AUCTION  / 

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

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

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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Daguerreotype Picture Cases & Photograph, SS Central America Treasure [161923]2071 - Daguerreotype Picture Cases & Photograph, SS Central America Treasure [161923]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Daguerreotype Picture Cases from the SS Central America. There are numerous cases. They measure approximately 4 x 8.5 inches. These are very frag
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to m******r for (160.00 + 32.00BP) = 192.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Ship's Anthracite Coal for Cabin Heater, SS Central America Treasure [160804]2072 - Ship's Anthracite Coal for Cabin Heater, SS Central America Treasure [160804]
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. 5x4.25x...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to N*****l for (950.00 + 190.00BP) = 1,140.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Clothing Accessories, recovered from the SS Central America Shipwreck [161762]2073 - Clothing Accessories, recovered from the SS Central America Shipwreck [161762]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1.) Simple handkerchief. 16 x 16", no degradation other than stain. No monogram. Thin, no significant patterns. 2.) Small silk fragment. Possi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to b******G for (110.00 + 22.00BP) = 132.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Leather Straps for Trunk (2) with a Piece of Wood, SS Central America Treasure [160831]2074 - Leather Straps for Trunk (2) with a Piece of Wood, SS Central America Treasure [160831]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Leather Straps for Trunk (2) with a Piece of Wood found on the SS Central America. Strap one measures approximately 5.75 x 1,25 inches. This strap ha
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to a********1 for (80.00 + 16.00BP) = 96.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Brass Valise Closing Device, SS Central America Treasure [160979]2075 - Brass Valise Closing Device, SS Central America Treasure [160979]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass valise closing device. Recovered from the coin piles that yielded gold. Rectangular brass on 1 side. About 2.5x2.5". Provenance: SS Cen...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to F********e.. for (80.00 + 16.00BP) = 96.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Straight Razor Handle, SS Central America Treasure [160859]2076 - Straight Razor Handle, SS Central America Treasure [160859]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Straight razor handle without blade. 2 sections of handle present, polished bone or horn likely. Metal rivet at far end. Center pivot hardware present
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to t********-.. for (85.00 + 17.00BP) = 102.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Coal from the Boiler Room, SSCA Treasure [162391]2077 - Coal from the Boiler Room, SSCA Treasure [162391]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Coal was used to feed the all-important boilers which powered the twin piston engines on the SSCA, . The ship carried tons of coal, which under good c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to g******n for (950.00 + 190.00BP) = 1,140.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Cigars, 2, SS Central America Treasure [161662]2078 - Cigars, 2, SS Central America Treasure [161662]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 cigars. Wrappers partially intact with some degradation. 5 inches x 1/2 inch Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 500.00
Sold to G*******s for (300.00 + 60.00BP) = 360.00
 
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Daguerreotype: "Mona Lisa of the Deep," S.S. Central America Treasure, 1857 [146604]2079 - Daguerreotype: "Mona Lisa of the Deep," S.S. Central America Treasure, 1857 [146604]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Daguerreotype recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Shows a young woman, hands in her lap, with curling tresses falling past her shoulder
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 100,000.00
Sold to F********e.. for (61,000.00 + 12,200.00BP) = 73,200.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Key to the S.S. Central America Wine Room, S.S. Central America treasure [153304]3000 - Key to the S.S. Central America Wine Room, S.S. Central America treasure [153304]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Key with attached label indicating it is the key to the Wine Room on the S.S. Central America. Key is 3 x 1-3/16 inches, tag is 3 x 1 inches. Letterin
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to E********s for (7,750.00 + 1,550.00BP) = 9,300.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Wine Goblet, SS Central America [160820]3001 - Wine Goblet, SS Central America [160820]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wine Goblet and Broken Wine Goblet found on the SS Central America. Wine goblet possibly from the Wine Room. Measures approximately 3 x 2.5 x 2.25 in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to t********l.. for (550.00 + 110.00BP) = 660.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Tall Brown Riesling Wine Bottle, S.S. Central America [159076]3002 - Tall Brown Riesling Wine Bottle, S.S. Central America [159076]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Tall, brown glass wine bottle recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is 14 inches tall, 3 inches in diameter at the base, and 6 inches
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to a********1 for (900.00 + 180.00BP) = 1,080.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Cigars, 2, SS Central America Treasure [161670]3003 - Cigars, 2, SS Central America Treasure [161670]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 cigars, wrappers intact with some degradation. Approx. 4.5" x 1/2" wide. Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 500.00
Sold to D********n for (300.00 + 60.00BP) = 360.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Wine Glass, SS Central America Treasure [161046]3004 - Wine Glass, SS Central America Treasure [161046]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small clear wineglass with repeating circular design on the side. 4.25x2", foot is missing about 40% of glass. Provenance: SS Central America...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to b**********e for (425.00 + 85.00BP) = 510.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Coaster from the 1st Cabin, SS Central America Treasure [160882]3005 - Coaster from the 1st Cabin, SS Central America Treasure [160882]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This coaster is from the 1st cabin, at 3 in. in diameter. Made of wood and turned on a wood lathe. An elaborate design pattern on the top. Provenance
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to t********l.. for (650.00 + 130.00BP) = 780.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Small Wine Glass, SS Central America Treasure [160998]3006 - Small Wine Glass, SS Central America Treasure [160998]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small Wine or Aperitif Glass from the Wine Room. Approximately 4.25 inches x 2.25 inches x 2.25 inches in diameter. 1.50 inch stem. Appears to be he
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to t********l.. for (1,600.00 + 320.00BP) = 1,920.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Wicker Covered Wine Bottle, SS Central America Treasure [160802]3007 - Wicker Covered Wine Bottle, SS Central America Treasure [160802]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A fantastic small green German Riesling wine bottle with applied top, wrapped in a nearly perfect wicker outer. 8.5x2.5." No apparent chips or ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to t********l.. for (2,200.00 + 440.00BP) = 2,640.00
 
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Small Wicker Bottle Wrapping, SS Central America Treasure [160836]3008 - Small Wicker Bottle Wrapping, SS Central America Treasure [160836]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small wicker bottle wrapping remnant found on the SS Central America. Wicker wrapped bottles are a European tradition of encasing different types of b
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to f*****E for (100.00 + 0.00BP) = 100.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Applied Top Beer Bottle w/ Original Contents, SS Central America Treasure [161058]3009 - Applied Top Beer Bottle w/ Original Contents, SS Central America Treasure [161058]
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 F********e.. for (950.00 + 190.00BP) = 1,140.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Cigars, 2, SS Central America Treasure [161671]3010 - Cigars, 2, SS Central America Treasure [161671]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 cigars. Wrappers intact with some degradation. 4.5 Inches x 1/2 inch wide Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 500.00
Sold to t********l.. for (250.00 + 50.00BP) = 300.00
 
Details...Bookmark