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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San Francisco Incuse Token Collection  [136484]4530 - San Francisco Incuse Token Collection [136484]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 13 tokens from San Francisco, all with incuse lettering. 216 Grant; Max Moeller; Williams, Barbero & King; H.W. Lauterwasser and many oth...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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N.J. Hyman Token  [136509]4531 - N.J. Hyman Token [136509]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
N.J. HYMAN / S.F. CAL / SOLE AGENT FOR / HYMAN'S / ENGLISH BLACK / GARNET JEWELLERY / WHOLESALE / & RETAIL / 205. KEARNY ST. // N.J. HYMAN /...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to p***d for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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Pictorial San Francisco Tokens  [136633]4532 - Pictorial San Francisco Tokens [136633]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of nine tokens from San Francisco with pictorial scenes. Peter Schuttler wagons; Frenchy's K & T, Adult Theatre; Roos Brothers; Columbia...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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San Francisco "Bar" Token Collection  [136508]4533 - San Francisco "Bar" Token Collection [136508]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 45 "Good For" tokens from bars in San Francisco. Buena Vista (home of the Irish Coffee); Leyden's Bar; Hotel Central Bar; Missi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to h*******e for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
 
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San Francisco Bakery Tokens  [136638]4534 - San Francisco Bakery Tokens [136638]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 tokens from San Francisco bakeries: Richmond Bakery; Venice Bakery; F. M. Pharion; Straub's Bakery; Hayes Valley Bakery; Torino Bakery...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to l*********.. for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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San Francisco Bar or Saloon Token Collection  [136503]4535 - San Francisco Bar or Saloon Token Collection [136503]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Major collection of San Francisco bar or saloon tokens, without the bar or saloon designation. All "good for" a drink or equivalent. Abou...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to h*******e for (1,050.00 + 262.50BP) = 1,312.50
 
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San Francisco Brewery and Other Tokens  [136635]4536 - San Francisco Brewery and Other Tokens [136635]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 14 tokens from San Francisco breweries and other businesses. John Wieland Brewery; Regal Beer; Mission Creamery and others. Date: Country (i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to C*****r for (425.00 + 106.25BP) = 531.25
 
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San Francisco Cafe Token Collection  [136630]4537 - San Francisco Cafe Token Collection [136630]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 50 "good for" tokens from cafes, grills, lunch counters of San Francisco. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City:...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to p***d for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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San Francisco Cigar Manufacturers & Shop Tokens  [136640]4538 - San Francisco Cigar Manufacturers & Shop Tokens [136640]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 68 tokens from San Francisco cigar stores or makers. Waldorf Cigar Store; Bouquet Cohn Cigar Co.; Dawson's Six Foot Smoke House; Hoffman...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (800.00 + 200.00BP) = 1,000.00
 
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San Francisco Hotel Token Collection  [136631]4539 - San Francisco Hotel Token Collection [136631]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 19 good for tokens from San Francisco hotels. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: San Francisco Provenance: Benjamin Fa
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to p***d for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
 
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San Francisco Saloon Advertising Mirror  [136360]4540 - San Francisco Saloon Advertising Mirror [136360]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Mirror with handle: J. R. M. Patterson / The house with a record / Established 1880 / New Home, East California Street / Autumn Opening 1911; 3 1/2 in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 400.00
Sold to g******n for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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San Francisco Token Collection  [136502]4541 - San Francisco Token Collection [136502]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very nice San Francisco "good for" token collection. Most mavericks removed. Over 200 tokens. Ex: Ron Lerch collection. Date: Country (...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,300.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to p***d for (1,200.00 + 300.00BP) = 1,500.00
 
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San Francisco Tokens with Eye Appeal  [136639]4542 - San Francisco Tokens with Eye Appeal [136639]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 22 tokens that looked good to the describer. Fortune Teller; Folger's Coffee; Palace Rummy Parlor; Crab house; The Alaskan; Leader Dance ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to p***d for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Thurnauer & Zinn Token  [136647]4543 - Thurnauer & Zinn Token [136647]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
THURNAUER & ZINN / IMPORTERS / OF / BASKETS TOYS / & / FANCY GOODS / SAN FRANCISCO // (liberty head) / COMP. S. MARKE; Br., rd., 31 mm. Dat...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b********t.. for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Thurnauer & Zinn Token  [136649]4544 - Thurnauer & Zinn Token [136649]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
THURNAUER & ZINN / IMPORTERS / OF / BASKETS TOYS / & / TANCY GOODS / SAN FRANCISCO // LIBERTY ; Br., rd., 28 mm. Date: Country (if not U...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to p***d for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Thurnauer & Zinn Token  [136650]4545 - Thurnauer & Zinn Token [136650]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
THURNAUER & ZINN / C / S. FRANCISCO // (liberty head) / SP. MARKE; Br., rd., 23 mm. Holed. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to p***d for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Uncirculated San Francisco Tokens  [136648]4546 - Uncirculated San Francisco Tokens [136648]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of nine uncirculated or lightly circulated tokens from San Francisco: J. M. Steffans; H. Horwege; P.J. Weniger; Wonder House and others. Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 240.00
Sold to G********_.. for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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San Jose, California, Good For Trade Mirrors - 3  [136343]4547 - San Jose, California, Good For Trade Mirrors - 3 [136343]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three Good for Trade mirrors from San Jose, California. All have the same text: / GOOD FOR 12 1/2 c IN TRADE // NATIONAL, GRAESSLE AND GEOFFROY, PROPS
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to g******n for (850.00 + 212.50BP) = 1,062.50
 
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Santa Cruz Advertising Mirrors  [136753]4548 - Santa Cruz Advertising Mirrors [136753]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two advertising mirrors, unlisted in the Hal Dunn reference work. Good For 10c In Trade / G.A. Deiter, Santa Cruz, Cal. 55 mm. One has some env
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to g******n for (475.00 + 118.75BP) = 593.75
 
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Banc Exchange Advertising Mirror  [136752]4549 - Banc Exchange Advertising Mirror [136752]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Good For 10c In Trade / Pony Maheu, Prop. / Banc Exchange, Watsonville, Calif. 56 mm, excellent condition. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Ca
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to d*****h for (550.00 + 137.50BP) = 687.50
 
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