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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Photograph of Sitting Bull [136290]3040 - Photograph of Sitting Bull [136290]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Solemn stare of Sitting Bull centers this 4 x 6 inch photograph. Sharp focus and excellent contrast make this a mesmerizing photograph. Sitting Bull (
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to C*****5 for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Hand Colored Photograph of "Little Deer" Indian Warrior [136292]3041 - Hand Colored Photograph of "Little Deer" Indian Warrior [136292]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Geoffrey Duncan of 40 Lillie Road, Earls Court, southwest was the photographic artist of this hand colored photograph of native American in full costu
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
 
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Curly Wolf and Lodge Photograph [136315]3042 - Curly Wolf and Lodge Photograph [136315]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Six Native Americans posing in front of a tipi. One is seated on a horse. Note on reverse says "Curly Wolf and Lodge," 7 x 5 inch photogra...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Native American Photograph Collection [136295]3043 - Native American Photograph Collection [136295]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of six black and white vintage photographs of Native Americans. Indian on horse and tee pee, two Indians & child, two Indian girls. Might be...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to t********f for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Traits of American Indian Life & Character by A Fur Trader [136284]3044 - Traits of American Indian Life & Character by A Fur Trader [136284]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hardcover, 107 pages. Published in 1933 by San Francisco's Grabhom Press. Sketches of life in Oregon concerning Indians with some information on...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Ansel Adams Signed "My Camera in the National Parks", 1950 [142899]3045 - Ansel Adams Signed "My Camera in the National Parks", 1950 [142899]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
My Camera in the National Parks by Ansel Adams; 30 photographs with interpretive text and informative material on the Parks and Monuments and photogra
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (1,250.00 + 312.50BP) = 1,562.50
 
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Bridal Veil Fall, Ansel Adams Signed Photograph. [143021]3046 - Bridal Veil Fall, Ansel Adams Signed Photograph. [143021]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Signed and numbered photograph by Ansel Adams, signed lower right just below the photograph on mount. "special edition of fine prints, Photog...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (6,000.00 + 1,500.00BP) = 7,500.00
 
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El Capitan in Winter, Signed Ansel Adams Photograph [143023]3047 - El Capitan in Winter, Signed Ansel Adams Photograph [143023]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
El Capitan in Winter, a Signed and numbered photograph by Ansel Adams, signed lower right just below the photograph on mount. "Special editio...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (4,500.00 + 1,125.00BP) = 5,625.00
 
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Ansel Adams Photograph, signed, El Capitan [143020]3048 - Ansel Adams Photograph, signed, El Capitan [143020]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Original photograph by Ansel Adams, signed lower right below the photograph on the mount. "Special Edition of Fine Prints"; Photographs o...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (3,800.00 + 950.00BP) = 4,750.00
 
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Moon and Half Dome, Ansel Adams Signed Photograph, 1960, #10 [143022]3049 - Moon and Half Dome, Ansel Adams Signed Photograph, 1960, #10 [143022]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Signed and numbered photograph by Ansel Adams, signed lower right just below the photograph on mount. "special edition of fine prints, Photog...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 10,000.00 - 20,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (7,750.00 + 1,937.50BP) = 9,687.50
 
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Upper Yosemite Fall, Early Spring, Ansel Adams Signed Photograph [143024]3050 - Upper Yosemite Fall, Early Spring, Ansel Adams Signed Photograph [143024]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Signed and numbered photograph by Ansel Adams, signed lower right just below the photograph on mount. "Special edition of fine prints, Photogr...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to y********t.. for (2,500.00 + 625.00BP) = 3,125.00
 
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Lake Tenaya Signed Photograph by Ansel Adams [143025]3051 - Lake Tenaya Signed Photograph by Ansel Adams [143025]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Another of Adams' great photographs known to photographers around the world. Signed and numbered photograph by Ansel Adams, signed lower right ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,400.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to S*****6 for (3,800.00 + 950.00BP) = 4,750.00
 
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Tenaya Lake Monochrome Photograph, Yosemite National Park, by Nikoley [143180]3052 - Tenaya Lake Monochrome Photograph, Yosemite National Park, by Nikoley [143180]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Modern Photo Tribute to Ansel Adams photo that was taken in 1946. Exact same location, slightly different aspect ratio. Photographed by Uwe Nikoley o
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (1,050.00 + 262.50BP) = 1,312.50
 
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Lot Withdrawn3053 - Lot Withdrawn
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot Withdrawn
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
 
 
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Salvador Dali Signed Print "Desert Bird" [143176]3054 - Salvador Dali Signed Print "Desert Bird" [143176]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Salvador Dali singed artists proof (E.A.) of a long beaked bird with desert background with fictitious kangaroo like animal at right. 22 x 30"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (1,250.00 + 312.50BP) = 1,562.50
 
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Salvador Dali Signed Numbered Print, "Thumb Tree" [143174]3055 - Salvador Dali Signed Numbered Print, "Thumb Tree" [143174]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Scarce to rare Salvador Dali signed numbered print. We were unable to find this artwork online to get the proper name, thus applied "Thumb Tree...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to t*******n for (2,100.00 + 525.00BP) = 2,625.00
 
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Salvador Dali Signed Print "Beethoven" [143175]3056 - Salvador Dali Signed Print "Beethoven" [143175]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Salvador Dali signed and numbered print of his charcoal sketch of Beethoven. "LXV/CXX", signed lower right below the art. (65/120). A rar...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to t*******n for (550.00 + 137.50BP) = 687.50
 
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Kinkade Christmas Series, Placerville, Signed Numbered Prints (3) [139959]3057 - Kinkade Christmas Series, Placerville, Signed Numbered Prints (3) [139959]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
All three are signed and numbered in gold double frame 25 x 29. 1.) Christmas on Main Street 992/2950 signed twice lower right 2.) Christmas at the Co
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,050.00 | Estimate : 2,100.00 - 3,000.00
 
 
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Kinkade, Placerville in the Snow at Christmas Framed Prints (2) [139957]3058 - Kinkade, Placerville in the Snow at Christmas Framed Prints (2) [139957]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two signed prints. Overall size is 25 x 29 in double gold frames. 1.) Placerville in the Snow signed lower right. not numbered. 2.) Placerville Victor
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 850.00 | Estimate : 1,700.00 - 2,200.00
 
 
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Albumen Photographs of Japanese Life [136283]3059 - Albumen Photographs of Japanese Life [136283]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of 42 hand colored Japanese albumen photographs on 21 cards (the photos are back to back). Rickshaws, boats, geisha girls, temples. Circa 1
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimate : 600.00 - 900.00
 
 
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