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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Macabre Postcard Collection: death, disease, hard times  [135213]2514 - Macabre Postcard Collection: death, disease, hard times [135213]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of around 50. Tortured souls, war, large snake taking down a dog, consumption, mass graves, etc. From the early 1900's. See the photograph f...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 150.00
Sold to R*****r for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Magic Moving Picture Postcard - Cowboy  [137670]2515 - Magic Moving Picture Postcard - Cowboy [137670]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Alexander S. Spiegel patented an advertising device in 1906 that used a transparent material with black, opaque vertical stripes and a sliding black a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to f*****E for (30.00 + 0.00BP) = 30.00
 
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Map Postcard Collection  [137947]2516 - Map Postcard Collection [137947]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 60 postcards with maps. Many state maps, but also international, Map of the British Empire, railroad routes and others. Get one for every state!
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to d*******f for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Marble Shooting Vintage Postcards  [137953]2517 - Marble Shooting Vintage Postcards [137953]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of eleven postcards depicting marble shooting. One card is advertising a 2003 postcard show, but the rest are vintage. Date: Country (if not U
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 70.00
Sold to f*****E for (20.00 + 0.00BP) = 20.00
 
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Medical Themed Postcards (17)  [137067]2518 - Medical Themed Postcards (17) [137067]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A group of 17 postcards that are medical themed, including remedies, prescriptions, advertising, even an ad card for Dr. Scholl's. Some cards ar...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to R*****s for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Medical & Dental Themed Humor Postcards (70)  [137069]2519 - Medical & Dental Themed Humor Postcards (70) [137069]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 70 humor postcards, including two RPC's, with either a medical or dental theme. Some are VERY politically incorrect from a sexual content ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 150.00
Sold to e*****2 for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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Men & Women Postcard Collection (60)  [136732]2520 - Men & Women Postcard Collection (60) [136732]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approx 60 cards, many by C.D. Gibson. c1910 Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Ken Prag Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 120.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Midwestern & Southern States Postcard Group  [138985]2521 - Midwestern & Southern States Postcard Group [138985]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ohio south to Florida. About 70 cards mostly vintage. See photo. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Ken Prag Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Northeastern US Postcard Collection  [138982]2522 - Northeastern US Postcard Collection [138982]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of about 200 cards from Northeastern States. The two largest groups are Pennsylvania about 100, and Massachusetts about 50 plus about 10 ot
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (700.00 + 175.00BP) = 875.00
 
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Music Related Postcard Collection  [137946]2523 - Music Related Postcard Collection [137946]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of about 30 postcards concerning music. Famous composers, performers, Elvis Presley, Liberace and unknowns. Mostly split back vintage cards. Dat
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 150.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Novelty and Puzzle Postcards ~ 27  [137687]2524 - Novelty and Puzzle Postcards ~ 27 [137687]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
More than two dozen novelty postcards. Some have puzzles, some are embossed figures, others have lenticular animations or optical illusions. A very in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to p********r.. for (85.00 + 21.25BP) = 106.25
 
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Nurse Themed Postcards & RPC's  [137064]2525 - Nurse Themed Postcards & RPC's [137064]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of about thirty-five (35) postcards and RPC's featuring those "Angels of Mercy" nurses. There are several portrait cards featuri...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to m*****9 for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Ocean Liner Postcard Collection  [137597]2526 - Ocean Liner Postcard Collection [137597]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 160 postcards depicting ocean liners and their interiors; some ferries from San Francisco and Victoria; greeting cards from passengers on
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (375.00 + 93.75BP) = 468.75
 
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Oil & Energy Postcard Collection  [127079]2527 - Oil & Energy Postcard Collection [127079]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A large collection of about 125 postcards in oil and energy related themes. Includes gas stations, cars, tires, brakes, service stations, oil fields a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 240.00
Sold to m********s.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Oil Fields & Energy Postcards (20)  [127084]2528 - Oil Fields & Energy Postcards (20) [127084]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 postcards relating to oil and energy. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Ken Prag Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Ornamented Postcards - 22  [138789]2529 - Ornamented Postcards - 22 [138789]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
These postcards have some type of ornamentation applied to them, be it actual hair, (there is also a fuzzy hare!), embroidery, feathers, a button man,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Outhouse Humor Postcard Collection  [137576]2530 - Outhouse Humor Postcard Collection [137576]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 100 early postcards referring to toilet humor, outhouse humor, or bodily functions. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Pro
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*****0 for (95.00 + 20.90BP) = 115.90
 
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Pinup Postcard Collection  [127080]2531 - Pinup Postcard Collection [127080]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ooolala! About 75 postcards in this group of vintage pinups. If you collect pinups you need to add this to your collection. A huge variety 1950s/60s e
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to R*****s for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Pinup Postcard Group #1 ~50  [137664]2532 - Pinup Postcard Group #1 ~50 [137664]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About fifty pinup postcards of women in textiles of varying transparency, and evidence that airbrushing has been around for a long time. These postcar
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to m*****9 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Pinup Postcard Group #2 - At the Beach ~90  [137665]2533 - Pinup Postcard Group #2 - At the Beach ~90 [137665]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 90 postcards, 77 color or colorized, and 16 black & white, with women at the beach in swimwear from various eras. Date: Country (if not...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to m******0 for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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