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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Long Beach Disasters Post Card Collection  [137970]2234 - Long Beach Disasters Post Card Collection [137970]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 RPCs showing portion of Municipal Pier which gave way May 24, 1913 killing 35 and injuring over 100. Also, 5 RPCs of March 10, 1933 earthquake. Da
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to b*******e for (70.00 + 15.40BP) = 85.40
 
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Long Beach Hotels Post Card Collection  [137969]2235 - Long Beach Hotels Post Card Collection [137969]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
approx 50 cards of Long Beach Hotels,from 1908, most cards featuring the Hotel Virginia, 2 cards showing the HV's Dining Room Date: Country (...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Long Beach Pier Scenes Post Card Collection  [137966]2236 - Long Beach Pier Scenes Post Card Collection [137966]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
approx 40 cards, c1905 & later, all outdoor beach & pier scenes Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Long Beach Proven...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to b*******e for (60.00 + 13.20BP) = 73.20
 
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Long Beach Street Scenes Post Card Collection  [137961]2237 - Long Beach Street Scenes Post Card Collection [137961]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
approx 50 cards, c1900 - 1940, approx 15 vintage cards, 4 white border RPCs, including beach/bathing scenes Date: Country (if not USA): State: C
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Southern California Postcards & RPC's [136036]2238 - Southern California Postcards & RPC's [136036]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 40+. This nice Southern California postcard group consists of eleven white bordered RPC's, four pioneer cards, eleven cards from the 195...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to m********s.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Loyalton Postcards (7)  [137902]2239 - Loyalton Postcards (7) [137902]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fantastic group of 7 cards. 6 are RPCs, 5 vintage RPCs c1907. 2 Birdseye views, street scene etc. A remarkable and historic group. Date: Country (i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to j*******h for (110.00 + 24.20BP) = 134.20
 
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Mariposa, California Real Photo Postcard  [135298]2240 - Mariposa, California Real Photo Postcard [135298]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice early RPPC showing 30 or so individuals standing on a wooden boardwalk in front of businesses in Mariposa. Not mailed. S&R Studio, Merced, ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Markleeville Area Postcard Group (6)  [137863]2241 - Markleeville Area Postcard Group (6) [137863]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
6 postcards, 4 white border including a shot of silver mountain with no trees. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Markleeville
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to j***d for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Mono County Postcard Group (20)  [137859]2242 - Mono County Postcard Group (20) [137859]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 20 cards from the area between Bishop and Mammoth.13 are white border rpc. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Mono Count
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 160.00 - 250.00
Sold to L******8 for (60.00 + 13.20BP) = 73.20
 
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Mono Lake Postcard Group (10)  [137860]2243 - Mono Lake Postcard Group (10) [137860]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 10, 4 are white border RPCs Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Mono Lake Provenance: Ken Prag Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to L******8 for (40.00 + 8.80BP) = 48.80
 
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Vintage Monterey Postcard Collection  [137958]2244 - Vintage Monterey Postcard Collection [137958]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Over 25 vintage RPCs of scenes of Monterey. Custom House, First Frame Building in California, Hotel del Monte, the Great White Fleet in Monterey Bay a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Painting Postcards of Monterey and Carmel  [137957]2245 - Painting Postcards of Monterey and Carmel [137957]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 70 postcards of paintings of scenes of Monterey and Carmel. The first theater in California, the Carmel Mission, and the cypress trees on
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to t********f for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
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Mount Whitney Postcard Group (5)  [137862]2246 - Mount Whitney Postcard Group (5) [137862]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
5 postcards of Mt Whitney the tallest mountain in the continental US. All are rpc, 3 are historic early rpc, including a remarkable shot on top of Mt
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to L******8 for (150.00 + 33.00BP) = 183.00
 
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Napa Area Vintage Postcard Collection  [137959]2247 - Napa Area Vintage Postcard Collection [137959]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 20 vintage postcards from Napa and nearby area. Aetna Springs, Calistoga, Napa Baths, Veterans' Home, Tubbs Winery, river scene. D...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 100.00
Sold to b*******e for (65.00 + 14.30BP) = 79.30
 
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Bay Area: Tamalpais, Hamilton, Berkeley, Oakland Postcards (42)  [136044]2248 - Bay Area: Tamalpais, Hamilton, Berkeley, Oakland Postcards (42) [136044]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a group of Bay Area postcards, that includes about 15 pioneer cards. Scenes shown are Mt. Tamalpias, Mt. Hamilton, Oakland, Berkeley and other
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*********r for (75.00 + 16.50BP) = 91.50
 
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Placerville California Postcard Collection  [137778]2249 - Placerville California Postcard Collection [137778]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 75 postcards c1905-1960, about 2/3 vintage c1905-1935 and includes a number of white border rpc's. About a third are more modern dating fr...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to b*******n for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Plumas County Post Card Collection  [137975]2250 - Plumas County Post Card Collection [137975]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
16 pieces including 9 RPCs of scenes from Quincy, Prattville, Blairsden, Greenville, Buck's Lake, Portola, Chester, Alturas. Collection include...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to t****8 for (85.00 + 18.70BP) = 103.70
 
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Plumas County Suite Post Card Collection (14 pieces)  [137977]2251 - Plumas County Suite Post Card Collection (14 pieces) [137977]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
RPCs of Plumas County scenery, all printed in Quincy. Date: c1905 - 1911 Country (if not USA): State: California City: Plumas County Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to L******8 for (130.00 + 28.60BP) = 158.60
 
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Red Bluff RPC Collection  [137779]2252 - Red Bluff RPC Collection [137779]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 16 real photo postcards, about half are older vintage half white border. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Red Bluff Pr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Red Bluff Vintage Postcard Collection  [137840]2253 - Red Bluff Vintage Postcard Collection [137840]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 18 vintage views of Red Bluff along the river and other unusual cards c1905-10 Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Red Bl
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 90.00 - 120.00
Sold to b*******e for (55.00 + 12.10BP) = 67.10
 
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