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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Confederate Stamped Envelopes (5 each)  570681749 - Confederate Stamped Envelopes (5 each) 57068
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five different stamps and combinations. All addressed to Isaac Cowl of Dahlonega. Cowl was a mining man and owned a one fourth interest in lot of land
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,600.00
 
 
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Pepa Poo Letas  1081431750 - Pepa Poo Letas 108143
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unclaimed item postal card notices issued by superintendent Andrew Brown in three different languages: Japanese, Hawaiian and Portuguese. Postmarked
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Hawaii Chromolitho Post Card Collection  303711751 - Hawaii Chromolitho Post Card Collection 30371
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Over 400 cards , from the Fern Grotto to koi, flowers, palm trees & Pineapples City: State: Hawaii Date: (c1955-70)
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to b*******n for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Postmaster Appointment Cert.  844401752 - Postmaster Appointment Cert. 84440
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Postmaster General of the U.S. of America appointment of Thomas H. Clarke, Esq., Manhattan, in the County of Putnam & State of Indiana. Embossed...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Five Michigan Pictorial Advertising Covers  1057531753 - Five Michigan Pictorial Advertising Covers 105753
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Adolph Antz, Muskegon, Guns, Fishing Tackle, Cutlery, Bicycles. Pictorial is close up of shot gun. 2) Winegar Furniture Co., Grand Rapids, furnitur
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to i*********1 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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La Plata, Churchill Co. Covers and Correspondence, 1860's  1080301754 - La Plata, Churchill Co. Covers and Correspondence, 1860's 108030
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Sixteen covers and/or correspondence (approximately 14 letters) between brother and sister, J. E. Pierce and sister Katie Childs in Genoa, Nevada, c18
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to 2*****l for (1,700.00 + 425.00BP) = 2,125.00
 
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Nevada Postal History Covers (3), Unusual and Interesting  1057601755 - Nevada Postal History Covers (3), Unusual and Interesting 105760
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Official cover from the Territorial Auditor's Office, Carson City, N. T. Handwritten "Territorial Board of Education." Legal size. ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Nevada Postal History Group  898651756 - Nevada Postal History Group 89865
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lyon County Nevada postal covers, c 1918-22 including postmarks from Wichman, Yerington, Dayton, Silver City. Covers from notable Nevadans-Bill Donova
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to c********l for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Rochester, NV Cover Group  910751757 - Rochester, NV Cover Group 91075
Holabird Western Americana Collections
56 envelopes from Rochester Merger Mines Company, Rochester, NV addressed to Nevada Industrial Insurance Commission in Carson City, NY with postage st
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Yellow Stone Park Postcard Collection 11 Items ( About 148 Pieces).  1062741758 - Yellow Stone Park Postcard Collection 11 Items ( About 148 Pieces). 106274
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here it is ... The Great .. " Yellow Stone Post Card Collection ". Item # 1 of 11 : ( 13 pieces ) Terraces...: Jupiter Terrace (5), Angel...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 300.00
Sold to b*******n for (125.00 + 31.25BP) = 156.25
 
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Bicentennial Covers (18)  566451759 - Bicentennial Covers (18) 56645
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A nice collection of 18 American Bicentennial Covers, along with historical reference, contained in a binder for presentation. Like new condition. Th
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 20.00 | Estimate : 40.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Billheads and Letters (30)  898701760 - Billheads and Letters (30) 89870
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approx 30 assorted billheads, some pictorial-HJ Heinz, Hub City Soda Works, Godfrey Boot and Shoe, Rockland Co Shoes, Wood Curtis and Co, Lewis Electr
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Mail Bag (St. Lawrence) S.S. Julie Plante  820561761 - Mail Bag (St. Lawrence) S.S. Julie Plante 82056
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The only references that could be found online was 'The Wreck of the Julie Plante'. A dialect poem subtitled 'A Legend of Lac St. Pierre...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Postal History Collection from the Midwest  609201762 - Postal History Collection from the Midwest 60920
Holabird Western Americana Collections
States include Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, etc. Over 100 total! Many have revenue imprinted stamps. Mostly Illinois. Large cities and small towns. Incl
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to R********t for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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"Hogsmaggle" letter via Wells Fargo & Co. Express  863171763 - "Hogsmaggle" letter via Wells Fargo & Co. Express 86317
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A certain W.J. Simpson wrote to Sperry & Company in Gridley, California, regarding a delivery of bran on behalf of his customer, John Thompson, ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
 
 
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1859 Wells Fargo Receipt from San Francisco to Oroville  560381764 - 1859 Wells Fargo Receipt from San Francisco to Oroville 56038
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Joseph Ringot is sending Thomas Wells of Oroville $36.65 in coin. Wells was the Butte County District Judge and was the 'orator of the day' ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*******g for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Wells Fargo & Co. Second of Exchange, Oroville, CA  775301765 - Wells Fargo & Co. Second of Exchange, Oroville, CA 77530
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early and rare location. Dateline Oroville, Cal. June 20th, 1862. No. 246800, issued for $1,000 to Faulkner & Co. Deep folds with tape repairs a...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*******g for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Five Manuscript Rhodes & Lisk Notes  560661766 - Five Manuscript Rhodes & Lisk Notes 56066
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five notes. 1) 1852 Sacramento. To Rhodes & Lusk. Pay bearer $55.00. David Delap. 2) 1853 Weaverville. Pay to the order of Skillman & Dosh &...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Adams Express Company Specimen Stock Certificate  1045241767 - Adams Express Company Specimen Stock Certificate 104524
Holabird Western Americana Collections
RARE! Vignette of Adams in front of a steam locomotive on right and Ocean going vessel on left. Both are being loaded with supplies. Names are hole pu
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Wells Fargo & Company Rare Specimen Stock  1045231768 - Wells Fargo & Company Rare Specimen Stock 104523
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wells Fargo stocks come and go, but this is a beaut! Red, pink and black on white. Vignette of Wells and Fargo in front of a self-described Wells Farg
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to t****0 for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Wells Fargo California & Nevada Collection  591021769 - Wells Fargo California & Nevada Collection 59102
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 15. Best two pieces are an 1870 receipt for a sealed package (worth $750) mailed from Shasta to San Francisco; and an 1879 Virginia City, Nevad
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Silver Park, Wells Fargo Entire - One of Two Known  990921770 - Silver Park, Wells Fargo Entire - One of Two Known 99092
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One of two known. Nice cancel. There is controversy whether this camp was located in Nye or Lincoln County. Argument is presented that it was in Linco
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to F****e for (200.00 + 44.00BP) = 244.00
 
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Virginia City, Langton Express Entire  990891771 - Virginia City, Langton Express Entire 99089
Holabird Western Americana Collections
c1863. Good Virginia City oval cancel on a Langton Express entire. Short biography. (Langston would be killed driving a team just outside of Silver C
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
 
 
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Two Southern Express Papers  573221772 - Two Southern Express Papers 57322
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Adams Express Company. 1865. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. From JL Russell to G Koonce & Son for $400. This was the scene of John Brown'...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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