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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Yreka, California, Good for Trade Mirror  [136342]4550 - Yreka, California, Good for Trade Mirror [136342]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Good for Trade mirror from Yreka, California, with an image not found in Dunn but similar to image 21 without the filigree on each side of the woman.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to p***d for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
 
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California Token Collection  [136766]4551 - California Token Collection [136766]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 50 California tokens: Yuba (3); Colfax (3); Angels Camp (3); Roseville (8); Knights Ferry (4); Lafayette (7); Marysville (5) Benicia (2); Grass
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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California Dog License Tag Collection  [136385]4552 - California Dog License Tag Collection [136385]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dog license tags from various counties: Alpine (6); Amador (29); Tuolumne (10). Ex: Ron Lerch collection. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Ca
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b********t.. for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Mother Lode Token Collection  [136767]4553 - Mother Lode Token Collection [136767]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 50 tokens from towns in the Mother Lode country. Plymouth; Roseville; Stockton; Knights Ferry; Angels Camp; Yuba City; Colfax and more. Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 240.00 - 500.00
Sold to M******m for (190.00 + 47.50BP) = 237.50
 
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Mother Lode Token Collection  [136768]4554 - Mother Lode Token Collection [136768]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 50 tokens from businesses in the Sierra foothills. Auburn, Grass Valley, Sacramento, Marysville, Yuba City, Colfax, Angels, Plymouth, Sutter Cr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to M******m for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Northern California Token Collection  [136759]4555 - Northern California Token Collection [136759]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 50 tokens from Northern California. Dixon (10); Loomis (6); Sutter Creek (8); Stockton (10); Livermore (6); Roseville (8); Knights Landing (2).
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 160.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Token and Dog Tag Collection  [136764]4556 - Token and Dog Tag Collection [136764]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of approximately 50 tokens and dog tags from various towns in California. Sutter Creek, Plymouth, Roseville, Grass Valley, Napa and others. Date
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 240.00 - 400.00
Sold to e****6 for (120.00 + 26.40BP) = 146.40
 
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Central City, Colorado, Good for Trade Mirror  [136341]4557 - Central City, Colorado, Good for Trade Mirror [136341]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Good for Trade mirror from Central City, Colorado, with Dunn image 41 of a red-haired woman in short-cropped yellow dress on a dark brown background
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to x*****m for (900.00 + 225.00BP) = 1,125.00
 
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La Junta, Colorado Good For Trade Mirror  [136335]4558 - La Junta, Colorado Good For Trade Mirror [136335]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Good for Trade Mirror, 2.2-inch diameter, red-haired, scantily clad woman model at center with words / GOOD FOR 12 1/2 c IN TRADE // BLUE FRONT, LA J
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (950.00 + 237.50BP) = 1,187.50
 
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Leadville, Colorado, Good for Trade Mirror  [136340]4559 - Leadville, Colorado, Good for Trade Mirror [136340]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare Good for Trade mirror from Leadville, Colorado, with Dunn image 41 of a red-haired woman in short-cropped yellow dress on a dark brown backg
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to x*****m for (950.00 + 237.50BP) = 1,187.50
 
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Illinois Token Collection  [136437]4560 - Illinois Token Collection [136437]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 26 tokens from Illinois. Towns include: Strasburg, Chicago, Litchfield, Belleville, Aurora and others. Date: Country (if not USA): State:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Illinois Town Token Collection  [136433]4561 - Illinois Town Token Collection [136433]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 23 tokens from Illinois towns. Including: Champaign, Strasburg, Roanoke, Pekin, Quincey, Ottawa, Naperville, Gridley and many more. Date: C
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Indiana Town Token Collection  [136434]4562 - Indiana Town Token Collection [136434]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 25 tokens from various Indiana towns. Including: New Harmony, Indianapolis, Richmond, Clinton, Ft. Ritner, Pendleton, Goshen, Union, Ft. Wayne
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Iowa Token Collection  [136438]4563 - Iowa Token Collection [136438]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 53 tokens from Iowa towns. Including: Sioux City, Rock Valley, Searsboro, Pocahontas, Red Oak, Paullina, Panama, Solon, Soldier, Laporte, Leigh
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to e****6 for (250.00 + 55.00BP) = 305.00
 
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Kentucky Token Collection  [136428]4564 - Kentucky Token Collection [136428]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 35 tokens from Kentucky, including coal companies. Some towns include: Newport, Four Mile, Beech Creek, Dayton, Fonde, Southgate, Latonia, Alex
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Odd Shaped Kentucky Token Collection  [136436]4565 - Odd Shaped Kentucky Token Collection [136436]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ron Lerch was the King of the Odd Shaped tokens, he loved them. Here is a lot of 35 tokens from Kentucky. Bell shaped, oval, rectangular, barrel shape
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (750.00 + 187.50BP) = 937.50
 
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Minnesota Town Token Collection  [136416]4566 - Minnesota Town Token Collection [136416]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Box of over 70 Minnesota good for tokens, from dozens of different towns. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Minnesota City: Provenance: Ben
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to M******m for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Missouri Token Collection  [136424]4567 - Missouri Token Collection [136424]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of about 20 Missouri tokens plus about 25 cardboard scrip tokens from the Bay Mercantile Co., Bay, Missouri. Towns include: Carthage, St. Louis, T
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to M******m for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Montana Saloon Tokens  [135612]4568 - Montana Saloon Tokens [135612]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two: 1) Midway Saloon, Mill Town, NCS certified Genuine, GF 5c; 2) Butte Saloon, Basin, NGC certified AU 58, GF 1 drink. Date: Country (if
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b********t.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Eureka, Nevada, Good for Trade Mirror  [136339]4569 - Eureka, Nevada, Good for Trade Mirror [136339]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Good for Trade mirror with Dunn image 42 of a woman in thin, flowing attire with the words / GOOD FOR 12 1/2 c IN TRADE // THE OWL LIQUOR CO. EUREKA,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to g******n for (475.00 + 118.75BP) = 593.75
 
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