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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Camp Baldy Postcards, San Gabriel Mountains, Cal.  (20) [110755]1040 - Camp Baldy Postcards, San Gabriel Mountains, Cal. (20) [110755]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A nice grouping of twenty Camp Baldy postcards. Many real photo images of the beautiful forested area, the lake, and falls. A real photo card of The H
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*******e for (50.00 + 11.00BP) = 61.00
 
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Camp Meeker Blue & Amber Postcard Group [134369]1041 - Camp Meeker Blue & Amber Postcard Group [134369]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 38. Twenty-six are blue/green tinted, mostly published Polychrome Co. in SF. Also 12 amber tone cards from Polychrome. Mostly used c.1908-13. V
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
 
 
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Camp Meeker Chromo Litho Postcards (20) [134368]1042 - Camp Meeker Chromo Litho Postcards (20) [134368]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 historic chromo litho postcards of Camp Meeker, a historic logging and tourism community in Sonoma County. Most are colorized. Includes view
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to j*******h for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Camp Meeker Historic RPPC Group (20) [134367]1043 - Camp Meeker Historic RPPC Group (20) [134367]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 real photo postcards of this historic location in the redwoods of Sonoma County. Views include: ox team on trail; Lych Gate; chapel at St. D
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Camp Meeker, California Amber Postcard Group [134366]1044 - Camp Meeker, California Amber Postcard Group [134366]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 amber postcards of Camp Meeker in Sonoma County. FH believes the amber postcard series to be a creation of master postcard publisher Ed. Mit
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Catalina Pioneer Post Cards [140143]1045 - Catalina Pioneer Post Cards [140143]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of eight Private Mailing Cards and a store card of The Catalina Canvas City. Two postmarked: 1904, 1905. Date: Country (if not USA): State:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 120.00
Sold to b*********r for (65.00 + 14.30BP) = 79.30
 
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Cazadero, California Postcard Collection (75) [134308]1046 - Cazadero, California Postcard Collection (75) [134308]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of ~75 postcards. Includes 40 RPPC. RPPC include: several birds-eye view, as well as shots of the railroad station, Elim Grove Hotel, Log Cabin Re
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to D****7 for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Cazadero, California RPPC Collection (14) [134353]1047 - Cazadero, California RPPC Collection (14) [134353]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 14 real photo postcards with a "frame" design around the photo. Most identify the photographer as Pelton. Views of: Austin Creek, H...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to D****7 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Cedarville, California RPPC Group (5) [134315]1048 - Cedarville, California RPPC Group (5) [134315]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 5 different real photo postcards. 1) Three cards by Matthews: residence of LN Pabst, elk mount, and Surprise Valley sagebrush. All mailed, 1909
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to a********o for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Chico Choice RPC Postcard Group [130748]1049 - Chico Choice RPC Postcard Group [130748]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 16. Premier piece is close-up of a Cornforth truck parked in front of Cornforth Grocery at Broadway and 2nd street. Employees seem to be enjoyi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 160.00 - 250.00
Sold to m********s.. for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Bidwell Mansion, Chico, Cal Postcards (13) [141411]1050 - Bidwell Mansion, Chico, Cal Postcards (13) [141411]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Thirteen postcards of Bidwell Mansion in Chico, California. Most are postmarked between 1909 and 1918. Two or three are real photo cards. Bidwell Mans
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Chico Street Scenes Postcards (21) [141393]1051 - Chico Street Scenes Postcards (21) [141393]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twenty-one early Chico, California postcards. Street scenes of Broadway, Main, and a few others in Chico. Contains early real photo postcards, includi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to j*******h for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Chico, California Churches & Public Buildings Postcards (15) [141331]1052 - Chico, California Churches & Public Buildings Postcards (15) [141331]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fifteen postcards of churches and public buildings in Chico, California. Includes two cards published by Edward H. Mitchell, one of First Methodist Ep
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*******h for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Chico, California Early Large Postcard Collection [130725]1053 - Chico, California Early Large Postcard Collection [130725]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 60 cards. Nearly all c1907 to 1910. Buildings, city view, nature, advertising, Bidwell Manion (Bidwell Bartleson 1st wagon crossing from the sta
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to b*******e for (140.00 + 30.80BP) = 170.80
 
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Chico, California General Postcards (49) [141297]1054 - Chico, California General Postcards (49) [141297]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Forty-nine vintage postcards of Chico, California. Includes cards of the "Hooker Oak" Tree that stands 101 feet high and is 1000 years old...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*******h for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Chico, California Hotels Postcards (12) [141298]1055 - Chico, California Hotels Postcards (12) [141298]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twelve vintage Chico, California hotel postcards. Includes the Park Hotel and Hotel Oaks. Includes two early cards postmarked 1907, one of Odd Fellows
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*******h for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Chico, California Schools Postcards (26) [141330]1056 - Chico, California Schools Postcards (26) [141330]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twenty-six vintage postcards of schools in Chico, California. Contains three cards published by Edward H. Mitchell, San Francisco, California. Include
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*******h for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Chico, California Street Scenes Postcards [130736]1057 - Chico, California Street Scenes Postcards [130736]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 10. Several RPCs. Re-visit a residential street, Carnegie Library, Broadway, and Main Street. Half are postmarked 1908 to 1914! Date: Countr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to m********s.. for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Chico, Marysville Pre Split-Back Postcards [130728]1058 - Chico, Marysville Pre Split-Back Postcards [130728]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of ten. One rare postcard inside a postcard! Post card of Sir Joseph Hooker Oak and inside is mini-postcard of a street scene of Hazel street. Fab
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 120.00
Sold to d*******f for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Diamond Match Co., Chico Postcard Group [130747]1059 - Diamond Match Co., Chico Postcard Group [130747]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nine choice postcards of this, the largest match manufacturing company in the United States for decades. Five are postmarked 1907 to 1914. Date: Co
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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