AUCTION  / 

SS Central America Shipwreck Artifacts Auction, Part II (March 2023)

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location3555 Airway Drive Suite 309, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States

Auction Details

Welcome to Part II of the SS Central America Shipwreck Artifacts Auctions!

After breaking world records in the Part I, December 2022 auction, we now present the second and final auction of unique treasure items from this world-famous 1857 Gold Rush treasure ship.

The 420 lots in this sale are split into five sections hosted over two days. Sections 1, 2, & 3 will take place on Saturday, March 4th, 2023. Sections 4 & 5 will take place on Sunday, March 5th, 2023.

The catalog organization is a journey of exploration for our collectors and bidders through this epic treasure ship! Each of five evenly divided sections has a nice cross-section of the various types of items found, such as jewelry, passenger items, ship hardware, brass tags of a varying nature, clothes, and, of course, items from the Gold Room. Each section includes a focus on a specific room/area of the ship, such as the Saloon, Wine Room, Dining Room, Purser's Safe and Gold Room. Each of the five different sections also features two of what we consider to be the ten "key items" in the sale, such as the Sam Brannan gold brooch, Kellogg & Humbert ingot, "Mona Lisa of the Deep" photograph, contemporary counterfeit 8 escudo gold coin, and much more.

The print catalog itself is a “must-have” for every SS Central America collector and historian. In a very special first for any auction catalog, it contains QR codes that will lead you to videos showing recovery of select items by the Nemo ROV! Every section of the catalog contains detailed stories and essays of the people and items. Also included for the first time is a detailed floor plan of every level of the ship with notes by Bob and Fred based on actual experience and archival information, inclusive of the original passenger receipts. These long stories cannot be transferred to the internet bidding sites, nor can the three-dimensional photographs. Virtually none of the information has been previously published. We know you’ll love what you see and read!

This print catalog is available for $100, refunded by a purchase from the sale of $500 or more. The printed quantity is limited. We also have perhaps a dozen catalogs left of the first SS Central America sale in December, also available at $100. (Please see more details about the print catalog at holabirdamericana.com)

We invite collectors to join us in-person at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, where you can meet and ask questions of chief scientist Bob Evans, the “main man” on all four of the recovery expeditions, and Fred Holabird. These two spent 35 and 25 years respectively working on various aspects of this incredible treasure. You can also bid on the phone with one of our agents; or bid online with one of four auction platforms: iCollector, Live Auctioneers, Invaluable, or AuctionZip. The latter three sites may have an additional Buyer’s Premium.

Our friendly staff is ready to help you participate; whether it be to assist in registration, placing an absentee bid, or answering an expert question. Absentee bidding begins Saturday, February 11th. Questions are welcome!
Please call our office at (775) 851-1859.

So now, fellow treasure hunters, please join us on this second and final adventure to the Deep. From the California goldfields to the Atlantic Ocean floor to the Holabird auction showroom, we're thrilled and honored to bring you with us on this journey exploring the recovered stories, secrets, and treasures of the "Ship of Gold."

Happy bidding!

~The Holabird Team & Other Members of the SSCA Project~


Auction Schedule & Table of Contents

Saturday, March 4th, 2023, Sections 1-3
     Section 1: Lots 1000-1088
          Treasures from the Wrong Ship, Site 87
          Easton Trunk Part I feat. the Easton Trunk
          Saloon feat. the Easton Smoking Jacket
          Jewelry Part I feat. The Sam Brannan Brooch
          Gold Room Part I
          Dement Trunk Part I
          Passenger Items Part I
          Ship Hardware Part I: Topside feat. the Ship Porthole

     Section 2: Lots 2000-2079
          Dement Trunk Part II feat. the Dement Trunk
          Gold Room Part II
          Jewelry Part II
          Firearms feat. the Colt 1851 Pistol
          Easton Trunk Part II
          Water Closet
          Medical & Ladies Items
          Passenger Items Part II feat. “Mona Lisa of the Deep”
    
     Section 3: Lots 3000-3086
          Wine Room
          Easton Trunk Part III
          Purser Hull's Safe
          Dement Trunk Part III
          Ship Hardware Part II: Wood & Decorative
          Passenger Items Part III
          Jewelry Part III
          Gold Room Part III feat. Alsop Treasure Box & PMSS Tag

Sunday, March 5th, 2023, Sections 4 & 5   
     Section 4: Lots 4000-4080
          Dining Room
          Jewelry Part IV
          Easton Trunk Part IV feat. the Easton Complete Outfit
          Dement Trunk Part IV
          Passenger Items Part IV
          Gold Room Part IV feat. Gold Mexican 8 Escudo
    
     Section 5: Lots 5000-5082
          Easton Trunk Part V
          Gold Room Part V feat. the Kellogg & Humbert Gold Ingot
          US Mail Steamship
          Passenger Items Part V
          Ship Hardware Part III: Metallic
          Dement Trunk Part V
          Jewelry Part V
          Finale feat. the Ship’s Model and Nemo ROV
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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Ship's Lump of Coal, SS Central America Treasure [160806]5022 - Ship's Lump of Coal, SS Central America Treasure [160806]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steam powered ships used coal fired boilers to generate steam. This is a lump of anthracite coal which would have been burned on the voyage. 5.5x6x3.5
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to c**a for (750.00 + 150.00BP) = 900.00
 
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Ceramic Pen or Pencil, SS Central America Treasure [160872]5023 - Ceramic Pen or Pencil, SS Central America Treasure [160872]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This a ceramic pen or pencil set; one piece is 4in long, and the other piece is 1 in. in length. Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*****0 for (450.00 + 90.00BP) = 540.00
 
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Writing Implement Collection, SS Central America Treasure [160966]5024 - Writing Implement Collection, SS Central America Treasure [160966]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of various writing implements. 2x 7/8" by .25" wood cartridges with original pencil leads, 1 of them has a cracked wood top. 4 ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to S********o.. for (800.00 + 160.00BP) = 960.00
 
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Paper Box and Folded Note, SS Central America Treasure [161025]5025 - Paper Box and Folded Note, SS Central America Treasure [161025]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Flattened paper box with a folded paper note inside. Box 6.5x5", folded note 1" wide, length not measured due to fragile nature. 6" s...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (300.00 + 0.00BP) = 300.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Ambrotype Gold Frame, Charles F. Hamilton, SS Central America Treasure [160943]5026 - Ambrotype Gold Frame, Charles F. Hamilton, SS Central America Treasure [160943]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gold or gold plate Ambrotype gold frame. Marked Hamilton/San Francisco. About 2x2.5" with 4 side edges, 2" and 2.5" each with some de...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (550.00 + 0.00BP) = 550.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Lot Withdrawn5027 - Lot Withdrawn
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wells Fargo & Co. franked envelope with pencil notations and list on reverse. Recovered from the shipwreck of the S.S. Central America with Purs...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Large Brass Room Number, First Cabin, SS Central America Treasure [158831]5028 - Large Brass Room Number, First Cabin, SS Central America Treasure [158831]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Numeral eight, 6 x 4.25" x 1/8" thick, attached to part of the door or adjacent wood with two square nails. Wood 9 x 1.5" diameter. N...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to F********e.. for (3,000.00 + 600.00BP) = 3,600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Applied Top Beer Bottle w/ Original Contents, SS Central America Treasure [161057]5029 - Applied Top Beer Bottle w/ Original Contents, SS Central America Treasure [161057]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
With original contents, as found! We have poured out material from one of the bottles to evaluate, and it smells like dark amber beer! 3 part green be
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to r********2 for (1,400.00 + 280.00BP) = 1,680.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Music Box Components, S.S. Central America Treasure [161601]5030 - Music Box Components, S.S. Central America Treasure [161601]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Components from a music box, including 1) the wooden partial back and top, 2) a brass interior frame, 3) a brass arm that was attached to the frame, 4
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to S********o.. for (1,450.00 + 290.00BP) = 1,740.00
 
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Glass Lenses, 2, SS Central America Treasure [160982]5031 - Glass Lenses, 2, SS Central America Treasure [160982]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 small glass lenses of unknown purpose. About 5/8". 1 has a small edge chip and .25" light crack. Provenance: SS Central America Colle...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to S********o.. for (130.00 + 26.00BP) = 156.00
 
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Leather Spur Strap, SS Central America Treasure [160824]5032 - Leather Spur Strap, SS Central America Treasure [160824]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Leather Spur Straps found on the SS Central America (2). Piece one measures approximately 2.25 x .75, piece two measures approximately 2.25 x .75 in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to F********e.. for (200.00 + 40.00BP) = 240.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Brass Reinforced Valise Corner, SS Central America Treasure [160848]5033 - Brass Reinforced Valise Corner, SS Central America Treasure [160848]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass corner reinforcement for a valise. Possible leather backing material attached. About 1.75x1.5". Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to c********e for (80.00 + 16.00BP) = 96.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Miscellaneous Shipwreck Photography Group, SS Central America Treasure [161922]5034 - Miscellaneous Shipwreck Photography Group, SS Central America Treasure [161922]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3. 1) Daguerreotype oval portrait photo, 2-3/4 in. It has a rope style border, the image is no longer visible. 2) Undetermined subject matter a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 900.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (550.00 + 0.00BP) = 550.00
 
Details...Bookmark
SS Central America Passenger Receipt Collection, 7 Different [143208]5035 - SS Central America Passenger Receipt Collection, 7 Different [143208]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A collection of seven different passenger receipts for the SS Central America from purser Hull's safe recovered in 2014 and all conserved by the...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to S********o.. for (4,200.00 + 840.00BP) = 5,040.00
 
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SSCA, New York to San Francisco via Panama Luggage Tags [159472]5036 - SSCA, New York to San Francisco via Panama Luggage Tags [159472]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A pair of matched luggage tags with original leather fob. #2051 ìN.Y. to San Fo via Panamaî It is a matched pair such that one piece went...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to R********3 for (1,100.00 + 220.00BP) = 1,320.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Daguerreotype Fragment, SS Central America Treasure [161068]5037 - Daguerreotype Fragment, SS Central America Treasure [161068]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Daguerreotype frame and image fragment. Glass is broken, please inspect. Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (180.00 + 0.00BP) = 180.00
 
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First Class Ticket, Havana to Aspinwall, plus Passenger Receipt, SSCA Treasure [150887]5038 - First Class Ticket, Havana to Aspinwall, plus Passenger Receipt, SSCA Treasure [150887]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The only First Cabin ticket, Havana to Aspinwall, on the trip of the SSCA from New York to Aspinwall before the return journey in which the ship sank.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to R********k for (2,400.00 + 480.00BP) = 2,880.00
 
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Matched Pair, San Francisco To New York Baggage Tags, SS Central America Treasure [161615]5039 - Matched Pair, San Francisco To New York Baggage Tags, SS Central America Treasure [161615]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Matched Pair, San Francisco To New York, SSCA Baggage Tags, #10. Rust covered brass with original leather strap. Good condition. These were for baggag
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to a******a for (1,600.00 + 320.00BP) = 1,920.00
 
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Steerage Ticket with Notes on Reverse, SSCA Treasure [150891]5040 - Steerage Ticket with Notes on Reverse, SSCA Treasure [150891]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steerage ticket, Havana to Aspinwall, on the trip of the SSCA from New York to Aspinwall before the return journey in which the ship sank. The passen
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to a********1 for (325.00 + 65.00BP) = 390.00
 
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Cigars, 2, SS Central America Treasure [161674]5041 - Cigars, 2, SS Central America Treasure [161674]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 cigars, wrappers mostly intact, about 4.5x.5". Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 500.00
Sold to F********e.. for (600.00 + 120.00BP) = 720.00
 
Details...Bookmark