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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Federal Reserve One Dollar Note Chicago series 1918   [133800]4470 - Federal Reserve One Dollar Note Chicago series 1918 [133800]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Federal reserve note for $1 is the large size National Currency series 1918 G7 Chicago. Listed as 727 Freidberg. S/N G6413504A with signatures fr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to g******n for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Twenty Dollar Bill  issued 1922 Gold Certificate  [133799]4471 - Twenty Dollar Bill issued 1922 Gold Certificate [133799]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This twenty dollar bill was issued in 1922 and signed by the Treasurer Frank White and H. Speelman. It is listed as Freidberg 1187; graded VF-XF to XF
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to j*****0 for (600.00 + 132.00BP) = 732.00
 
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Eastman's College Bank Currency  [136376]4472 - Eastman's College Bank Currency [136376]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One Dollar currency note issued by Eastman's College Bank of Poughkeepsie, New York for use in their business school. Three beautiful vignettes,...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to k******k for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Afghanistan Currency   [136101]4473 - Afghanistan Currency [136101]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Modern paper currency from Afghanistan in uncirculated or near uncirculated condition. All denominations in Afghanis: 1000 - 13 pcs; 500 - 13 pcs; 100
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to f*****E for (75.00 + 0.00BP) = 75.00
 
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African Currency Group 1 - 35 pieces  [136113]4474 - African Currency Group 1 - 35 pieces [136113]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
African currencies from the following countries with denominations: CONGO, 100 cent francs, unc; KENYA, 10 shillings, circ, 20 shillings, unc, 50 shil
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to B*****s for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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African Currency Group 2 - 15 pieces  [136112]4475 - African Currency Group 2 - 15 pieces [136112]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
African currencies with from the following countries with denominations: Central African Republic, 2000 francs, near unc; Egypt, 5 piastres, circ; Eth
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to B*****s for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Central and East Asia Currencies  [136116]4476 - Central and East Asia Currencies [136116]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Currency from Central and East Asia: BHUTAN, 5 ngultrum, unc; CAMBODIA, 1 riel, one, circ, 5 riel, three, unc; 2,000 riel, one, unc; INDIA, 1 rupee, o
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to f*****E for (150.00 + 0.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Currency from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China  [136105]4477 - Currency from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China [136105]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The largest group of currency in this lot is from the Republic of China, (a.k.a. Taiwan) and most bear the image of Chiang Kai-shek. Quite a few appea
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Central America Currencies  [136333]4478 - Central America Currencies [136333]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Currencies from Central America, one each, except as noted, as follows: GUATEMALA, 1/2 quetzal, unc; MEXICO, 1 peso, unc, 20 pesos, three, sequential
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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Central Europe Currencies, Group 1  [136119]4479 - Central Europe Currencies, Group 1 [136119]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Currencies from central Europe, one each unless noted, as follows: ALBANIA, 1 lek, two, unc, 20 franga, circ; BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, 50,000 dinar, four,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 150.00
Sold to B*****s for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Central Europe Currencies, Group 2  [136330]4480 - Central Europe Currencies, Group 2 [136330]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Currencies from central Europe, one each unless noted, as follows: AUSTRIA-HUNGARY, 10 korona, unc, 1,000 korona, unc; HUNGARY, 1 korona, unc, 10 fori
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to k******k for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Northwest Europe Currencies  [136332]4481 - Northwest Europe Currencies [136332]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Currencies from northwest Europe, one each except as noted, as follows: BELGIUM, 10 frank, five, circ, 20 frank, unc, 50 frank, circ; DENMARK, 5 krone
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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French Currency - ~30 pieces  [136100]4482 - French Currency - ~30 pieces [136100]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 30 pieces of paper currency from France (issued by the Banque de France) in various denominations. A few appear to be uncirculated (five 20 Fran
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to a****y for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Currency from French Indochina - 20+ pcs  [136102]4483 - Currency from French Indochina - 20+ pcs [136102]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 20 pieces of paper currency issued by Banque de L'Indo-chine in various denominations. Most in circulated condition, a few appear uncircul...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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German Currency, 5 Marks to 20 BILLION Mark notes  [136109]4484 - German Currency, 5 Marks to 20 BILLION Mark notes [136109]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A group of German currency notes, denominations and quantity as follows: 5 - two; 5 (different design) - five; 10 - one; 10 different design - two; 20
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Indonesian Currency -  27 pieces  [136106]4485 - Indonesian Currency - 27 pieces [136106]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Various denominations of currency from Bank Indonesia. Denominations and quantity as follows: 10,000 - two; 1000 - four and two (2 designs); 100 - thr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Japanese Currency and Invasion Money  [136108]4486 - Japanese Currency and Invasion Money [136108]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
During WWII, Japan printed paper currency to be used in each of the countries that it invaded. Here we have six pieces of "invasion money"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Laotian Currency, Various Denominations - 100+ pieces  [136103]4487 - Laotian Currency, Various Denominations - 100+ pieces [136103]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
More than 100 pieces of currency from Laos. Denominations and counts are: 1 - 1 piece; 5 - 23 pcs; 10 - pcs; 20 - 29 pcs; 20 (different design) - 1 p
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
 
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Mediterranean Currencies  [136334]4488 - Mediterranean Currencies [136334]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Currency from Mediterranean countries, one each, except as noted, as follows: ALGERIA, 20 francs, four, circ,; CYPRUS, 10 lira, circ; GREECE, 5 drachm
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait Currency -  46 pieces  [136115]4489 - Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait Currency - 46 pieces [136115]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Currency from Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait in the following denominations. IRAQ: 1/4 dinar, four, near unc; 1/2 dinar, two, unc; 1 dinar, nine, circ; 5 dina
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
Details...Bookmark