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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Silverplated Fishing Medal  [137794]4430 - Silverplated Fishing Medal [137794]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fisherman in a canoe, landing a fish // unengraved wreath. 44 mm, white metal. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Salvato
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to r****2 for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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So Called Dollar Group  [137715]4431 - So Called Dollar Group [137715]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of nine medals: 1940 Golden Gate Exposition; 1933 Ford; 1959 Alaska Statehood; 1915 PPIE Arkansas Pavilion; 1959 Oregon Trail; 1935 Pony Express D
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to 6*******d for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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Society of Medalists Thirteenth Issue: Speed and Strength  [137713]4432 - Society of Medalists Thirteenth Issue: Speed and Strength [137713]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Doctor Tait McKenzie created this 1936 medal "Rejoice Oh Young Man in Thy Youth." With original document from the Society of Medalists. 73...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to 6*******d for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Society of Medalists 111, Bursting the Bonds by Don De Lue, RARE Copper Test Strike  [133749]4433 - Society of Medalists 111, Bursting the Bonds by Don De Lue, RARE Copper Test Strike [133749]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
As rare as they come: this is a copper test strike of Don De Lue's Bursting the Bonds design for the Society of Medallists, SOM-111, issued in ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to 6*******d for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Sports Medals, Vintage Collection of 32 Pieces  [138903]4434 - Sports Medals, Vintage Collection of 32 Pieces [138903]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A collection of 32 sports medals, two with ribbons, for a variety of sporting events. Of note is a two-inch diameter, bronze 1952 Helms Athletic Found
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 350.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Three Oversized Medals  [137704]4435 - Three Oversized Medals [137704]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three: 1) 1915 San Diego Panama-California Exposition; copper, 74 mm. Indian Head obverse; 2) 1964 George Eastman obverse; reverse: Presented
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to W********y.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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U. S. Medal Group  [138824]4436 - U. S. Medal Group [138824]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of four U.S. medals: 1) medallic Art ANA Dedication, Colorado Springs / 1967 / Bronze / 38 mm; 2) U.S. Mint / 1984 / Vietnam Veterans National Med
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to 6*******d for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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U.S. Indian Peace medals (2)  [137503]4437 - U.S. Indian Peace medals (2) [137503]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
(1) 1865: Post 1900 restrike of the Andrew Johnson large sized Indian Peace Medal. The medal has been artificial toned outside mint. Bronze, 76mm, Unc
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (85.00 + 21.25BP) = 106.25
 
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U.S. Naval History Medals (5)  [137491]4438 - U.S. Naval History Medals (5) [137491]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 5 medals commemoration U.S. Naval history and Navy Days in the period between 1895 and 1936. (1) 1899: Scranton, PA. Obverse bust of Admiral De
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to G********_.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Walt Disney Productions Medal  [137505]4439 - Walt Disney Productions Medal [137505]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
U.S. Mint medal produced in cooperation with Walt Disney Productions. Only 4,000 of the 100,000 authorized by Congress were struck. Turner 29. Bronze,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to c******n for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Medals of Great Britain and Canada  [138816]4440 - Medals of Great Britain and Canada [138816]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of four medals: 1) Canada / 1927 / 60th Anniversary of Confederation; bronze, AU-UNC, 26 mm; 2) Canada / 1953 / Elizabeth II Coronation Medal / br
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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European Medal Collection  [138817]4441 - European Medal Collection [138817]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 7 world medals: 1) Austria / 1950 / 1 Stephans Groschen, Vienna; aluminum, 27 mm; 2) Germany , Nuremberg / ca. 1480-1635; brass/bronze token, F
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 140.00 - 240.00
Sold to d*******f for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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European Medal Group  [138823]4442 - European Medal Group [138823]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of four: 1) European silver medalette / St. George & Dragon "Georgius Equitum Patronus" / Christ on ship "In Tempestate Secur...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to M******m for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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French 19th Century Historical Medals  [138905]4443 - French 19th Century Historical Medals [138905]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One dozen metal French medals, probably brass or bronze, with a hole at the top for hanging from a ribbon or clasp of some sort. Dates range from 1848
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 120.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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French Medal Collection  [138814]4444 - French Medal Collection [138814]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice collection of French medals: 1) Older mint restrike of 1687 Louis XIV - Versailles medal by Molart/bronze, 70 mm, in box; 2) 1796 "Buonapa...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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French Balloon Medals (3)  [137499]4445 - French Balloon Medals (3) [137499]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
(1) Ca. 1784: Balloon-shaped pendant. Two hollow brass shells with a loop added at the top. The balloon is lettered: MONTGOLIER. TWO HUMAN FIGURES ARE
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to c*****r for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Paris Mint medals (2)  [137502]4446 - Paris Mint medals (2) [137502]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
(1) 1927: French Mint medal celebration the Ile de la Cité. Obverse view of the island and Notre Dame from the Seine. The reverse is an aerial
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 240.00 - 500.00
Sold to M******m for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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1897 Schutzenfest Silver Medal  [137791]4447 - 1897 Schutzenfest Silver Medal [137791]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Germany 1897 Nuremberg Schutzenfest silver medal, 40 mm. Date: Country (if not USA): Germany State: City: Nuremberg Provenance: Salvatore Falc
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to G********a.. for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
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Israeli Medal Collection  [138815]4448 - Israeli Medal Collection [138815]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Israel government coins and medals, New Year Medals: 1968, 1970, (2) 1976 - in cards w/envelopes; 1966, 1971 in 2 x 2s, six items total. Israel 1930s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Swiss Red Cross Medal  [137709]4449 - Swiss Red Cross Medal [137709]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Red Cross Medal from 1914. Struck by Holy Fres Morgarten, in original leather case, tri-lingual prose. Square, 40 mm. Date: 1914 Country (if not USA
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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