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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New Year's Celebration Postcards ~ 400  [138798]2494 - New Year's Celebration Postcards ~ 400 [138798]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Eight-inch stack of color illustration postcards celebrating the New Year as far back as the early 1900s. Date: Country (if not USA): State: C
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Holidays and Special Occasions Postcards (59)  [136093]2495 - Holidays and Special Occasions Postcards (59) [136093]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A nice collection of postcards celebrating various holidays like Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter and more. There are colorful embossed cards as well
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to m*****9 for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Holiday Postcards ~ 200  [138801]2496 - Holiday Postcards ~ 200 [138801]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Better than half of these are Thanksgiving postcards, but there are also Easter, Christmas, Valentines, and some other holidays represented as well.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to m*****9 for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Farming Postcards - 79  [138788]2497 - Farming Postcards - 79 [138788]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
There are 77 RPCs and 2 tinted black and white postcards in this crop of postcards depicting many aspects of farm life in the U.S. You'll find t...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 260.00 - 500.00
Sold to r*********9 for (375.00 + 93.75BP) = 468.75
 
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Farming Related Postcards (Approx 55)  [138118]2498 - Farming Related Postcards (Approx 55) [138118]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Many advertising cards, farming scenes, harvesting equipment. Mostly vintage 1905-1915 Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Sold to r*********9 for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Fine Ladies on Vintage Postcards  [137950]2499 - Fine Ladies on Vintage Postcards [137950]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 30 vintage postcards depicting ladies of fashion. One has a feather headress rising off the top of the card. One depicts "American Beauty...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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Firefighting Postcards, 11  [137686]2500 - Firefighting Postcards, 11 [137686]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Eight postcards with the same design showing two firefighters in front of a building engulfed flaming orange fire; a color postcard with at least nine
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 35.00 | Estimate : 70.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Fishermen Themed Postcards & RPC's (60)  [137063]2501 - Fishermen Themed Postcards & RPC's (60) [137063]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of about sixty (60) postcards, of which about half are RPC's, all themed around fishing. This is all sort of fishing, from saltwater ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to j*******h for (120.00 + 26.40BP) = 146.40
 
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Great Lakes Postcard Group  [138984]2502 - Great Lakes Postcard Group [138984]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan included in this group of about 200 cards. Mostly vintage WI. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provena
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to m********s.. for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Hand-Drawn Art Postcards ~40  [137663]2503 - Hand-Drawn Art Postcards ~40 [137663]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Just over 40 postcards featuring hand-drawn art, either rendered by the sender or a few sold as pre-printed. Images are black & white pen & ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to R*****s for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Hand-Drawn Art Postcards ~50  [125866]2504 - Hand-Drawn Art Postcards ~50 [125866]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approx 50 postcards with hand-drawn designs in graphite pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor. Wide range of creative and artistic skill represented.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to m*****9 for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Humorous Dentist Themed Postcards +  [137066]2505 - Humorous Dentist Themed Postcards + [137066]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twenty (20) postcards, most humorous, that have a dental theme, in most cases. Cards show everything from a dental assistant's cabinet, to a den...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to R*****s for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Humorous Fishing Postcards (100)  [137061]2506 - Humorous Fishing Postcards (100) [137061]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of about one hundred (100) humorous postcards, including four leather and one early advertising card, all themed around fishing. This is a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Humorous Lawyer Postcard Group  [137593]2507 - Humorous Lawyer Postcard Group [137593]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of ten postcards poking fun at lawyers. And a 1955 Jury Summons postcard from the courthouse in Dallas Texas. Date: Country (if not USA): Sta
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to t****8 for (45.00 + 9.90BP) = 54.90
 
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Humorous Postcard Collection   [127077]2508 - Humorous Postcard Collection [127077]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of about 70 postcards including a variety of cutsie, humorous and cheeky themes. Lots of great stuff in here! Date: Country (if not USA):
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 160.00
Sold to q******s for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Island Themed Postcard Collection  [137920]2509 - Island Themed Postcard Collection [137920]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
It's vacation time!! About 100 island themed cards. Enjoy sifting through this group while imaging yourself in Tahiti, Fiji, or the Bahamas drin...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to m*****9 for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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It's a Gas -- Hydrogen and Helium Balloon Postcards - 12  [137108]2510 - It's a Gas -- Hydrogen and Helium Balloon Postcards - 12 [137108]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Eight B&W and 4 color postcards depicting various large-scale balloon events, from hydrogen balloon lofts in St. Louis, MO, Trenton, NJ, Chicago...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to j*******h for (60.00 + 13.20BP) = 73.20
 
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Kewpie Doll Postcards ~ 32  [137674]2511 - Kewpie Doll Postcards ~ 32 [137674]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Awwww, their SO CUTE! Did you know that Midwest writer and illustrator Rose O'Neill literally dreamt up the Kewpie as a character for a comic st...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 150.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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Leather and Wood Postcards - 39  [138808]2512 - Leather and Wood Postcards - 39 [138808]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
If it is the right size, you can mail almost anything as a postcard. Here are 32 leather and 7 thin wooden postcards that have made it through the US
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to p********r.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Logging Industry Postcard Collection  [137943]2513 - Logging Industry Postcard Collection [137943]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 35 postcards of the logging industry. Thirteen are vintage RPCs, the rest modern color cards. Mighty big trees are being hauled. Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*******h for (120.00 + 26.40BP) = 146.40
 
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