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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Two Early Adams & Co. Receipts (1850) [123742]1520 - Two Early Adams & Co. Receipts (1850) [123742]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) 1850. Adams & C0. Marvelous vignette entitled Adams & Co.'s Express' and shows a modest building! 2) 1855 Has the more noted, ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to b*******n for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Beekman's Express Receipt, Oregon Territory [123738]1521 - Beekman's Express Receipt, Oregon Territory [123738]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unissued. 185-. "Connecting with Wells, Fargo & Co." Dateline Jacksonville, O.T. Black print on light blue paper. 4.25 x 10.5" C...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to t********f for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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Patriotic Civil War Postal Covers [136318]1522 - Patriotic Civil War Postal Covers [136318]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three red, white and blue postal covers with stamps all dated 1862. "Not A Star Must Fall" with an eagle preserving the American fl...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
 
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Early Postal Covers [140137]1523 - Early Postal Covers [140137]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three early postal covers with correspondence included. Vermont (1847); Ohio City (1854); Chicago (1856). Date: Country (if not USA): State: Ci
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
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Montgomery & West Point RR w 2 Imprinted Revenue Stamps [142834]1524 - Montgomery & West Point RR w 2 Imprinted Revenue Stamps [142834]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Montgomery and West Point Rail Road. Multiple remnants of 5/16 punches. HOWEVER, the RN-T4 and RN-P5 Imprinted Revenue Stamp more than makes up for th
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Montgomery & West Point RR w Imprinted Revenue Stamp [142833]1525 - Montgomery & West Point RR w Imprinted Revenue Stamp [142833]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Montgomery and West Point Rail Road. Multiple remnants of 5/16 punches. HOWEVER, the RN-T4 Imprinted Revenue Stamp more than makes up for the conditio
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to r********n for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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New Orleans, Mobile and Texas RR w/ Revenue Stamp imprinted [130688]1526 - New Orleans, Mobile and Texas RR w/ Revenue Stamp imprinted [130688]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Construction of the railroad between Mobile and New Orleans was started by the New Orleans, Mobile & Chattanooga Railroad in 1869, and it was co...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to r********n for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Two Railroad Stocks with 6 Imprinted Revenue Stamps [142836]1527 - Two Railroad Stocks with 6 Imprinted Revenue Stamps [142836]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Boston, Hartford and Erie Rail Road. Two RN-P5 and one RN-W2 revenue stamps. #8873. Coupons 51 to 65 attached. Train in station vignette. 2) Flint
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to t********f for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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Civil War Appointment of John M. Hughes to Third Sergeant of the 141st Illinois Infantry 1864 [136311528 - Civil War Appointment of John M. Hughes to Third Sergeant of the 141st Illinois Infantry 1864 [13631
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The original envelope has separated front from back, but the official document (15 x 10 inches) is in wonderful folded condition. Signed by the compan
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to M********o.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Letter Home from Fort Reno Washington D.C. 1864 [136316]1529 - Letter Home from Fort Reno Washington D.C. 1864 [136316]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Elegant handwriting by John A. Morris to My Dear Wife and closing with "a kiss to you." Written from Fort Reno Washington D.C. 18 March 18...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to m*****9 for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
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Spanish-American War, Celluloid Badge [143109]1530 - Spanish-American War, Celluloid Badge [143109]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1898 celluloid 51st Iowa Volunteers Company M welcome home badge. Company photograph. The reverse lists the battles in which the men fought. Of the 1,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to m*****o for (110.00 + 24.20BP) = 134.20
 
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Red Cross WW1 Poster, Foringer, 1918 [142877]1531 - Red Cross WW1 Poster, Foringer, 1918 [142877]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Still the Greatest Mother in the World" poster, professionally canvas backed. 31.5 x 21.5" excellent condition, "A. E. Foringer...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to W********y.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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WW1 Third Liberty Bond Poster, 1917. [142878]1532 - WW1 Third Liberty Bond Poster, 1917. [142878]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Remember the Flag of Liberty- Support it!" Buy US Government Bonds/ 3rd Liberty Loan" . Heywood Strasser & Voigt Litho, NY. &quo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to t********f for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Fight or Buy Bonds, Third Liberty Loan Poster, WW1, 1917. HC Christy [142879]1533 - Fight or Buy Bonds, Third Liberty Loan Poster, WW1, 1917. HC Christy [142879]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Fight or Buy Bonds, Third Liberty Loan. Signed Howard Chandler Christy lower right. Forbes Litho. Choice and colorful WW1 Liberty Loan Bond po...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to C*****r for (350.00 + 77.00BP) = 427.00
 
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Good bye Dad, I'm Off To Fight, 3rd Liberty Loan Poster, WW1 [142990]1534 - Good bye Dad, I'm Off To Fight, 3rd Liberty Loan Poster, WW1 [142990]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Good Bye Dad, I'm off to fight for mold glory. You buy US Govt Bonds." "Third Liberty Loan. Signed Lawrence Harris, Sackett &...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to W********y.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Autographed Photographs of Chester W. Nimitz and Omar N. Bradley [136286]1535 - Autographed Photographs of Chester W. Nimitz and Omar N. Bradley [136286]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two autographed photographs of World War Two heroes. Chester W. Nimitz (1885-1966), Admiral of the Fleet (4 x 5 inch photo on a 5 x 7 inch card
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 0******7 for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Humorous Caricature Map of Fort Sill, 1931 [143006]1536 - Humorous Caricature Map of Fort Sill, 1931 [143006]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Clever, humorous caricature map of Fort Sill, 1931. "Map and history of the Military Reservation of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, now known as the Field...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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WWI Era Military Postcards (70) [118380]1537 - WWI Era Military Postcards (70) [118380]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A fair grouping of seventy World War I military postcards. Mostly color postcards that feature troops, tent camps, artillery, and motorcycles. One rea
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to p********6 for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Military Postcards from WWII Era (116) [141381]1538 - Military Postcards from WWII Era (116) [141381]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large lot of military postcards from the WW2 era. Many show soldiers, armored regimens, military bases, weapons, tanks, etc. Date: Country (if not
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 140.00 - 300.00
Sold to b*******n for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Large Lot of WW2 Military Humor Postcards (120+) [141382]1539 - Large Lot of WW2 Military Humor Postcards (120+) [141382]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Over 120 military humor postcards from the WW2 era. Most are in cartoon style in color. An interesting and varied lot. Date: Country (if not USA):
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
Details...Bookmark