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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Nevada Postcard Group (24)  [129995]2374 - Nevada Postcard Group (24) [129995]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of twenty four postcards, mostly from Ruth, Nevada, also some from McGill, Wells, Ely, austin, and state line, About half of this collection are R
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 130.00
Sold to c*********p for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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Nevada Small Town View Postcards (9)  [136462]2375 - Nevada Small Town View Postcards (9) [136462]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of nice cards including: Denio; Mountain City x2; Pioche x2; Mina; Hawthorne; Primeaux; and Emigrant Pass Date: Country (if not USA): State:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to v*******l for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Carlsbad New Mexico Postcard Group (15)  [138970]2376 - Carlsbad New Mexico Postcard Group (15) [138970]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of fifteen cards showing the caverns and national park. Date: Country (if not USA): State: New Mexico City: Carlsbad Provenance: Ken Pra
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Real Photo Postcards of Deming, New Mexico Fire Plus Bonus  [134191]2377 - Real Photo Postcards of Deming, New Mexico Fire Plus Bonus [134191]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3 different. 1) Two RPPCs showing a fire destroying the Cody Theatre in Deming. Both by WH Horne Co., El Paso, Texas. One is mailed (1918) from
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 120.00
 
 
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Las Vegas NM Postcard Group (15)  [138967]2378 - Las Vegas NM Postcard Group (15) [138967]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fifteen cards includes highways, buildings, hotels, sheep ranch, street scenes, and others from the Las Vegas NM area. Date: Country (if not USA):
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to m******0 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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New Mexico Pioneer Postcard Duo, 1899  [138968]2379 - New Mexico Pioneer Postcard Duo, 1899 [138968]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A set of two postcards "Greetings from the ancient capital." One is blank and one is addresses to Chas Weatherill with a postmark of 1899....
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to m******0 for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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New Mexico Postcard Group (50)  [138962]2380 - New Mexico Postcard Group (50) [138962]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of fifty postcards of various places in New Mexico. Includes Clovis; Santa Fe Trail; Gallup; Eagles Nest; Alamagordo; Roswell; Tucumcari; Raton;
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to m********s.. for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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New Mexico RPC Postcard Group ( 15)  [138963]2381 - New Mexico RPC Postcard Group ( 15) [138963]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fifteen real photo postcards from various places around NM. Includes Pecos; Tucumcari; Taos; Conchas Dam; Las Cruces; Gallup; Roy. Date: Country (i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to m********s.. for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Rare New Mexico RPC Trio  [138964]2382 - Rare New Mexico RPC Trio [138964]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three real photo postcards includes Schomberg NM, Mogollon postmark, and Bonanza Post office Date: Country (if not USA): State: New Mexic
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to j*****0 for (150.00 + 33.00BP) = 183.00
 
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New York City Postcard Collection  [133713]2383 - New York City Postcard Collection [133713]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 92 vintage post cards of New York City. Real photo card of the Statue of Liberty; many buildings and street scenes; several of Snug Harbor. D
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to a****x for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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New York City Postcard Collection  [137932]2384 - New York City Postcard Collection [137932]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 130 postcards from all eras: pioneer cards, hold to the light cards, RPCs, modern color. Just a few from Long Island. Date: Country (i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to a******4 for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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New York Real Photo Postcard Collection  [137931]2385 - New York Real Photo Postcard Collection [137931]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 14 real photo postcards from small towns in New York: Madrid, Speculator, Fultonville, and about ten from New York City. Nine are white borders
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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North Dakota Postcard Collection  [133703]2386 - North Dakota Postcard Collection [133703]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 50 postcards from North Dakota. 13 black & white RPCs. Some small towns, and farming scenes. Date: Country (if not USA): State: No...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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North Dakota Postcard Collection  [133705]2387 - North Dakota Postcard Collection [133705]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 75 postcards from North Dakota. Railroad scenes (9); Rural churches (8); Fargo (19); Bismark (18); Street scenes (21). Date: Country (if not
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (85.00 + 21.25BP) = 106.25
 
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North Dakota Postcard Collection  [135135]2388 - North Dakota Postcard Collection [135135]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 44 postcards from North Dakota. Valley City (9), Minot (7), Grand Forks (8) one leather, one UTC convention 1907; Devil's Lake (8). Mostl...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*******h for (120.00 + 26.40BP) = 146.40
 
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North Dakota Postcards (24)  [137771]2389 - North Dakota Postcards (24) [137771]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 dozen postcards, a few RPCS, includes Wildrose, Dickinson, Bad Lands, Beach, Fargo, Devils Lake, Jamestown, Minnewaukan, Valley City, and others. A
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*******h for (35.00 + 7.70BP) = 42.70
 
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Oklahoma Postcard Collection  [137463]2390 - Oklahoma Postcard Collection [137463]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large collection of postcards from Oklahoma. About 150 postcards c. 1900-1960. 1 Folding Card. About 100 Old Cards (6 Oil and Mining). White-boarder
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Oklahoma Real Photo Postcard Collection  [137930]2391 - Oklahoma Real Photo Postcard Collection [137930]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 30 real photo postcards from Oklahoma during the first part of the 20th century. Oil derricks and fires, street scenes and people. Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Brookings Oregon RPC group (19)  [137635]2392 - Brookings Oregon RPC group (19) [137635]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice lot of nineteen real photo postcards of various scenes from Brookings, Date: Country (if not USA): State: Oregon City: Brookings Provenanc
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*******e for (75.00 + 16.50BP) = 91.50
 
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Grants Pass and Rogue River Postcards and RPCs (13)  [138899]2393 - Grants Pass and Rogue River Postcards and RPCs (13) [138899]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Includes several real photo postcards. Towns include Grants Pass, Roque River, Medford, and Rainy Falls. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Ore
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to b*******e for (50.00 + 11.00BP) = 61.00
 
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