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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Obispo Copper Company Stock Certificate  1067834240 - Obispo Copper Company Stock Certificate 106783
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Inc. in Nevada. "Mine Located San Luis Obispo County, Calif." (printed at top center). No. 139, issued for 500 shares to WJ Hesthol on Jun...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 25.00 | Estimate : 50.00 - 80.00
 
 
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Excelsior Quartz Mining Company Check  1069404241 - Excelsior Quartz Mining Company Check 106940
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Extra rare! Dateline Sonora, Cal. March 23rd, 1863. Check No. 7, drawn on Donohoe Ralston & Co. bank of San Francisco. Check issued to DM Winfie...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to 8*****M for (45.00 + 9.90BP) = 54.90
 
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Caliente Lime & Marble Company Stock Certificate  1075414242 - Caliente Lime & Marble Company Stock Certificate 107541
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Inc. in CA, 1911. Low number 7, issued for 500 shares to the wife of the company secretary in 1911. Signed by president Fred Stone and the secretary.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 60.00
Sold to t*******E for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Santa Ana Tin Mining Company Stock Certificate  1076104243 - Santa Ana Tin Mining Company Stock Certificate 107610
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Inc. in Arizona. No. 688, issued for 200 shares in 1904. Signed by secretary LC Comer and president Gail Borden. Not cancelled. Black border and print
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to h********h for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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California  Mining Industry Companies (5)  1059024244 - California Mining Industry Companies (5) 105902
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of five. Industrial Mining Company. San Francisco. 1904. Number 19. Eagle vignette. 2) Sheepshead Lime Company. Number 18. Lion vignette. 3) Tungs
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 35.00 | Estimate : 70.00 - 100.00
 
 
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California Mining Article, New York, 1875  639184245 - California Mining Article, New York, 1875 63918
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three columns on the California Mines. Discusses hydraulic, placer and lode mines. Interesting, a good read. These are the sorts of articles that got
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 60.00
Sold to d*******f for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Nine Northern California Mining Stocks  1058824246 - Nine Northern California Mining Stocks 105882
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Issued. 1) Empire Consolidated Quicksilver. Lake County. Nice scroll work and underprint. #90 issued in 1901. 2) Zenda Gold Mining Company. Dateline 1
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to f***2 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Stock Certificates / All California  1062784247 - Stock Certificates / All California 106278
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is a giant California stock certificate collection. They are from the following companies: McIntire Mining and Lumbering Company( 2), Plano Pacin
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to r***9 for (160.00 + 35.20BP) = 195.20
 
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Two California Stocks: Dreadnaught and Palo Alto  1057784248 - Two California Stocks: Dreadnaught and Palo Alto 105778
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Dreadnaught Mining Company. # 137 for 2500 shares to Charles D Hill in 1903. Incorporated in 1901. Signed by Piper and Arnold as president. Elk vig
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to 5*****r for (30.00 + 6.60BP) = 36.60
 
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Unusual California Mining Stocks (4)  1058924249 - Unusual California Mining Stocks (4) 105892
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of four. 1) Encinitas Copper Mining and Smelting Company. 1902. Unusual copper mine. Black on pink safety paper. Excellent condition. Nice Conditi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Sold to m*********y for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Colorado Gold Mining & Smelting Co. Stock and Bond  627574250 - Colorado Gold Mining & Smelting Co. Stock and Bond 62757
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Alma District, Park County. Lot of 2. 1)$100 bond issued in 1902, not cancelled. Eagle vignette. Eleven coupons still attached. Signed by secretary Ch
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 120.00
 
 
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Benton Gold & Silver Mining Company Bond  627594251 - Benton Gold & Silver Mining Company Bond 62759
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Inc. in Illinois. Mine located in the Queen Mining District, Clear Creek County, Colorado, 3 miles from Georgetown on Brown and Sherman Mountains. Acc
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 45.00 | Estimate : 90.00 - 180.00
 
 
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Four Cripple Creek Mining Stock Certificates  1067664252 - Four Cripple Creek Mining Stock Certificates 106766
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4, three different companies. 1) The Worcester Gold Mining Company. "Mines at Cripple Creek, Colorado" printed to the left of minin...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to 8***1 for (55.00 + 12.10BP) = 67.10
 
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GOLDEN CRYSTAL Mining and Milling Company Stock  1059204253 - GOLDEN CRYSTAL Mining and Milling Company Stock 105920
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare use of Golden Crystal in a stock certificate. Number 43 for 100 shares to Harry Hambright. Signed by John Bohl and secretary (?). Dateline St. Lo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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McKinney Extension Stock to Bank of Victor for 184,000 Shares  1058714254 - McKinney Extension Stock to Bank of Victor for 184,000 Shares 105871
Holabird Western Americana Collections
# 81 issued in 1905. Cancelled. Signed by president SS Bernard and secretary Thatcher. Owned 12 acres between the Anaconda and Mary McKinney propertie
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 10.00 - 120.00
Sold to d*******f for (5.00 + 1.25BP) = 6.25
 
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Three Different Colorado Mining Stock Certificates  1068484255 - Three Different Colorado Mining Stock Certificates 106848
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3 different. 1) Isabella Gold Mining Company. Cripple Creek. No. 7850, issued for 100 shares in 1896. Signed by president Percy Hagerman and th
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Twenty-one Hagerman Signed Isabella Gold Mining Company Stocks (Number 1)  1058554256 - Twenty-one Hagerman Signed Isabella Gold Mining Company Stocks (Number 1) 105855
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twenty-one Isabella Gold Mining Company stock certificates issued 1895-1896. All signed by J.J. Hagerman, an important Colorado railroad and mining fi
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Twenty-one Hagerman Signed Isabella Gold Mining Company Stocks (Number 2)  1058564257 - Twenty-one Hagerman Signed Isabella Gold Mining Company Stocks (Number 2) 105856
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twenty-one Isabella Gold Mining Company stock certificates issued 1895-1896. All signed by J.J. Hagerman, an important Colorado railroad and mining fi
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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c.1890s Denver Business Card for Mining Agent  630834258 - c.1890s Denver Business Card for Mining Agent 63083
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Stephens, Hanchett & Co., Money Loaned, Real Estate, Mining and Insurance, Office at 1638 Curtis St. in Denver. Reverse has pencil note from Ste...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 15.00 | Estimate : 30.00 - 60.00
 
 
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Denver Coal Company, Ltd. Stock Certificate  1068924259 - Denver Coal Company, Ltd. Stock Certificate 106892
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Inc under the Companies' Acts, 1862 to 1890. No. 101, issued for 250 shares to director John Harbottle of Belgrave Square on July 16th, 1891. Si...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
 
 
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