AUCTION  / 

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

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location3555 Airway Drive Suite 309, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States In Person PreviewPREVIEW:

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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Passenger Receipt, Second Cabin, Major Jacob B. Clark [158885]1000Passenger Receipt, Second Cabin, Major Jacob B. Clark [158885]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Second Cabin passenger receipt recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck and issued for Jacob B. Clark, reportedly a veteran of the Mexican Wa
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to R********3 for (650.00 + 130.00BP) = 780.00
Passenger Receipt, Second Cabin, William A. Adams & Dog [158884]1001Passenger Receipt, Second Cabin, William A. Adams & Dog [158884]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Second Cabin passenger receipt recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck for William A. Adams, 27, of Maryland, and his dog. There is no recor
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to 8*****W for (650.00 + 130.00BP) = 780.00
Passenger Receipt, Steerage, William Curless, Truckee, Cal. Druggist [158882]1002Passenger Receipt, Steerage, William Curless, Truckee, Cal. Druggist [158882]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steerage passenger receipt for William Curless on pre-printed neutral US mail Steamship/ Pacific Mail steamship form. Datelined San Francisco. Curless
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to m********H for (600.00 + 120.00BP) = 720.00
Judge Monson's First Cabin Passenger Receipt, #1! [158892]1003Judge Monson's First Cabin Passenger Receipt, #1! [158892]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The order of issuance of the SSCA passenger receipts began to become clear after we were able to interpret the very old handwriting that suffered 150
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to G*******s for (850.00 + 170.00BP) = 1,020.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Ansel Easton & Wife [158881]1004Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Ansel Easton & Wife [158881]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The original passenger receipt recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck for Ansel and Addie Easton, "A. I. Easton & Wife", 4 ...
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to F********e.. for (4,000.00 + 800.00BP) = 4,800.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Capt. Thomas Badger [158906]1005Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Capt. Thomas Badger [158906]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Capt. Thomas Badger First Cabin Passenger Receipt, First Cabin ticket No. 9, recovered from the purser's safe of the S.S. Central America shipwr...
Estimate : 5,000.00 and UP
Sold to G*******s for (2,600.00 + 520.00BP) = 3,120.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Dr. Kittridge [158888]1006Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Dr. Kittridge [158888]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
First Cabin receipt recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck for Dr. Kitteridge from San Francisco to New York, August 20, 1857. First Cabin
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to 8***0 for (550.00 + 110.00BP) = 660.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Henry Childs of New York [158891]1007Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Henry Childs of New York [158891]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Passenger receipt recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck for Henry H. Childs of New York, First Cabin Ticket #31 from San Francisco to New
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to R********3 for (550.00 + 110.00BP) = 660.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, James E. Birch, California Stage Co. Founder [158894]1008Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, James E. Birch, California Stage Co. Founder [158894]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Another of the very important people onboard the S.S. Central America were James E. Birch and his wife. His first cabin ticket was #34 in line. Birch
Estimate : 2,000.00 and UP
Sold to E********s for (8,000.00 + 1,600.00BP) = 9,600.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, John V. Dobbin [158883]1009Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, John V. Dobbin [158883]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Passenger receipt recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck for John V. Dobbin, brother of James C. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy, 1853-1857.
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to N*****l for (750.00 + 150.00BP) = 900.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Jones and Servant [158890]1010Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Jones and Servant [158890]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
First Cabin passenger receipt for F. Jones and Servant from San Francisco to New York recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. This is one o
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to c****1 for (1,900.00 + 380.00BP) = 2,280.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, No. 11, E. Hirshfield [158893]1011Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, No. 11, E. Hirshfield [158893]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Passenger receipt for first cabin, #11, to E. Hirshfield recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. We include this receipt because there is v
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to F********e.. for (2,000.00 + 400.00BP) = 2,400.00
Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Rufus Lockwood, Fremont's Gold Rush Attorney [158887]1012Passenger Receipt, First Cabin, Rufus Lockwood, Fremont's Gold Rush Attorney [158887]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One of two of Fremont's Gold Rush Attorneys, Rufus Lockwood, Passenger Receipt. First Cabin, ticket #2. San Francisco to New York, August 20, 18...
Estimate : 2,000.00 and UP
Sold to A******B for (1,500.00 + 300.00BP) = 1,800.00
Passenger Receipt, Forward Cabin, Mrs. Easton's Servant [158886]1013Passenger Receipt, Forward Cabin, Mrs. Easton's Servant [158886]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Forward Cabin receipt recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Issued for San Francisco to New York for "Mrs. Easton's Servant&qu...
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to b******a for (1,150.00 + 230.00BP) = 1,380.00
Passenger Receipt, Panama Railroad on S.S. Central America Form [158880]1014Passenger Receipt, Panama Railroad on S.S. Central America Form [158880]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A passenger receipt recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck, filled out for the Panama Railroad (not a specific named passenger) on a US Mai
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to c****1 for (1,050.00 + 210.00BP) = 1,260.00
Passenger Receipt, Printed Form, Finest One [158903]1015Passenger Receipt, Printed Form, Finest One [158903]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is the finest known of all the S.S. Central America passenger receipts on pre-printed US Mail Steamship Company forms coming from New York. // Un
Estimate : 2,500.00 and UP
Sold to c****o for (4,400.00 + 880.00BP) = 5,280.00
Passenger Receipt, Second Cabin, Aspinwall to Havana and Back on the S.S. Central America [158895]1016Passenger Receipt, Second Cabin, Aspinwall to Havana and Back on the S.S. Central America [158895]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A unique pair of a physical tickets recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck for Second Cabin from Havana to Aspinwall and a passenger receip
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to b*****e for (1,400.00 + 280.00BP) = 1,680.00
Passenger Receipt, Second Cabin, Havana to Aspinwall Transfer Ticket [158889]1017Passenger Receipt, Second Cabin, Havana to Aspinwall Transfer Ticket [158889]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Second Cabin transfer ticket recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck for passage from Havana to Aspinwall on the trip down from New York, im
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to S********6 for (375.00 + 75.00BP) = 450.00
Passenger Receipt Collection, S.S. Central America Treasure [150878]1018Passenger Receipt Collection, S.S. Central America Treasure [150878]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
In 2014 the crew recovered the contents of Purser Hull's safe found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck. In it were two black smudgy bundles o...
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to c****o for (3,500.00 + 700.00BP) = 4,200.00
Passenger Receipts Originating in Aspinwall, S.S. Central America Treasure [150879]1019Passenger Receipts Originating in Aspinwall, S.S. Central America Treasure [150879]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two fascinating and historical passenger receipts recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck for the United States Mail Steamship Lines, with...
Estimate : 400.00 and UP
Sold to b*****e for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #1371 [153310]1020Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #1371 [153310]
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 / 1371 / VIA PANAMA //. The n
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to R********3 for (1,350.00 + 270.00BP) = 1,620.00
Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #2475 [153317]1021Brass Luggage Tag NY to SAN Fo via Panama #2475 [153317]
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 / 2475 / VIA PANAMA //. The n
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to r********2 for (3,100.00 + 620.00BP) = 3,720.00
Panama Railroad Baggage Tag #613, S.S. Central America Treasure [153311]1022Panama Railroad Baggage Tag #613, S.S. Central America Treasure [153311]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Panama Railroad brass baggage tag #613 recovered with a bundle of keys from the purser's safe found in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Ce...
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to G*******s for (4,000.00 + 800.00BP) = 4,800.00
Boiler Steam Gauge, S.S. Central America [158846]1023Boiler Steam Gauge, S.S. Central America [158846]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
American Steam Gauge Co. steam pressure gauge recovered from the S.S. Central America. It is 8" diameter, 2" thick with brass release valv...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to F********e.. for (2,500.00 + 500.00BP) = 3,000.00
Brass Bell, Small, S.S. Central America [159089]1024Brass Bell, Small, S.S. Central America [159089]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small brass bell recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is 5-1/2 inches tall, 5-7/8 inches in diameter, and it weighs 2.8 pounds. The c
Estimate : 500.00 and UP
Sold to F********e.. for (15,000.00 + 3,000.00BP) = 18,000.00
Brass Handle with Wood Knob, S.S. Central America [156842]1025Brass Handle with Wood Knob, S.S. Central America [156842]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass handle with wooden knob recovered in 1991 from the stern debris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck where dining salon goods were found.
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to o********x.. for (750.00 + 150.00BP) = 900.00
Chamber Pot, Ironstone, S.S. Central America [159477]1026Chamber Pot, Ironstone, S.S. Central America [159477]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ironstone white chamber pot with handle recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. // Maddock's / Patent / Ironstone / China //. John Ma...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to g******k for (1,050.00 + 210.00BP) = 1,260.00
Child's or Chocolate Cup [156852]1027Child's or Chocolate Cup [156852]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Child's or chocolate cup recovered in 1990 from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Small ceramic cup, white with blue stripe around top & b...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to E********s for (1,500.00 + 300.00BP) = 1,800.00
Clear Glass Ashtray, S.S. Central America [156844]1028Clear Glass Ashtray, S.S. Central America [156844]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Clear glass ashtray recovered in 2014 from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is 4" diameter, 2" high, 2.25" opening. Six scallop...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to R********3 for (1,250.00 + 250.00BP) = 1,500.00
Coal (2) from the S.S. Central America [159478]1029Coal (2) from the S.S. Central America [159478]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two large chunks of coal recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. The larger is 5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches, about 1.4 lbs. The other is 5 x 4 x 2.
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to N*****l for (1,050.00 + 210.00BP) = 1,260.00
Coal (2) from the S.S. Central America [159104]1030Coal (2) from the S.S. Central America [159104]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two small chunks of coal recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. The larger is 3 x 2.75 x 1.5 inches, about 1/4 lb. The other is 3.5 x 2 x
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to g******n for (400.00 + 80.00BP) = 480.00
Copper Hull Plate & Chandlery Billhead, S.S. Central America [159100]1031Copper Hull Plate & Chandlery Billhead, S.S. Central America [159100]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A sheet of copper recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. The entire hull below the ship's waterline was covered in copper sheathing ...
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to o********x.. for (2,300.00 + 460.00BP) = 2,760.00
Cup/Mug, 12-sided, S.S. Central America [159088]1032Cup/Mug, 12-sided, S.S. Central America [159088]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twelve-sided white ironstone cup or mug or bowl recovered in 1991 from the cabin area of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is 3.6 inches wide, 3.
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to m****y for (550.00 + 110.00BP) = 660.00
Cutlery Group, S.S. Central America Treasure [150880]1033Cutlery Group, S.S. Central America Treasure [150880]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A partial knife, fork, and spoon recovered from one of the S.S. Central America shipwreck debris piles. Lot also includes a billhead for a cutlery sto
Estimate : 300.00 and UP
Sold to S******3 for (700.00 + 140.00BP) = 840.00
Double-Spouted Pitcher, S.S. Central America [159084]1034Double-Spouted Pitcher, S.S. Central America [159084]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Double-spouted, white ceramic pitcher recovered from the S.S. Central America. It is 11 inches tall, 5.25 inches in diameter at the base, and 6 inches
Estimate : 400.00 and UP
Sold to R********3 for (2,100.00 + 420.00BP) = 2,520.00
First Cabin Large Brass Numeral, Room 8 or 18 [158830]1035First Cabin Large Brass Numeral, Room 8 or 18 [158830]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
First Cabin large brass numeral, 8 or 18, recovered in 2014 from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 6" tall, 4.25" x 1/8" thick. Gre...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to d*******f for (700.00 + 140.00BP) = 840.00
Glass Candle Holder (?), S.S. Central America [156845]1036Glass Candle Holder (?), S.S. Central America [156845]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Clear glass candle holder (?) recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014. The base is 3.25 inches in diameter, 1-5/8 inches tall. Seven
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to d*******f for (800.00 + 160.00BP) = 960.00
Glass Medical (?) Stirring Stick, S.S. Central America [156854]1037Glass Medical (?) Stirring Stick, S.S. Central America [156854]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Clear glass medical (?) stirring stick recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014. It is 5.25" long, broken on one end with two ...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to d*******f for (225.00 + 45.00BP) = 270.00
Herndon's Sextant (Octant )- The Key Navigational Tool of the S.S. Central America [158843]1038Herndon's Sextant (Octant )- The Key Navigational Tool of the S.S. Central America [158843]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is quite simply the most important artifact on the S.S. Central America. Without it, no one ever would have found the ship. Without it, Capt. Her
Estimate : 5,000.00 and UP
Sold to F********e.. for (13,000.00 + 2,600.00BP) = 15,600.00
Janus Bowl, White Ironstone, S.S. Central America [159091]1039Janus Bowl, White Ironstone, S.S. Central America [159091]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A white ironstone rectangular bowl, marked // Ironstone China / Barrow & Co. // on the bottom (1853- 1856). Called a "Janus" bowl beca...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to A********i.. for (950.00 + 190.00BP) = 1,140.00
Janus Bowl, White Ironstone, S.S. Central America [159092]1040Janus Bowl, White Ironstone, S.S. Central America [159092]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A white ironstone rectangular bowl, marked // Ironstone China / Barrow & Co. // on the bottom (1853- 1856). Called a "Janus" bowl beca...
Estimate : 300.00 and UP
Sold to G*******s for (4,600.00 + 920.00BP) = 5,520.00
Oriental Human Figurine, S.S. Central America [156853]1041Oriental Human Figurine, S.S. Central America [156853]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Oriental human figurine recovered in 2014 from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Oxidized ivory, classic ivory texture visible on the base, 4"...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to a********1 for (1,000.00 + 200.00BP) = 1,200.00
Rigging Eye with Chaffing Gear, Ship's Deck Sail Hardware [156843]1042Rigging Eye with Chaffing Gear, Ship's Deck Sail Hardware [156843]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rigging eye with chaffing gear by Ship's Deck Sail Hardware recovered in 1991 from the stern area of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. 2"...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to c********a.. for (250.00 + 50.00BP) = 300.00
Serving Tray Remnant, S.S. Central America [156841]1043Serving Tray Remnant, S.S. Central America [156841]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Silver-plated, ornate serving tray remnant recovered in 1991 from mid-stern cabin area of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. This location is consist
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to d*******f for (180.00 + 36.00BP) = 216.00
Ship Timbers with Brass Spikes and Bolts [156858]1044Ship Timbers with Brass Spikes and Bolts [156858]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two spectacular artifacts from the S.S. Central America ship's hull. 13 x 9" degraded wood timber showing splintering, surface erosion from...
Estimate : 1,000.00 and UP
Sold to b*****1 for (2,100.00 + 420.00BP) = 2,520.00
Ship's Timber, Cut by Modern Underwater Chain Saw [156847]1045Ship's Timber, Cut by Modern Underwater Chain Saw [156847]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ship's timber from the S.S. Central America shipwreck, cut by a modern underwater chain saw. It is 7" x 5.5" x 3" thick. Worm-eat...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to g******n for (425.00 + 85.00BP) = 510.00
Small Deadeye, S.S. Central America [156856]1046Small Deadeye, S.S. Central America [156856]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small deadeye recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is d 3.5" diameter, 2.5" thick. Center portion shows severe damage fro...
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to g******n for (425.00 + 85.00BP) = 510.00
Wash Basin, Ironstone, Cracked, S.S. Central America [159103]1047Wash Basin, Ironstone, Cracked, S.S. Central America [159103]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ivory-colored, ironstone ceramic wash basin recovered in 1990 from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is 13.5 inches in diameter, point-to-point a
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to R********3 for (350.00 + 70.00BP) = 420.00
Wash Basin, Ironstone, S.S. Central America [159102]1048Wash Basin, Ironstone, S.S. Central America [159102]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ivory-colored, ironstone ceramic wash basin recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is 13.5 inches in diameter, point-to-point across th
Estimate : 250.00 and UP
Sold to t****r for (1,150.00 + 230.00BP) = 1,380.00
Wash Basin, Shards (3 pcs), S.S. Central America [156855]1049Wash Basin, Shards (3 pcs), S.S. Central America [156855]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three stained ironstone wash basin shards. A large base, with old breaks as evidenced by iron stain on the fracture surfaces. Three pieces of an angle
Estimate : 200.00 and UP
Sold to g******n for (225.00 + 45.00BP) = 270.00