 80 cards. These are all Hawaii & South Seas Curio Co. Includes cards from the Aloha Nai Series. Dups. With this large early collection co...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to m*****9 for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Hawaiian Variety of Early Pioneer Cards [130758]1362 - Hawaiian Variety of Early Pioneer Cards [130758]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
9 total. All different from each other and many different from other Pioneer Cards in this collection. Includes holiday greeting from Elsie Lincoln Be
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Fifteen Hawaiian Pioneer Postcards [130761]1363 - Fifteen Hawaiian Pioneer Postcards [130761]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
15 total. Includes Haleiwa Hotel on Waialua, Queen Lilinkalani, erupting volcano, create, Alexander Young Hotel, Executive Building, Xing Street, crat
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to j*******h for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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Greetings from Hawaii Pioneer Postcard Group [130751]1364 - Greetings from Hawaii Pioneer Postcard Group [130751]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twelve cards. All clearly state that they are Private Mailing Cards. Hawaiian canoe, volcano, rice field, Coconut Island, Royal Palace, suburb, native
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 150.00
Sold to t********f for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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Hawaii Pioneer Postcards [130756]1365 - Hawaii Pioneer Postcards [130756]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of six. Earliest in 1900 of Date Palm Avenue in Honolulu. Certainly one of the earliest Hawaiian postcards known (if not THE earliest). Also 1901
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to y******e for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Hawaiian pre-1910 Postcard Collection [130763]1366 - Hawaiian pre-1910 Postcard Collection [130763]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 39. All have No-Split Backs c1905-1908. Wide variety of Subjects Different Queen Lilioukalani pose, Haleiwa, fisherman, Paíu rider, Wai
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to b*********r for (200.00 + 44.00BP) = 244.00
 
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Big Island Postcard Collection [140972]1367 - Big Island Postcard Collection [140972]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 40 vintage postcards from the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona, Hilo, Kilauea, Volcano House. RPCs, white border and some colorful lava cards.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to s****e for (140.00 + 30.80BP) = 170.80
 
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Bishop Museum and Catholic Churches of Hawaii Real Photo Postcards [140979]1368 - Bishop Museum and Catholic Churches of Hawaii Real Photo Postcards [140979]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of four vintage real photo postcards of Hawaii: John D. LaMothe, Bishop of Hawaii; St. Andrew's, Honolulu, Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, H...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to m*****9 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Early Hawaiian Island Postcard Group [130752]1369 - Early Hawaiian Island Postcard Group [130752]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
25 cards. All are Private Mailing Cards and many dated 1905-1907. All with Greetings from Hawaiian Islands stamp upper right. Find volcanoes, building
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 300.00
Sold to b*********r for (140.00 + 30.80BP) = 170.80
 
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Fishes of Hawaii Postcard Collection (210+) [142789]1370 - Fishes of Hawaii Postcard Collection (210+) [142789]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 210 postcards with color renderings of extremely rare and exotic fishes of Hawaii. Most cards come from a series published for the Waikik
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to j*******h for (950.00 + 237.50BP) = 1,187.50
 
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Hand Colored Real Photo Postcards of Hawaii [140977]1371 - Hand Colored Real Photo Postcards of Hawaii [140977]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 25 hand colored real photo postcards of Hawaii. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Hawaii City: Provenance: Ken Prag Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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Hawaii - Other Islands - Real Photo Postcard Collection (110) [142793]1372 - Hawaii - Other Islands - Real Photo Postcard Collection (110) [142793]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of approx. 110 postcards, most RPCs, of the other islands of Hawaii. Includes 14 color pics, most of erupting volcanoes. Majority of cards depi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 240.00 - 400.00
Sold to m*****9 for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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Hawaii Modern Era Postcard Collection [130744]1373 - Hawaii Modern Era Postcard Collection [130744]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 180 postcards. Post WWII. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Hawaii City: Provenance: Ken Prag Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to m*****9 for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Hawaii Native Customs & Dress ( 90+) [142794]1374 - Hawaii Native Customs & Dress ( 90+) [142794]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 90 postcards depicting Hawaiian native customs and dress. All split backs, one Tuck's card (Raphael Tuck & Sons, London). Most...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to m*****9 for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Native Hawaiian Real Photo Postcards [140976]1375 - Native Hawaiian Real Photo Postcards [140976]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 black and white real photo white border postcards of Native Hawaiians. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Hawaii City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to s****e for (85.00 + 18.70BP) = 103.70
 
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Hawaii Nature Postcard Collection ñ All RPCs [130737]1376 - Hawaii Nature Postcard Collection ñ All RPCs [130737]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 34. From waterfalls to ocean views, from fruit to trees, from squids to mountains. See Photo! Date: Country (if not USA): State: Hawaii C
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Hawaii RPC Postcard Collection (460) [142788]1377 - Hawaii RPC Postcard Collection (460) [142788]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approx. 460 Real Photo Cards depicting people, buildings (hotels, palaces), street scenes, and ocean scenes of Hawaii. All split-backs. One hand-col
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to m*****9 for (1,350.00 + 337.50BP) = 1,687.50
 
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Hawaii Steamship Postcard Collection [140981]1378 - Hawaii Steamship Postcard Collection [140981]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 40 vintage postcards of steamships in Hawaii. S.S. "City of Honolulu", Matson Lines, S.S. Monterey. Date: Country (if not U...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 120.00
Sold to m*****9 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Hawaiian Large Collection c1908 Postcards [130741]1379 - Hawaiian Large Collection c1908 Postcards [130741]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nearly 80 c1907-1910 postcards. Just about everything you could want in any Hawaiian postcard collection. Including a "Honeymoon" postcard...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to s****e for (180.00 + 39.60BP) = 219.60
 
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