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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White Pine, NV History Books (6)  864402700 - White Pine, NV History Books (6) 86440
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Mostly hardcovers. McGill, The Man The Town The Bar by Allen, White Pine County-A Pictorial History 4 vols, Romancing Nevada by Hall City: White Pine
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 240.00
Sold to v*******l for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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George Nixon Signed Memos (4)  899722701 - George Nixon Signed Memos (4) 89972
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare, 4 First National Bank of Winemucca, NV memos signed by George Nixon. Nixon was an important Nevada banker, businessman and mining figure. H
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 120.00 | Estimate : 240.00 - 400.00
 
 
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10 Nevada Travel & Tourism Books  720222702 - 10 Nevada Travel & Tourism Books 72022
Holabird Western Americana Collections
WPA Guide to 1930's Nevada by Elliot, Goldfield/Boom Town of Nevada by Payer, Historic Monuments of Nevada-A Guide to 212 Historical Markers by ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 300.00
Sold to v*******l for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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15 Nevada Letters with Content: Triple murder, HM Yerington, Lyon Switch, "This is a very small plac2703 - 15 Nevada Letters with Content: Triple murder, HM Yerington, Lyon Switch, "This is a very small plac
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of fifteen (complete description online). _x000D_ _x000D_ 1) The 1894 triple murder committed by a jealous husband named Robert Logan had the Neva
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to j*****9 for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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1870's Nevada Newspapers (3)  851362704 - 1870's Nevada Newspapers (3) 85136
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Feb 4, 1873 Daily Territorial Enterprise from Virginia City-1.3" tear, Feb 4, 1875 The Nevada Tribune from Carson City, Rare Sept 5, 1874 The D...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d******0 for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Five Different Nevada Bonds!  1057882705 - Five Different Nevada Bonds! 105788
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five of each: Nevada Hospital for Mental diseases Building Bond, University of Nevada Heating Plant Bond, University of Nevada Building Bond, Nevada H
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 125.00 | Estimate : 250.00 - 350.00
 
 
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Handwritten Shipping Record Notebook  905272706 - Handwritten Shipping Record Notebook 90527
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1892 record of shipping eggs, wool, alfalfa, etc. Shipped to Wood Spring, George C Turner Spring, Boca MIll Company, AE Murdock, Flanigan Warehouse, e
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Harper's Magazine - Four Volumes on Nevada/Arizona by J. Ross Browne  802652707 - Harper's Magazine - Four Volumes on Nevada/Arizona by J. Ross Browne 80265
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Harper’s Magazine, Four Volumes, with Nevada/Arizona Papers by J. Ross Browne._x000D_ Volume 22, December, 1860 to May, 1861 includes “Peep at Washoe”
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 70.00 | Estimate : 140.00 - 250.00
 
 
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Key Nevada References (3)  811722708 - Key Nevada References (3) 81172
Holabird Western Americana Collections
History Nevada by Myron Angel, 1881, with index, reprint by Howell North. History of Nevada by Davis, reprint by UNR, and slip case. Nevada Ghost Town
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Nevada Publishers / 9 item collection  1002452709 - Nevada Publishers / 9 item collection 100245
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Item # 1 of 9: A delivery note from the Reese River Reveille( 1863 ). Item # 2 of 9: A bill of $12.50 from the Eureka daily Sentinel ( 1871( Torn righ
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d******0 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Nevada State Controllers Warrant & Stock Cert.  (2 framed Warrants & 1 framed Stock Cert.))  1085512710 - Nevada State Controllers Warrant & Stock Cert. (2 framed Warrants & 1 framed Stock Cert.)) 108551
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) In the amount of $200, No. 1518, The treasurer of State will pay out of the State Indigent Insane Fund to the order of T.(?) Bishop $200, October 1
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Northern Nevada (Lander, Pershing, White Pine, Elko) Billhead Collection  1057722711 - Northern Nevada (Lander, Pershing, White Pine, Elko) Billhead Collection 105772
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Collection includes 75 different billheads from: Tybo, Lower Rochester, San Jacinto, Tippett, Fairlawn, Charleston, Birch Creek, Toano, Skelton,
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Old Nevada Ephemera  898742712 - Old Nevada Ephemera 89874
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approx 50 Nevada ephemera items. Mostly small hand written prescriptions from FJ Schneider and City Drug in Eureka, City: State: Nevada Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to p********e for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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State of Nevada Bonds (15)  902962713 - State of Nevada Bonds (15) 90296
Holabird Western Americana Collections
14 state of Nevada bonds, one 1920, 1962 and 1965, Governor Sawyer signatures. All paid City: State: Nevada Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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L.A. Brown and Co. Advertising Mirror  1011822714 - L.A. Brown and Co. Advertising Mirror 101182
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Compliments of L.A. Brown and Co. / Odd Fellows Ave. / Concord N.H. 56 mm. City: Concord State: New Hampshire Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Santa Fe, NM Photograph  910632715 - Santa Fe, NM Photograph 91063
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Photo of Santa Fe, NM on front of information on the back of the city. States Santa Fe is capital of New Mexico and oldest seat of civil and relig
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
 
 
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International Time Recording Company Clock for punch card use.  1084462716 - International Time Recording Company Clock for punch card use. 108446
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Endicot, New York. Includes orginal cast iron base and punch card slot. Possibly the first punch card time machine for employees. May have been used
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to s*********1 for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Trow's New York Corporation Directories for the 1890's  811432717 - Trow's New York Corporation Directories for the 1890's 81143
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nine volumes of Trow's Copartnership and Corporation directories for 1891-1899 complete. Orange binding, fine. Choice business reference for the...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,800.00
 
 
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Jacob Hoffman Brewing Print  851622718 - Jacob Hoffman Brewing Print 85162
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Colorful still life print. Compliments of Jacob Hoffman Brewing, Oriental Brewing, New York. Hoffmann emigrated from Germany in 1854, and bought up va
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimate : 600.00 - 1,200.00
 
 
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Jacob Hoffmann Brewing Print  851632719 - Jacob Hoffmann Brewing Print 85163
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Colorful still life print. Compliments of Jacob Hoffman Brewing, Oriental Brewing, New York. Hoffmann emigrated from Germany in 1854, and bought up va
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimate : 600.00 - 1,200.00
 
 
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Lithograph Messett's Musical & Uncle Tom's Cabin  835092720 - Lithograph Messett's Musical & Uncle Tom's Cabin 83509
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Total of 12 Litho's in this lot. 1) Three Color Litho's by D.L. Co., Newport, KY, No. 5242. Beautiful colors of woman ballerina scene with 3...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
 
 
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Brotherhood of America Enrollment Print  851642721 - Brotherhood of America Enrollment Print 85164
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Brotherhood of America was a secret society formed in Philadelphia in the 1850's with membership of native born Americans. This is an unissu...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Tungsten, Nevada Panoramas (4)  996372722 - Tungsten, Nevada Panoramas (4) 99637
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four unpublished panoramas. 17 x 6 1/2". Viewable on both sides of frame. 1) Toulon Mill on the Southern Pacific railroad line. 2) The town, of...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to A*******d for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Utah's Greatest Manhunt...For Lopez Softcover  1081932723 - Utah's Greatest Manhunt...For Lopez Softcover 108193
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare softcover. Utah's Greatest Manhunt, The True Story of the Hunt for Lopez, by an Eye Witness. 142pp. The story of Lopez and his long dispute...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Dry Creek Reservoir and Irrigation Company Stock  852612724 - Dry Creek Reservoir and Irrigation Company Stock 85261
Holabird Western Americana Collections
# 44 for 30 shares to John W Taylor. Signed by William Fairbaum and Peter P Sorensen. Dateline Draper (rare) 1892. Located in Draper, Salt Lake County
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Salt Lake City, UT Collection (7)  864512725 - Salt Lake City, UT Collection (7) 86451
Holabird Western Americana Collections
7 SLC softcovers. Handbook on Mines, Miners and Minerals of UT by Sloan-missing front cover, 1914, 1925-water stain 1st 5 pp, AIME meeting booklet, 1
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 125.00 | Estimate : 250.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Mormon History Books (6)  866542726 - Mormon History Books (6) 86654
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Utahs Dixie the Cotton Mission, Great Basin Kingdom by Arrington, Founder of Utah by Young, Teachings of Presidents of the Church by Young, Ensign to
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Tintic Mining District, Utah, Geology Survey  1057442727 - Tintic Mining District, Utah, Geology Survey 105744
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hardback book, numerous fold out maps. Approx. pp. 282. Contents include in part, Herkimer Limestone; Bluebird dolomite; Pine Canyon Limestone; Southe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 120.00
Sold to r*******4 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Utah History and Mining Books (18)  866342728 - Utah History and Mining Books (18) 86634
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Variety of Utah history and mining publications. Utah Historical Quarterly, Engineering and Mining Journal and more City: State: Utah Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Utah History Library  868002729 - Utah History Library 86800
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approx. 10 books in this library of Utah History. Hardcovers include: The Peoples of Utah, pp. 472, with photos (some wear on corners of cover, please
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Rare 1909 Wagon Licence - Bellingham, Washington  1058382730 - Rare 1909 Wagon Licence - Bellingham, Washington 105838
Holabird Western Americana Collections
We do not see wagon licences very often! 1909 license for a one horse wagon. It is Number 38 and issued in Bellingham. Wagon Licence is good from 1909
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to A*****0 for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Skater's Skirt & Christmas Tin  1094862731 - Skater's Skirt & Christmas Tin 109486
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautifully made skater's skirt from 1929 made of 100% wool by Chippewa Falls Wisconsin Woolen Mill. This skirt will fit a woman with 24"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Photo / Landscape / "The Great South Land"  1007102732 - Photo / Landscape / "The Great South Land" 100710
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is a very beautiful photograph, taken by the famous Ken Duncan. He is a well known pioneer in the Limited Edition Art field, in Australia since t
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,500.00
 
 
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Autumn landscape  560002733 - Autumn landscape 56000
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Autumn landscape, oil on canvas. Signed by the artist, M .Mc C. and dated 1899 in bottom right corner. No information found on artist. Black wood f
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 250.00
 
 
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Mountain landscape Painting  560032734 - Mountain landscape Painting 56003
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Oil on canvas painting of snowy mountain range with trees in foreground. Signed by the artist, Otto Reinhold Jacobi, and dated 1877 (5). Brass fram
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Pacific Pearl Company Stock Certificate--Julius Kroehl, First Submarine  1069832735 - Pacific Pearl Company Stock Certificate--Julius Kroehl, First Submarine 106983
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Remarkable! The best known. This company was a venture to harvest pearls and pearl shells in the Pacific Ocean. The first site chosen were the Pearl I
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to b********t for (1,800.00 + 450.00BP) = 2,250.00
 
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American Contracting & Dredging Co. Stock Certificate--Panama Canal  1067752736 - American Contracting & Dredging Co. Stock Certificate--Panama Canal 106775
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Inc. in New York. No. 817, issued for one share to WD Tisdale on Feb 27th, 1890. Signed by the pro-term president and the secretary. Not cancelled. Bl
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to f********a.. for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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