Fall Americana Auction- October 2019

Auction Details

Petroliana, Aviation, WWII, Art, Native Americana, Railroadiana
The Ken Prag Collection, The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Depot Collection, The Danforth WWII Aviation Collection, Mining, Minerals and Gold! And much more!
Welcome to our Fall Season Second-Chance Sale! If you missed any of our 2019 sales, now is your second chance to fill the holes in your collection. Once again we are offering an incredible selection of rarities covering a broad range of collecting categories, featuring hundreds of new items such as mineral, ore and high-grade gold specimens with runaway potential for gold collectors. We are offering another group of new offerings from Ken Prag’s world-class stock certificate collection, with 1850s and 1860s rare western mining stocks with such incredible vignettes, artwork and colors that they considered cataloguing them with the fabulous selection of artwork we have in this sale. Other items include new Native American silver and turquoise jewelry with vintage pieces from famous Navajo, Hopi and Cherokee artisans, some incredibly rare antique Petroliana and vintage Service/Gas Station signage, authentic Railroadiana and mining artifacts directly from the old Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot in Virginia City, Nevada, a handful of gorgeous, mint condition cigar box labels from the famous Alexander Bellanova Collection, and more.
In this auction we are honored to present for the first-time a remarkable collection of WWII Aviation Memorabilia compiled by a lifetime enthusiast, Robert Wayne Danforth, a man who lived life to the fullest until his untimely death in 2003 at the age of 44. Robert was a well-rounded man: Vice President of a healthcare company, a devoted family man, advanced professional diving instructor, expert skier, herpetologist, gourmand and falconer, but perhaps his greatest passion was aviation. He became hooked as a child when his toy-salesman father took him to Osh Kosh to demo his model airplanes. There he learned to identify planes from the sound of their engines; on some level, they spoke to him. As Robert Danforth grew, so did his passion and his interest in aviation soon included pilots as well, particularly the heroic aviators of WWII due to their skill, audacity and gallantry. Because Robert understood there was very little time to interact with these aging Aces before they were gone, he set out to meet and talk to pilots and aviation artists and read all he could about air battles and sorties. He poured over aviation catalogs…… and he plunged. Because of his passion and enthusiasm, in just a few years Robert Danforth amassed an impressive collection of special aviation art, autographed and remarqued, as well as books, model airplanes, photographs and a treasure trove of memories, which we are proud to represent in this catalog. Robert Wayne Danforth’s Aviation Collection is being offered for the first time to other collectors, who will hopefully enjoy owning a piece of this renaissance man’s lifelong passion.
As promised, this sale has a nice group of items from Pierce Powell’s Collection from the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot stockpile! We decided to start off with some of the most collectible Petroliana Signage we’ve ever offered, including pieces so rare that collector’s have been waiting for them to appear on the market for over a decade, like the 5 to 6’ brand name gasoline signs from the 1920s-1930s. Sticking to the same theme, we put in some old, hard-to-find road signs, some unique due to their original location and guide information, like one from California Automobile Club we know auto enthusiasts and sign collectors are going to like. This first batch from the V & T Depot is just the tip of the iceberg. Pierce Powell has amassed such an eclectic stockpile that it’s going to take two to three sales for us to lots together all the categories represented. Another lot herein offers some antique cast iron theatre seating from the Virginia City Theatre where Humphry Bogart and number of other famous stars attended a premier event in the 1930s. Powell’s collection has something for everybody so stay tuned to see what comes out of the old V&T Depot next.
Last but not least we are pleased to offer over 100 prized items from the Fred Holabird Collection. Fred has been a well-known Appraiser and Auctioneer with over 30 years of expertise in Western Americana collectibles, with an emphasis on mining, minerals, gold, coinage, ingots, tokens, stock certificates, railroads, bottles and just about anything old, rusty, dug from the dirt, or found in an attic somewhere west of the Mississippi. Fred has appraised some of the most valuable western collections in both public and private holdings, published over a dozen books, articles and papers, researched and sold as least a half a million pieces of the past, and produced over 100 world-class catalogs filled with never-before researched history and considered key reference works for dealers and collectors world-wide. Fred is widely regarded as world renowned expert in his field and despite his best efforts, over his career he has amassed his own modest, but impressive collection of rare and unique pieces he just could not resist, along with his own family heirlooms and childhood treasures that first sparked his interest in antiques, geology, and collectible Americana. Collectors have seen some of Fred’s personal items pop up in his auctions from time to time, but after cleaning out his own attic, Fred (Robin) is finally ready to lighten his load. This noteworthy sale includes a large group from the Fred Holabird Collection that seasoned collectors and dealers have been waiting to snatch up for decades! Some of Fred’s prized bottles and rare documents are worthy of special mention, but of everything in Fred’s collection, it is his personal reference library that deserves the most attention. Over his career Fred Holabird has earned national and international attention for groundbreaking historical discovers, which he has shared with the world through lectures, interviews and his published work. He is credited with solving hundreds of histories mysteries and uncovering key details about America’s past, through his extensive expertise in research and unconventional methods of piecing stories together. With his educational background in geology, Fred applies a scientific thought process to his research work, and through his field work he identifies invaluable sources of information, sometimes never before referenced. With a natural tenacity about finding answers, since high school he has been compiling some of the most valuable reference works extant for mining and western American historical research. Fred’s library has been his most valuable asset throughout his career, second only to his brilliant mind. For advanced researchers and those passionate about knowing the truth of our past, this sale will be a landmark event. Many of his books are extremely rare and hard-to find, while others are relatively unknown and of little use to the general public. Wherever you see “The Fred Holabird Collection” in this catalog, you may want to take a closer look, because even items that appear common at first glance are sure to have value, rarity or significant importance, if they belonged to Fred Holabird.
In addition to the new collections presented, October’s sale is your second chance to bid on select items from the incredible Wigwam Collection of Native Americana, a colorful, tapestry of hand-woven rugs and other textiles made by skilled Afghani, Persion, Serougen Indian, Pakistani, Armenian and other artisans from the early to mid 1900s out of the Ben-Tcahvtchavadze Collection, the last of the beautiful, rare antique marbles from the Stephen Harman Collection, two remaining one-of-a-kind, museum worthy Ordovician Era fossils from the Houghton Estate Collection, and finally the last batch in the building from the massive Brian Thaler Postcard Collection we’ve lotted in mixed groups with rarities and early gems hidden in every lot. Rather than “Second Chance”, this could be your LAST Chance to pick up a piece from these great collections.
Dealers do not want to skip over the re-listed items as many will not be available after this event. Also, we’ve once again devoted a special section to Dealers filled with specials and great bargains we’ve lotted specifically with re-sellers in mind. Lots in this section cover a wide variety of collectible categories with selections of items with good resale potential grouped together and estimated low, so there is high profit potential for Dealers who sell the items individually.

All in all this October sale represents an opportunity that many advanced collectors, researchers and historians may never see again.
October’s event is filled with great new offerings, and this auction is scheduled right on time to give yourself or the Collector in your life a little piece of history for the holidays.
SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size and weight of your purchase. All shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. If additional shipping and handling costs are required, the buyer will be reinvoiced 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 of the package(s). NOTE: Some shipments (of unusual size, dimension, or weight) may require sp...
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Tourkaman Afghan Rug  835031000 - Tourkaman Afghan Rug 83503
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This rug is in beautiful condition. A Turkmen rug is a type of handmade floor-covering textile traditionally originating in Central Asia. It is useful
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 275.00 | Estimate : 560.00 - 1,200.00
 
 
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Rug (Afghanistan Bokhara)  844551001 - Rug (Afghanistan Bokhara) 84455
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gorgeous Ruby color Afghan Bokhara rug, 7' x 10'. Very nice condition. 2 of the most popular carpets from Afghanistan are Khal Mohammadi and...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 700.00 | Estimate : 1,400.00 - 4,000.00
 
 
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Rug (Afghanistan or Pakistan)  835241002 - Rug (Afghanistan or Pakistan) 83524
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wool rug. 3'3" x 6'. This run is heavily worn, please inspect. City: State: Afghanistan Date: c1880
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Rug (Afghanistan)  835211003 - Rug (Afghanistan) 83521
Holabird Western Americana Collections
24" x 36". Blue & Cream colors, has separation at center piece to border. Please inspect. City: State: Afghanistan Date: late 1800...
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Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Rug (Afghanistan) Kahl Mohammadi  844521004 - Rug (Afghanistan) Kahl Mohammadi 84452
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rug, only slight damage at edge & fridge from age. Please inspect. 31" x 46" blue with cream, burnt orange. Pile .25". City: S...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 140.00 - 400.00
Sold to m********r.. for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Rug Caucasian Armenian  835331005 - Rug Caucasian Armenian 83533
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3'3" x 4'10" Prayer Rug. Bright colors, in excellent condition. City: State: Armenia Date: Post WWII
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 175.00 | Estimate : 350.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Turkoman (Atshan) Bag (Soumak)  820781006 - Turkoman (Atshan) Bag (Soumak) 82078
Holabird Western Americana Collections
In 1990 and shortly thereafter, when the borders of Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia opened, a good number of old Caucasian soumak pieces appeared...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 275.00 | Estimate : 550.00 - 1,200.00
 
 
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Tapestry / Antique Chines Silk  1007121007 - Tapestry / Antique Chines Silk 100712
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very beautiful, and believed to be, antique " Chinese Silk Embroidered Wall Tapestry" . This fine piece of work depicts, a royal person w...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,500.00
 
 
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Rug (Wool)  844791008 - Rug (Wool) 84479
Holabird Western Americana Collections
29" x 46", Ruby red color with blues & cream on border. Slight wear on fringe, please inspect. City: State: European Date: c1900&#...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 210.00 - 500.00
Sold to i*********1 for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Rug, Decorative of European Village  835121009 - Rug, Decorative of European Village 83512
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Scene of European castle with motes & turrets. This rug has slight damage (unraveling at left bottom side approx 7" length) 39" x 19....
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 35.00 | Estimate : 70.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Carpet / Tiger with Goat  1021011010 - Carpet / Tiger with Goat 102101
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is a really nice item, It is set up to have a rod along the top edge, and be hung on the wall !! It has a beige border, with burgundy back round
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 140.00 | Estimate : 280.00 - 600.00
 
 
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Mat (Indian)  858211011 - Mat (Indian) 85821
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautiful Indian made mat with ruby colors, border, cream green & indigo color. 22" x 57". Has slight wear. Please inspect. City: S...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to m********r.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Rug (Indian Serougen)  844541012 - Rug (Indian Serougen) 84454
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautiful large Serougen Rug. 7'8" x 11'. Terracotta, navy blue, powder blue & gold. With border. In good condition. The art of man...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 700.00 | Estimate : 1,400.00 - 4,000.00
 
 
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Large Mexican Blanket /  " Medicine Man"  1095991013 - Large Mexican Blanket / " Medicine Man" 109599
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is a real special item. It is a Mexican wool blanket , but with an unusual theme. It is cream colored, with unusual top and bottom stripping .The
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 125.00 | Estimate : 250.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Mexican Rugs / Miniatures  1095971014 - Mexican Rugs / Miniatures 109597
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here we have a very nice pair of miniature Mexican wool rugs. They are about 20" x 20" square in size. Basically cobalt blue with multi co...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 250.00
 
 
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Mexican Table Runner Rugs / 3 Items.  1095981015 - Mexican Table Runner Rugs / 3 Items. 109598
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Item #1 of 3: Very fine, side striped small table runner. 10 " tall x 18 1/2" long. Confederate gray, with side stripping consisting of r...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Antique Carpet / Possibly Herize Serapi Tribal Carpet  1021001016 - Antique Carpet / Possibly Herize Serapi Tribal Carpet 102100
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is a very beautiful, and intricate Persian carpet. Judging by the colorization of the blue border, and the central medallion design, it is most
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 350.00 | Estimate : 700.00 - 1,500.00
 
 
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Antique Carpet / Possibly Herize Serapi Tribal Carpet  1021021017 - Antique Carpet / Possibly Herize Serapi Tribal Carpet 102102
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is another, very beautiful, and and highly detailed , Persian carpet. It is the brother to the other one in this sale . Also, possibly a Herize
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 280.00 | Estimate : 560.00 - 1,500.00
 
 
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Pakistani Buukura Rug  833521018 - Pakistani Buukura Rug 83352
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hung on wall rug, never walked on. Approx 6 x 4'. Beet red, brown and more. White fringes. City: State: Pakistan Date: c1900
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 420.00 | Estimate : 840.00 - 2,000.00
 
 
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Rug (Persian)  835191019 - Rug (Persian) 83519
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautiful, probably Persian Rug, 74"x 42", nice condition. Slight Weave irregularity, please inspect. Fringe is tied. Attractive rug. Cit...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 280.00 | Estimate : 560.00 - 1,500.00
 
 
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