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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Montana Coal Stocks (2)  1095434300 - Montana Coal Stocks (2) 109543
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 I/U. Gilchrist Coal 1894, Montana Con. Coal and Coke 1910. City: State: Montana Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 100.00
Sold to m****a for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Warren Gold & Silver Mining Company Legal Contract  994454301 - Warren Gold & Silver Mining Company Legal Contract 99445
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This 1906 contract is between the owner George Williams and George Abel to sink a shaft into the Gold Northern Mine at $12.50 a foot. George's f...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 20.00 | Estimate : 40.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Segregated Belcher & Mides Cons. Mining Co. Stock Certificate  1068464302 - Segregated Belcher & Mides Cons. Mining Co. Stock Certificate 106846
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gold Hill District, Storey Co., Nev. (printed above title). Inc. 1887. No. 7114, issued for 10 shares to John A Walls on Sept. 26th, 1892 in San Franc
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to i*****s for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Spanish Belle Mining Company Stock Sheet  1075314303 - Spanish Belle Mining Company Stock Sheet 107531
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Sheet of three unissued stock certificates. Spanish Belt, Nye County, Nevada (printed at bottom center). Inc. 1876. 1870s San Francisco dateline. Blac
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Nevada Packard MC Stock  1081794304 - Nevada Packard MC Stock 108179
Holabird Western Americana Collections
I/U #2352 Henry Willer 2000 shares 1916. Signed by President Walsey? City: Packard State: Nevada Date: 1916
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 90.00
Sold to 9***6 for (25.00 + 5.50BP) = 30.50
 
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Mining Story / " The Heritage of the Desert "  1096604305 - Mining Story / " The Heritage of the Desert " 109660
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is a really nice item. The cover shows an eagle flying, and Indians traveling across a desert of billowing clouds. It is the story of Pioche, Nev
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 150.00
Sold to 8***1 for (40.00 + 8.80BP) = 48.80
 
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Balloon Hill Mascot Mining Company Stock Certificate  1085894306 - Balloon Hill Mascot Mining Company Stock Certificate 108589
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Issued and cancelled in 1908. Certificate number 3, issued to H. C. Shough. City: Rawhide State: Nevada Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to i*****s for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Rio Tinto Dev. Co. Stock  1081784307 - Rio Tinto Dev. Co. Stock 108178
Holabird Western Americana Collections
I/U 1908, signed by President illegible City: Rio Tinto State: Nevada Date: 1908
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to 9***6 for (20.00 + 4.40BP) = 24.40
 
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Cave Hill Copper Company Stock Certificate  1066784308 - Cave Hill Copper Company Stock Certificate 106678
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Inc. in California. This company operated in the Klinepelter copper fields, located 40 miles from Searchlight on the California side (according to Los
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to r********5 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Tonopah, NV-related Mining Stock Certificates  640444309 - Tonopah, NV-related Mining Stock Certificates 64044
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approximately 38 pieces, including mining stock certificates related to mining operations in Tonopah, Nevada. Mines include Tonopah Crown Point Mining
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 140.00 - 280.00
Sold to i*****l for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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20 Territorial Virginia City, Nevada Checks signed by Charles Strong  775164310 - 20 Territorial Virginia City, Nevada Checks signed by Charles Strong 77516
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 Stateler & Arrington checks signed by Charles Strong as superintendent for the Gould & Curry Silver Mining Company. All are Virgin...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
 
 
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20 Virginia City, Nevada Territory Mining Checks  775214311 - 20 Virginia City, Nevada Territory Mining Checks 77521
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 Stateler & Arrington checks for the Gould & Curry Mine. Ten are signed by Charles Bonner as superintendent in 1864. Ten are signed...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
 
 
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Legal Battle Between Two Comstock Mining Companies: Sullivan vs Holcomb (15 pieces)  994564312 - Legal Battle Between Two Comstock Mining Companies: Sullivan vs Holcomb (15 pieces) 99456
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ever wonder what a Comstock legal battle between two mining companies looked like. This lot includes 15 pieces of paper concerning Sullivan vs. Holcom
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Harry Springer Inspector of Mines Certificate Signed by Paul Laxalt  814134313 - Harry Springer Inspector of Mines Certificate Signed by Paul Laxalt 81413
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gov. Paul Laxalt signed Executive Dept Mine Supervisor certificate. Approx 17 x11". City: State: Nevada Date: 1971
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 40.00 | Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Nevada Mining Stocks and Exploring Booklets  650404314 - Nevada Mining Stocks and Exploring Booklets 65040
Holabird Western Americana Collections
14 1878-1879 Empire State Silver Mining issued stocks. 1908 Rawhide souvenir photo booklet, 1973 Prospector Country, NV, 1973 Covered Wagon Country NV
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 80.00 | Estimate : 160.00 - 320.00
 
 
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Nevada Treasure MC Stock  1095114315 - Nevada Treasure MC Stock 109511
Holabird Western Americana Collections
I/U #111 to Montana senator Lee Mantle 100 shares 1909. Signed by VP Meyer. Rare. Mine possibly in Washington. City: State: Nevada Date: 1909
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to b**********7 for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Stock Certificates / All Nevada / 13 Items.  1062774316 - Stock Certificates / All Nevada / 13 Items. 106277
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is a nice small collection, of colorful stock certificates. The Goldfield Consolidated Mine Company ( 3 green ones, 1955-1959, 1 brown one, and 2
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to s********K for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Miners Steam Vaporizer / F.C. Hunt Mfg Co.  1062864317 - Miners Steam Vaporizer / F.C. Hunt Mfg Co. 106286
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here is a very unusual Item. It is a cobalt blue glass, handled electric steam vaporizor. After working in the mines all day or night, a lot of he min
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Sold to m********r.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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New Jersey Mining Stock Certificate Trio  1067694318 - New Jersey Mining Stock Certificate Trio 106769
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3. 1) Lakehurst Mining Company. Inc. in South Dakota. Issued in 1907, not cancelled, mining vignette. Possibly the Lakehurst Mining District in
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 80.00
 
 
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Four Grant County, New Mexico Mining Stock Certificates  1067714319 - Four Grant County, New Mexico Mining Stock Certificates 106771
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4. 1) Savanna Copper Company. Three stocks issued 1908-1916. Inc. in the Territory of Arizona. Green border, black print, no vignette. 2) Black
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to D******3 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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