Sizzling Summer Western Americana Auction (August 2021)

Auction Details

Welcome to our August 2021 sale, the "Sizzling Summer Western Americana Auction!"

Our August sale is full of “hot stuff” across the board, and features some of the best collections in their genre offered publicly in a long time.

*The “California” Collection of Native American Jewelry*
The California Native American jewelry collection includes nearly 400 lots of fine, artistic silver and turquoise jewelry from a major collection.

The group of Native American jewelry presented by Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC, is from the collection of a long time California collector. Collecting over several decades, the collection features some incredible pieces—the main part of the collection is represented by bolos from Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. There are also necklaces, bracelets, rings, belt buckles, and brooches. Much of this jewelry collection is “museum worthy art.”

The Zuni people are famous for their inlay—both mosaic inlay and channel inlay. The Zuni petit-point and needlepoint work in stones is just as well-known. The collection focuses on pieces from c1940s-60s. Some Zuni artists represented are: Dan Simplicio, Leo Poblano, Lambert Homer Sr., the Edaakies, Frank Vacit, Dexter Cellicion, Myra Tucson, Elliot Qualo, Annie Quam Gasper, Alonzo and Helen Hustito, Velma Lesansee, Horace Ilue, and many others. Most of the jewelry made before 1970 was not hallmarked. We have named the artists of each piece whenever possible, however, some are “attributed to,” and others we were unable to identify.

Many of the artists are presented in the books by Toshio Sei, published by Schiffer. Toshio Sei began collecting Zuni jewelry in 1993 and has written several books on the various forms of Zuni jewelry. Besides presenting the artists, he has done much research and gives detailed analyses that explain connections of artists and styles, thus giving us history and meanings for the pieces of jewelry. A number of the pieces offered here are illustrated in his books.

The “California” collection also includes jewelry from the Navajo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, and the Hopi. You will find amazing pieces of jewelry from all of these Native people and will have a difficult decision deciding on those to choose for your own collections!

For Western bolo tie collectors, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with the largest sale of its kind ever held.

*The Western Collections*
We received two major collections containing outstanding items--both for their visual appeal and historical importance.

The first centers around Arizona and Colorado ephemera (19th century photos and documents) related to major mining camps, supplemented by gorgeous oil paintings of Native American and Western scenes by Douglas Rosa. One of our favorites from this collection is a framed photo of Tombstone prostitute “Amelia” (in classic prostitute attire) with her business license.

The second Western collection includes incredible military items (highlighted below), rare Western postcards, and a fantastic library including rare firearms references.

*Militaria*
This section is phenomenal, highlighted by George Armstrong Custer’s holster and gun belt, which is accompanied by a long history. Added to this is a major collection related to the Mexican War and Pancho Villa, including a photo-diary by Arizona photographer Walter Horne. Of great interest will be the associated collections from the Prag Collection and others, rounding out a phenomenal section on the Civil War, Spanish American War, and both World Wars.

For the Firearm collector is a large library of historical books on guns, hunting and related, with some of the all-time key references. These complement a large collection of rare books. Exploration researchers will love the Arctic Exploration library and other early works on Western exploration.

*Ken Prag Collection*
Wow! There are three distinct parts of his collection in this sale: ephemera, postcards, and stocks.

First and foremost, most or all of the material is from his unsorted acquisitions for decades. We found amazing items here. Like the Bodie & Bridgeport Telegraph archive with a message about a failed robbery of the SF mint right after the earthquake!

There is a wealth of paper ephemera, particularly from California. The postcards (over 500 lots) are stunning, and among the best offered so far, with exceptionally rare views in both RPC and printed format. Large collections include California (incl. Tahoe and Yosemite) and Hawaii. Nearly every lot has great cards, and you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Pioneer cards? Hundreds of them. One of the sections we had the most fun with is the gaming section--postcards with a gaming or playing card theme. This collection is now in about 20 lots, comprised of hundreds of cards.

*Numismatics*
A large offering of foreign and US coins, medals, counters, and other exonumia. Includes a C. Bechtler Dollar; Carson City Mint morgans; a fantasy Wells Fargo & Co. Express, Goldfield Iron Strongbox; and a large selection of California and Western tokens and Good For mirrors (ex. Ron Lerch Collection).

*Other Highlights*
Stocks and Bonds: Another fantastic selection from
perhaps a dozen collections. Features rare Arizona pieces and foreign mining stocks from the Prag Collection.

Railroadiana: Another great batch of railroad passes from an incredible Western collection we have been selling over the past year and a half. Also, a rare Colorado railroad section, and a collection of Virginia & Truckee Railroad ephemera from the Prag Collection.


Auction Schedule

Day 1, Thursday, August 5th, 2021, Lots 1000-1605
*General Americana (Lots 1000-1605)
Geographic Sort (1000-1251)
World’s Fair & Expositions (1252-1286)
Gaming (1287-1311)
Bottles & Saloon (1312-1342)
Marbles & Toys (1343-1365)
Jewelry (1366-1421)
Clothing (1422-1452)
Music (1453-1465)
Miscellaneous incl. Photos, Furnishings, Ephemera (1466-1605)

Day 2, Friday, August 6th, 2021, Lots 2000-2596
*Transportation (2000-2153)
Railroad (2000-2119)
Aviation & Automobile (2120-2153)
*Philatelic (2154-2596)
Stamps & Covers (2154-2175)
Postcards (2176-2596)

Day 3, Saturday, August 7th, 2021, Lots 3000-3606
*Native Americana (3000-3387)
Jewelry (3000-3271)
Artifacts, Art, Baskets, Pottery (3272-3315)
Ephemera incl. Rare Photographs, Postcards, & Books (3316-3387)
*Military incl. Custer and Pancho Villa Collections (3388-3514)
Chronologically Sorted (Civil War, Spanish American, WWI, WWII, etc)
*Political (3515-3535)
*Firearms feat. Firearms & Weaponry Historical Books (3536-3606)

Day 4, Sunday, August 8th, 2021, Lots 4000-4606
*Cowboy & Western (4000-4040)
*Art (4041-4105)
*Mining (4106-4189)
*Stocks & Bonds (4190-4310)
*Numismatics (4311-4505)
*Tokens (4506-4606)

Day 5, Monday, August 9th, 2021, Lots 5000-5583
*General Books (5000-5072)
*Bargains & Dealer Specials (5073-5583)
General Americana (5073-5189)
Philatelic (5190-5408)
Stocks & Bonds (5409-5479)
Numismatics incl. Dies, Coins, Counters, & Tokens (5480-5583)
SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. Shipping and handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing as it is based on the size and weight of your purchase. Additional shipping and handling costs, if required, will be re-invoiced for the balance due. Items are not shipped until the invoice is completely paid. Many buyers purchase a number of lots. Every effort will be made to include all lots in a single shipping charge calculated to cover the weight and size.SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size a...
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Rio Grande Southern RR Bonds (3)  [137024]4270 - Rio Grande Southern RR Bonds (3) [137024]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three bond certificates (Two unused) issued by The Rio Grande Southern railroad Company. One is dated 1922 for $1000, the specimen is for $100 per sha
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to R********r for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Rio Grande Western Railway Company Bond Specimens  [137025]4271 - Rio Grande Western Railway Company Bond Specimens [137025]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two specimens bond certificates from The Rio Grande Railway Company. First is a 50-year gold bond at four (4) percent. It has a beautiful steam locomo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to R********r for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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The Chicosa Canon Railway Company Bond  [137000]4272 - The Chicosa Canon Railway Company Bond [137000]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a first mortgage bond for $1000, issued by The Chicosa Canon Railway Company on May 1, 1939. It is unused and has a nice locomotive vignette.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to R********r for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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The Colorado & Southern Railway Stocks & Bonds (5)  [137011]4273 - The Colorado & Southern Railway Stocks & Bonds (5) [137011]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three issued stock certificates from The Colorado and Southern Railway Company, #50888, #9783 and #5110. All are punch canceled and have the steam loc
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to c****n for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Two Unissued Colorado Railroad Stocks & One Bond  [137029]4274 - Two Unissued Colorado Railroad Stocks & One Bond [137029]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three blank and unused certificates, including The Atchison & Pike's Peak Railroad Company, The Chicago, Kansas & Nebraska Railway Compa...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Union Pacific and More Stock & Bond Certs (4)  [137007]4275 - Union Pacific and More Stock & Bond Certs (4) [137007]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of four (4) stock and bond certificates. Included is a Union Pacific #32547 in the amount of $1000, issued February 1946 and due February, 1976
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b********a.. for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Stocks & Bonds (9)  [137001]4276 - Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Stocks & Bonds (9) [137001]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice assortment of railroad stocks and bonds from The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rwy, Cert numbers include A9057, CH1027, 1613, 13023, 5002...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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AT&SF Railroad Gold Bond Certificates (4)  [136896]4277 - AT&SF Railroad Gold Bond Certificates (4) [136896]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A lot of four (4) bond certificates issued by The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. First is #RA14353, a general mortgage bond, dated January 22
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 100.00
Sold to t********f for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Mid-West Railroad Stocks   [137020]4278 - Mid-West Railroad Stocks [137020]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of five railroad stock and bond certificates issued by St. Louis, Kansas City and Colorado Railroad (2), St. Louis, Lawrence & Denver Rail...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Missouri Pacific Railway Stock Certificates (4)  [137027]4279 - Missouri Pacific Railway Stock Certificates (4) [137027]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A quartet of stock certificates, some used blank, or specimen issued by The Missouris Pacific Railway Company of St. Louis, Missouri. One is issued to
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to c****n for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Burlington and Missouris River RR Stock Certs (2)  [137003]4280 - Burlington and Missouris River RR Stock Certs (2) [137003]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A pair of nice stock certificates issued by The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company in Nebraska. First is #63 for 20 shares at $100. It os
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to t********f for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Texas Railroad Stock & Bond Certificates (7)  [137018]4281 - Texas Railroad Stock & Bond Certificates (7) [137018]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A group of 7 stock and bond certificates from various Texas and Oklahoma railroads. First is The Fort Worth and Denver City Rwy Equipment Trust Bond i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR Stock & Bond Certs (5)  [137002]4282 - Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR Stock & Bond Certs (5) [137002]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A group of five (5) stock and bond certificates from the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company from 1860 to 1978. there is a gold bond ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to k******k for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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Rockford, Beloit & Janesville Railroad Company Gold Bond  [135690]4283 - Rockford, Beloit & Janesville Railroad Company Gold Bond [135690]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
#403 $1000 5% gold bond. 10" x 15"with coupons. Date: 1930 Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to k******k for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Trio of Railway Stock Certificates (3)  [137017]4284 - Trio of Railway Stock Certificates (3) [137017]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
First is an issued bond #2344 issued by The Denver and Northwestern Railway Company. It is stamped that it has partially been paid in the amount of $1
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to c****n for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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National Railroad Company of Haiti Specimen Bond Certificate  [132645]4285 - National Railroad Company of Haiti Specimen Bond Certificate [132645]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare specimen Haitian railroad bond certificate. In French and English. 8 x 12 inches with all coupons intact. Date: 1960 Country (if not USA): Ha
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to a********n.. for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Manila Railway Company Bond Certificates  [135065]4286 - Manila Railway Company Bond Certificates [135065]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two bond certificates from the Manila Railway Company, with train vignette and blue ink. Issued 1907. Date: Country (if not USA): Philippi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Bond of the County of Cochise (Arizona Territory)   [136096]4287 - Bond of the County of Cochise (Arizona Territory) [136096]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Bond issued by Cochise County, Arizona Territory, in 1881 for two hundred fifty dollars at ten percent, payable over a period of fifteen years, and is
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to c*********p for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Small Studio Movie Stocks - 21  [126798]4288 - Small Studio Movie Stocks - 21 [126798]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twenty-one stock certificates from small movie studios such as Southern Pictures Producing Co, Reelcraft Pictures Corp, National Film Corp of America,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to S*******g for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Ottumwa, Iowa City Bond  [135905]4289 - Ottumwa, Iowa City Bond [135905]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
City bond for the city of Ottawa, Iowa. A $2,000 real estate bond issued to Rosena and Arthur Roberts on October 1, 1877. The premium is marked at $80
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to j****G for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
Details...Bookmark