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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Herbertville Quartz Mining Company Stock Certificate  1068473199 - Herbertville Quartz Mining Company Stock Certificate 106847
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No. 133, issued to Even Ashton for one share on April 20th, 1857. Signed by Lorenzo Hamilton, President, and Samuel Davis, Secretary. Incorporated in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to C*****r for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Fossen Gold & Silver Mining Company Stock Certificate  1069443200 - Fossen Gold & Silver Mining Company Stock Certificate 106944
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Location: Webster District, Amador County, Cal. (printed to the left of vignette). Inc. Oct. 1863. No. 66, issued for 50 shares to Young on Jan. 22nd,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to 5*****r for (250.00 + 55.00BP) = 305.00
 
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Cornwall Copper Mining Company Stock  905023201 - Cornwall Copper Mining Company Stock 90502
Holabird Western Americana Collections
# 134 for 10 shares to John (name obscured by underprint). Signed by S adams and president R Bumell. Dateline Ione City, Amador Co., Cal. November 23,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to C*****r for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Spanish Copper MIning Company Stock  904783202 - Spanish Copper MIning Company Stock 90478
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early # 24 for 25 shares to Alex Elder. Signed by A Resseguie and president Waller. Dateline Mineral City 1864. RARE dateline. Incorporated August 1,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to C*****r for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Ione City Copper Mining Company Stock  904793203 - Ione City Copper Mining Company Stock 90479
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early # 13 for 100 shares to John Edwards. Signed by TS Coffin and James Cumming. Not cancelled. 25c Insurance revenue stamp. Dateline Ione City 1863.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to C*****r for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Prima Donna Copper and Silver Mining Company Stock  904823204 - Prima Donna Copper and Silver Mining Company Stock 90482
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Location: Newton District, Amador County. Inc. June 26, 1863. No. 100, not cancelled. Issued to Joseph Steffens for 5 shares on Sept. 12th, 1863 in Sa
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to C*****r for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Aurora Tunnel and Mining Company Stock Certificate  602503205 - Aurora Tunnel and Mining Company Stock Certificate 60250
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare. Incorporated January 22, 1878. Certificate No. 576, issued October 10, 1878 to Silas Smith for 100 shares; signed by Graves, president and Hubba
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 600.00
Sold to B******r for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Bodie and Esmeralda By Jos. Wasson  814123206 - Bodie and Esmeralda By Jos. Wasson 81412
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Original 1878 copy."An account of the revival of affairs in two singularly interesting and important mining districts, including something of t...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 600.00 | Estimate : 1,200.00 - 2,000.00
 
 
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Bodie Bluff Consolidated Mining Stock, Leland Stanford Signature  820223207 - Bodie Bluff Consolidated Mining Stock, Leland Stanford Signature 82022
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fantastic unissued stock with President Leland Stanford signature. Vignette shows mountain with shaft depths superimposed: Cumberland 600', Bunk...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
 
 
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Nice Bodie and Mono, CA Ephemera Group  1095623208 - Nice Bodie and Mono, CA Ephemera Group 109562
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unissued Golden Inlet Con. MC Stock c. 1860's. 1905 3pp Bodie letter and cover with Bodie July 4th Baseball team mention and Bodie baseball team...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to 6*****b for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
 
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Butte County Mining Stock Certificates (9)  1059123209 - Butte County Mining Stock Certificates (9) 105912
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of nine. 1) Royal Drift Mining Company with a large Buffalo vignette? NUMBER 4. Dateline San Jose June 16, 1908. "As to producing mines in ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to a********e.. for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Magnum Bonum Quartz Mining Co. Stock Certificate  1021703210 - Magnum Bonum Quartz Mining Co. Stock Certificate 102170
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Never seen by us. This company operated on Poor Man's Ledge near Spanishtown (now Yankee Hill) in Butte County in 1857. A July 31, 1857 Daily Al...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
 
 
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Porter Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate  1068243211 - Porter Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate 106824
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Butte Co., Cal." printed above vignette. Inc. Aug. 24th, 1863. No. 92, issued to J Chappie for 5 shares on July 6th, 1864. Signed by pres...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Calaveras County Mining Stock Certificates (6)  1059003212 - Calaveras County Mining Stock Certificates (6) 105900
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of six.1) The Black Wonder MIning Company (what a great name). Unissued. Location Blue Mountain. Mining vignette. 2) Penn Mining Company. Number 5
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to C*****r for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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New York and Calaveras County Gold Mining Company Stock  1059073213 - New York and Calaveras County Gold Mining Company Stock 105907
Holabird Western Americana Collections
New York and Calaveras County Gold Mining Company. Issued for 100 shares in 1880. Signed by secretary RK Southwick and president JK Marshall. Issued t
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 180.00
Sold to C*****r for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Melones & Stanislaus Gold, Silver, & Copper Mining Co. Stock Certificate  1069343214 - Melones & Stanislaus Gold, Silver, & Copper Mining Co. Stock Certificate 106934
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Extra rare and very early. Incorporated October 29, 1862. No. 426, issued for 10 shares to SC Bigelow on Aug. 17th, 1864 in San Francisco. Signed by s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to C*****r for (375.00 + 93.75BP) = 468.75
 
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Golden Gate Gold, Silver & Copper Mining Co. Stock Certificate  1069723215 - Golden Gate Gold, Silver & Copper Mining Co. Stock Certificate 106972
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Location printed around logo: Gopher District, Calaveras County, Cal. Inc. in October 1863. No. 46, issued for 10 shares to C.L. Harington on Feb. 25t
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to C*****r for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Flag of Our Union & Twin Cons. Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate  1069813216 - Flag of Our Union & Twin Cons. Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate 106981
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare. Mokelumne District, Amador County, Cal. (printed under title). Inc. December 1863. No. 103, issued for 10 shares to William Krouse in Mokelumne
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to C*****r for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Mokelumne & Campo Seco Canal & Mining Co. Stock Certificate  1069303217 - Mokelumne & Campo Seco Canal & Mining Co. Stock Certificate 106930
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Calaveras County" printed under title. No. 95 for 100 shares issued to Sylvester Bowman on April 25th, 1865 in Mokelumne Hill. Signed by ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 450.00 | Estimate : 900.00 - 1,500.00
 
 
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Two Different Calico-Area Mining Stock Certificates  1066663218 - Two Different Calico-Area Mining Stock Certificates 106666
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2 different. Calico is a ghost town in San Bernardino County. 1) Carter Gold Mining & Milling Company. Inc. in Arizona, 1909. No. 1818, i...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to A*******d for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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