SS Central America Shipwreck Artifacts Auction, Part I (December 2022)

Auction Details

The S.S. Central America Artifacts Auction catalog has 268 pages of detailed treasure stories about the people, jewelry, gold, and goods onboard the famous "Ship of Gold" that sank off the North Carolina coast in 1857 with tons of gold on board. While the coins and nuggets have already been sold and are in thousands of collections around the world, the artifacts are only just now being released, and are presented for the first time in a two-part sale in December 2022 and February 2023. Online auction platforms do not carry the wealth of information found in our printed catalog, inclusive of three-dimensional photographs of the items on the seafloor and a map where many artifacts were discovered. Order your limited-edition printed catalogs today and enjoy the fascinating world of the S.S. Central America treasure.

Part A of this December auction includes artifacts recovered from the actual shipwreck of the S.S. Central America.
Part B, starting with Lot 2000, offered the same day, presents some of the best California and Alaska Gold Rush material ever assembled for auction.

Fred Holabird
Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC

AUCTION SCHEDULE

Part A  - S.S.Central America Artifacts
(Lots 1000-1271)

Ships Provisions (Lots 1000-1080)
Passenger Possessions (Lots 1081-1249)
The Business of Gold (Lots 1250-1271)

Part B -  Gold Rush Era Collectibles
(Lots 2000-2276)

Gold Specimens (Lots 2000-2069)
Mining Ephemera; Jewelry; Rare Books & More (Lots 2079-2276)
SHIPPING & HANDLING: The customer is responsible for all shipping and packaging charges. We offer shipping service as a convenience to our buyers. Items are not shipped until the invoice and shipping charges are completely paid. Shipping costs will be calculated and billed separately after your items have been paid for. Purchases will be shipped via our approved, insured carriers: FedEx, UPS, USPS or DHL. Pick up is available from our Reno office, once you have received your invoice post auction
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Men's Scarf, Dement Trunk [158733]1150 - Men's Scarf, Dement Trunk [158733]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Men's scarf recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Diagonal line and two-tone + design, 0.5" line spa...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to S******3 for (130.00 + 26.00BP) = 156.00
 
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Men's Scarf, Dement Trunk [158744]1151 - Men's Scarf, Dement Trunk [158744]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Men's scarf recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Size is 5x47". Degradation along center fold. Dat...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 and UP
 
 
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Men's Bow Tie and Collar, Dement Trunk [156779]1152 - Men's Bow Tie and Collar, Dement Trunk [156779]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Bow tie and collar recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 2 x 23", Bow tie attached to collar with rear t...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to T********n.. for (130.00 + 26.00BP) = 156.00
 
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Men's Collar, Dement Trunk [158716]1153 - Men's Collar, Dement Trunk [158716]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collar recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 1 buttonhole, no buttons. No apparent degradation, just stained, 3
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to T********n.. for (110.00 + 22.00BP) = 132.00
 
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Men's Collar, Dement Trunk [158717]1154 - Men's Collar, Dement Trunk [158717]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collar recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 3 buttonholes, no buttons. No apparent degradation, just stained.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to 1******t for (110.00 + 22.00BP) = 132.00
 
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Men's Collar Dement Trunk [158731]1155 - Men's Collar Dement Trunk [158731]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collar recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 3 buttonholes, no buttons. 3 x 14". No apparent degradation...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to 8*****W for (110.00 + 22.00BP) = 132.00
 
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Men's Collar, Dement Trunk [158732]1156 - Men's Collar, Dement Trunk [158732]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collar recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Collar with 1 buttonhole and no buttons. 3 x 13". No appare...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to 8*****W for (110.00 + 22.00BP) = 132.00
 
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Men's Collar, Dement Trunk [158736]1157 - Men's Collar, Dement Trunk [158736]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collar recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Collar with 1 center hole, no buttons. 3 x 14". No apparent...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 and UP
 
 
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Men's Collar, Three-Hole, Dement Trunk [156773]1158 - Men's Collar, Three-Hole, Dement Trunk [156773]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three Hole Men's Collar recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck, good condition, 3 x 15". Date: 1857 ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 and UP
 
 
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Men's Dress Shirt in Excellent Condition, Dement Trunk [158799]1159 - Men's Dress Shirt in Excellent Condition, Dement Trunk [158799]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Men's dress shirt recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. This is the finest shirt from the Dement trunk. V...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to T********n.. for (275.00 + 55.00BP) = 330.00
 
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Men's Dress Shirt, Dement Trunk [158707]1160 - Men's Dress Shirt, Dement Trunk [158707]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Plain, men's dress shirt recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Pleated front for studs only. Sleeve from ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 40.00BP) = 240.00
 
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Men's Dress Shirt, Patterned & Pleated, Dement Trunk [158708]1161 - Men's Dress Shirt, Patterned & Pleated, Dement Trunk [158708]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fancy patterned dress shirt recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 36" overall length, 19" from the ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to T********n.. for (200.00 + 40.00BP) = 240.00
 
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Men's Handkerchief, // J. D. D. // John D. Dement [158710]1162 - Men's Handkerchief, // J. D. D. // John D. Dement [158710]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Men's handkerchief recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. About 20 x 22", stained, no markings, cotto...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to b*******n for (275.00 + 55.00BP) = 330.00
 
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Men's Light Jacket, Dement Trunk [158715]1163 - Men's Light Jacket, Dement Trunk [158715]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Light men's jacket recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Conserved in 1991. Two lower big pockets and a l...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to m********6 for (350.00 + 70.00BP) = 420.00
 
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Men's Long Underwear Shirt, Dement Trunk [156860]1164 - Men's Long Underwear Shirt, Dement Trunk [156860]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Long undershirt recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014. Fairly large men's "underwear" sh...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to T********n.. for (225.00 + 45.00BP) = 270.00
 
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Men's Long Underwear Shirt, Dement Trunk [158738]1165 - Men's Long Underwear Shirt, Dement Trunk [158738]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Long undershirt recovered from Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Long undershirt, probably wool, with 3 buttonholes, 3 buttons
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to 8********l.. for (550.00 + 110.00BP) = 660.00
 
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Men's Long Underwear Shirt, Dement Trunk [158739]1166 - Men's Long Underwear Shirt, Dement Trunk [158739]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Long undershirt recovered from Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Long underwear shirt, probably wool, with 3 buttonholes, 3 bu
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to 8********l.. for (600.00 + 120.00BP) = 720.00
 
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Men's Night Shirt, Dement Trunk [158714]1167 - Men's Night Shirt, Dement Trunk [158714]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Men's Night Shirt Socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Light patterned cotton with 1" cloth c...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to h****c for (375.00 + 75.00BP) = 450.00
 
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Men's Overcoat, Fine Dress, Dement Trunk [158704]1168 - Men's Overcoat, Fine Dress, Dement Trunk [158704]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fine dress overcoat recovered from the trunk of John Dement recovered from the S.S. Central America Shipwreck. Overcoat has a velveteen collar and bru
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to m********6 for (550.00 + 110.00BP) = 660.00
 
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Men's Vest, Fancy Cloth, Dement Trunk [156777]1169 - Men's Vest, Fancy Cloth, Dement Trunk [156777]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Men's fancy cloth vest recovered from the John Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. The material is a dark cotton woven fab...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 and UP
Sold to E********s for (6,500.00 + 1,300.00BP) = 7,800.00
 
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Men's Work Shirt, Brooks Bros. Wool, Dement Trunk [159094]1170 - Men's Work Shirt, Brooks Bros. Wool, Dement Trunk [159094]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One of three woolen work shirts found inside the Dement trunk recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Brooks Brothers logo showing a sheep
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to G*******s for (2,700.00 + 540.00BP) = 3,240.00
 
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Men's "Miner's" Pants, Five-Button Style, Dement Trunk--Possibly by Levi Strauss [159097]1171 - Men's "Miner's" Pants, Five-Button Style, Dement Trunk--Possibly by Levi Strauss [159097]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Pair of men's work pants recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. The five-button fly strongly suggests thes...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50,000.00 and UP
Sold to m********q.. for (95,000.00 + 19,000.00BP) = 114,000.00
 
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Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [157073]1172 - Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [157073]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Pair of men's socks recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck, possibly linen, form-fitting ankle. heel to top is 10", heel to toe ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to R*******8 for (180.00 + 36.00BP) = 216.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [156766]1173 - Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [156766]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Men's socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Form-fitting ankle, 10" heel to toe, 10" heel...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 and UP
 
 
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Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158703]1174 - Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158703]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Form-fitting socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 9" heel to toe, 9" heel to top. no holes. ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to R*******8 for (160.00 + 32.00BP) = 192.00
 
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Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158740]1175 - Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158740]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Pair of socks, 10.5" cuff to heel, 9.5" heel to toe, 3&...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to e********b.. for (180.00 + 36.00BP) = 216.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158743]1176 - Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158743]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Marked British 10 1/2on toe. Cuff to heel 10.5", heel to toe...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to G*******s for (200.00 + 40.00BP) = 240.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158746]1177 - Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158746]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Marked British 10 1/2 near toe. Form-fitting cuff. Cuff to toe 11...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to m********H for (200.00 + 40.00BP) = 240.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158750]1178 - Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158750]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Pair of socks, dark heavy wool, different than others so far. 1.5...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to R*******8 for (170.00 + 34.00BP) = 204.00
 
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Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158751]1179 - Men's Socks, Dement Trunk [158751]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 2.25" form-fitting cuff, 14.5" overall length. 1 sock s...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to b*******n for (150.00 + 30.00BP) = 180.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Socks, Wool, Dement Trunk [158702]1180 - Men's Socks, Wool, Dement Trunk [158702]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Thick wool socks recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Showing significant wear through stretching of the upper
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to R*******8 for (140.00 + 28.00BP) = 168.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Thick Undershirt, Dement Trunk [156768]1181 - Men's Thick Undershirt, Dement Trunk [156768]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Men's undershirt recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Thick, possibly wool, undershirt, additional cloth...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to F*******1 for (400.00 + 80.00BP) = 480.00
 
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Men's Undershirt, Merino Wool, Dement Trunk [157075]1182 - Men's Undershirt, Merino Wool, Dement Trunk [157075]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Merino wool undershirt recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Identified by conservators as Merino wool, this un
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to T********n.. for (250.00 + 50.00BP) = 300.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Vest, Cotton Twill, Gold Fleck Buttons, Dement Trunk [156770]1183 - Men's Vest, Cotton Twill, Gold Fleck Buttons, Dement Trunk [156770]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Cotton twill vest recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Seven-button front, six present. Several buttons show b
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to F********e.. for (300.00 + 60.00BP) = 360.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Pants, Dement Trunk [156767]1184 - Men's Pants, Dement Trunk [156767]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unusual pair of pants recovered from the Dement truck found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. White, twill weave, wide waistband, drooping at the
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to R*******8 for (300.00 + 60.00BP) = 360.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Work Shirt, Brooks Bros. Wool, Dement Trunk [159096]1185 - Men's Work Shirt, Brooks Bros. Wool, Dement Trunk [159096]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One of three woolen work shirts found inside the Dement trunk recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Brooks Brothers logo showing a sheep
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to F********e.. for (1,100.00 + 220.00BP) = 1,320.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Scarf, Patterned Silk, Dement Trunk [158711]1186 - Scarf, Patterned Silk, Dement Trunk [158711]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Silk scarf recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Patterned silk scarf, about 22 x 26" beige with oval wh...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to F********e.. for (600.00 + 120.00BP) = 720.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Scarf, Silk, Dement Trunk [156764]1187 - Scarf, Silk, Dement Trunk [156764]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Triangular silk scarf recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Diagonal cross-pattern construction, 17 x 48"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to m********6 for (350.00 + 70.00BP) = 420.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Shoe Gaiter Pair (Spats), Dement Trunk [156771]1188 - Shoe Gaiter Pair (Spats), Dement Trunk [156771]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A pair of spats recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. A pair of fine, thick cloth and leather gaiters with unde
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 and UP
Sold to S******3 for (170.00 + 34.00BP) = 204.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Brass Luggage Tag SAN Fo NY to via Panama #3686 [159474]1189 - Brass Luggage Tag SAN Fo NY to via Panama #3686 [159474]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass luggage tag recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is #3686, // San Fo to N.Y. via Panama //, heart shaped, 1.75 x 1.75 inches. C
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to m********H for (1,300.00 + 260.00BP) = 1,560.00
 
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Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #5291 [153316]1190 - Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #5291 [153316]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass luggage tag recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck, approx 2 x 1-5/8 inches, embossed // N.Y. TO SAN Fo / 5291 / VIA PANAMA //. The n
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to R********3 for (850.00 + 170.00BP) = 1,020.00
 
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Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #5725 [153313]1191 - Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #5725 [153313]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass luggage tag recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck, approx 2 x 1-5/8 inches, embossed // N.Y. TO SAN Fo / 5725 / VIA PANAMA //. Date
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to R********3 for (1,350.00 + 270.00BP) = 1,620.00
 
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Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #601 [153318]1192 - Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #601 [153318]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass luggage tag recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck, approx 2 x 1-5/8 inches, embossed // N.Y. TO SAN Fo / 601 / VIA PANAMA //. The na
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to G*******s for (1,250.00 + 250.00BP) = 1,500.00
 
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Brass Luggage Tags NY to SAN Fo via Panama #2342 [159473]1193 - Brass Luggage Tags NY to SAN Fo via Panama #2342 [159473]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A pair of matched, brass luggage tags with original leather fob, #2342 "N.Y. to San Fo via Panama." It is a matched pair such that one pie...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to E********s for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Three Matched Pairs of Brass Luggage Tags, SAN Fo to NY via Panama [153319]1194 - Three Matched Pairs of Brass Luggage Tags, SAN Fo to NY via Panama [153319]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot includes 3 pairs of matched, brass luggage tags, two with original leather fobs: #1270, #1502, and #1746. "San Fo to NY via Panama." M...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to E********s for (4,700.00 + 940.00BP) = 5,640.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Handkerchief, Easton Trunk [157064]1195 - Handkerchief, Easton Trunk [157064]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Handkerchief recovered from the Easton trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 18 x 18 inches. Stained, but the material appears to be soun
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to d****9 for (150.00 + 30.00BP) = 180.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Handkerchief, Easton Trunk [157066]1196 - Handkerchief, Easton Trunk [157066]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Handkerchief recovered from the Easton trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 18 x 18 inches. Stained, but the material appears to be soun
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to b******a for (150.00 + 30.00BP) = 180.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Handkerchief. Easton Trunk [157067]1197 - Handkerchief. Easton Trunk [157067]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Handkerchief recovered from the Easton trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Size is 20 x 20 inches. Stained, but the material appears so
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to b******a for (160.00 + 32.00BP) = 192.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Handkerchief, Easton Trunk [158754]1198 - Handkerchief, Easton Trunk [158754]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Handkerchief recovered from the Easton trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 19x19", large and small repeating dot pattern on edge...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to b******a for (150.00 + 30.00BP) = 180.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Ladies' Chemise, Easton Trunk [158726]1199 - Ladies' Chemise, Easton Trunk [158726]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ladies' chemise recovered from the Easton trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck Ladies chemise, 1 x 28" lace collar with lace 1...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to d*******f for (140.00 + 28.00BP) = 168.00
 
Details...Bookmark