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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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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
Details...Bookmark
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
 
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Matched Pair of Luggage Tags, SS Central America Treasure [162221]5042 - Matched Pair of Luggage Tags, SS Central America Treasure [162221]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A matched pair of luggage tags, San Francisco to NY Via Panama, #719 with 6" leather strap. The route started on the SS Sonora to Panama, then ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to j*********1 for (2,900.00 + 580.00BP) = 3,480.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Daguerreotype of Woman & Child, S.S. Central America treasure, 1857 [146602]5043 - Daguerreotype of Woman & Child, S.S. Central America treasure, 1857 [146602]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Daguerreotype recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Shows a woman on the right, a young child on the left. It is 3 x 4 inches. The identi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to t********l.. for (15,500.00 + 3,100.00BP) = 18,600.00
 
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SS Central America Shipwreck Artifact Group [161946]5044 - SS Central America Shipwreck Artifact Group [161946]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4. 1) Brick with Milled side and Tiny Gold, Flakes in Crack. 2.5 x 4.5 x 1" thick. Heavily cracked. Cut or shaped on three sides. One si...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to S******3 for (375.00 + 75.00BP) = 450.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Lumps of Coal, 3, SS Central America Treasure [161063]5045 - Lumps of Coal, 3, SS Central America Treasure [161063]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 lumps of coal as would be used to fire steam boilers for the paddle wheels and pumps etc. 5x3", 4.5x6", 5x3". Provenance: SS Cent...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to t********l.. for (850.00 + 170.00BP) = 1,020.00
 
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Gypsum Pieces, SS Central America Treasure [160950]5046 - Gypsum Pieces, SS Central America Treasure [160950]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 pieces of Gypsum Crystals. .2-1" length. Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to j*****0 for (225.00 + 45.00BP) = 270.00
 
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Glass Pane, SS Central America Treasure [160985]5047 - Glass Pane, SS Central America Treasure [160985]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Intact rectangular glass pane with slightly beveled edges. Unknown purpose. 5 3/8x1.75x3/16". Just a few light dings and 1 corner chip on edges...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to J*****6 for (130.00 + 26.00BP) = 156.00
 
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Ship's Metallic Hardware Group, SS Central America Treasure [161938]5048 - Ship's Metallic Hardware Group, SS Central America Treasure [161938]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Steel Ball Bearings, 3, and Fragments. 3x 3/16" steel ball bearings and small ball bearing fragments. 2) Ship's Gasket Material. An oval...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to S********o.. for (140.00 + 28.00BP) = 168.00
 
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Ship's Metallic Hardware Group, SS Central America Treasure [161940]5049 - Ship's Metallic Hardware Group, SS Central America Treasure [161940]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Metal Hook for Wall Mounting. C Shaped metal hook, likely used for holding clothing or other objects. Non ferrous metal , probably brass or copper
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to S********o.. for (300.00 + 60.00BP) = 360.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Metal Boiler Cap (?), SS Central America Treasure [160817]5050 - Metal Boiler Cap (?), SS Central America Treasure [160817]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Brass or Bronze Cap found on the SS Central America. Measures approximately 10.5 x 8 x 1.5 inches. 6 x .25 inch sunken drill holes around exterior of
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to D******n for (1,250.00 + 250.00BP) = 1,500.00
 
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Broken Copper Spike from the Ship's Hull, SS Central America Treasure [160875]5051 - Broken Copper Spike from the Ship's Hull, SS Central America Treasure [160875]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This copper spike is about 5 in. X .5 in. X.5 in. from the ship's hull and appears to have been broken without any head attachment. Please see ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to j*********1 for (325.00 + 65.00BP) = 390.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Square Metal Spike, SS Central America Treasure [160808]5052 - Square Metal Spike, SS Central America Treasure [160808]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This square metal spike was featured as part of the promotional tour for the SS Central America artifacts, and generated tremendous interest. We are n
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to t********l.. for (3,200.00 + 640.00BP) = 3,840.00
 
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Ship's Square Nail Collection, SS Central America Treasure [161023]5053 - Ship's Square Nail Collection, SS Central America Treasure [161023]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
26 ship's mostly square nails, .5-1.25". About 25 .75" square nails. Screw fragment 5/8". 1 Nail head. 2 small glass fragments. ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to S********o.. for (850.00 + 170.00BP) = 1,020.00
 
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Wood Screw, SS Central America Treasure [161022]5054 - Wood Screw, SS Central America Treasure [161022]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Straight head wood screw with beveled top and coarse thread. 2x 3/8". Provenance: SS Central America Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (190.00 + 0.00BP) = 190.00
 
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Lantern Supply Invoices from the SS Central America [143206]5055 - Lantern Supply Invoices from the SS Central America [143206]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four invoices from DD Miller, lantern supplies, New York, 1857. The body of the invoices is obscured, but it might be surmised that these invoices wer
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to S********o.. for (250.00 + 50.00BP) = 300.00
 
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Room Number Metal Screw Attached Plates, SS Central America Treasure [160561]5056 - Room Number Metal Screw Attached Plates, SS Central America Treasure [160561]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
We believe these two plates to form either the number "2" or "7" to label a room on the ship. Curved metal plate with two .25-in...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (800.00 + 0.00BP) = 800.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Metal Latches, 2, SS Central America Treasure [160841]5057 - Metal Latches, 2, SS Central America Treasure [160841]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 rectangular metal latch pieces. Smaller one has 2x 2.25" beveled screw holes and upper and lower tapered rails with 1/8" hole in each. ....
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to g******n for (170.00 + 34.00BP) = 204.00
 
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