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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Alonzo Hustito--Rainbow Man Bolo  [137164]3077 - Alonzo Hustito--Rainbow Man Bolo [137164]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fabulous Rainbow Man ( 2" x 1.75") by Alonzo Hustito (1903-1987), perhaps the creator of the first Rainbow Man design. A real collector...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Annie Quam Gasper Earrings  [137227]3078 - Annie Quam Gasper Earrings [137227]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hummingbird earrings, pierced, by Annie Quam Gasper. Channel inlay style in turquoise, silver. 7/8" diameter. Very elegant. Date: c 1950'...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Antelope Head Bolo  [137142]3079 - Antelope Head Bolo [137142]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Bruce Zunie (1931-1971) was one of the finest Zuni mosaic artists. This antelope is a beautiful example of of Bruce Zunie's work, mostly in jet,...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (1,400.00 + 350.00BP) = 1,750.00
 
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Antique Peyote Bird Bolo  [136978]3080 - Antique Peyote Bird Bolo [136978]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very old Zuni Peyote bird bolo--inlay of turquoise, spiney oyster, jet, mother of pearl set in sterling. Unsigned. 2" x 1.75".Brown/black...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 240.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer  [137138]3081 - Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer [137138]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Great Apache Mountain spirit Dancer probably by Leonard and Edith Lonjose. Raised inlay in mother of pearl set in etched silver2" x 1-5/8"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
 
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Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer   [136984]3082 - Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer [136984]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Leonard Lonjose (1934-2004) designed this Spirit Dancer (one of the two designs he was well known for--the other is Quail Bird). The mosaic work is am
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 750.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
 
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Arte Deco Butterfly Pin  [137248]3083 - Arte Deco Butterfly Pin [137248]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early Zuni butterfly pin, Arte Deco style, perfect mosaic inlay with exceptional gracefully shaped decorative silver wire elements and raindrops. 2.5:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (700.00 + 175.00BP) = 875.00
 
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Arte Deco Quail Bolo  [137175]3084 - Arte Deco Quail Bolo [137175]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Elegant quail is depicted in an arte deco style with the curves and triangles and embellishments. It is a magnificent piece with tiny cuts of turquois
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Arte Deco Style Peyote Bird  [136586]3085 - Arte Deco Style Peyote Bird [136586]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Silver edging is Arte Deco style on the bolo. Jet, turquoise, spiney oyster, mother of pearl. 2.25" x 1.25". Unsigned, different style, bu...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Attacking Eagle Bolo  [137157]3086 - Attacking Eagle Bolo [137157]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Attributed to Eddie Beyuka (1921-2002) this bolo shows an eagle in flight about to attack prey. 3" x 2.25". Mosaic inlay. Black tip with s...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (700.00 + 175.00BP) = 875.00
 
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Bear Fetish Necklace  [137270]3087 - Bear Fetish Necklace [137270]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Charming black onyx carved bear fetishes with inlay of turquoise heartline. 10 bears, 1-3/8" and central bear1-5/8". Strung with turquoise...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Beyuka Roadrunner Bolo  [137151]3088 - Beyuka Roadrunner Bolo [137151]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Attributed to Eddie Beyuka (1920-2002). Great roadrunner--inlay with turquoise stone set in silver. Intricate inlay--2.5" x 1.25". Date:...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 350.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Big Horn Ram Belt Buckle by Effie Quam  [136962]3089 - Big Horn Ram Belt Buckle by Effie Quam [136962]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The ram is raised-inlaid with mother of pearl, onyx, and yellow mussel shell on top of mother of pearl shell. Beautiful detail, edged in stamped sterl
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 360.00 - 500.00
Sold to r******g for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Big Horn Sheep Bolo  [137154]3090 - Big Horn Sheep Bolo [137154]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Etched inlay of abalone shell and mother of pearl on tortoise shell. Round, set in silver 3.5" diameter. Very like the style of Elliot Qualo, b...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to 6******n for (375.00 + 93.75BP) = 468.75
 
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Bolo--Knifewing  [136595]3091 - Bolo--Knifewing [136595]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice tight inlay Knifewing bolo set in silver. Unknown artist. Black tie with silver tips. 1.75" x 1.5". Date: Country (if not USA): ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 6******n for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Bolo--Peyote Bird Inlay  [136999]3092 - Bolo--Peyote Bird Inlay [136999]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Artist unknown--researched, but not found. Beautiful Peyote Bird Bolo inlay set on silver. 2.75" x 2.5". Worn black leather tie, silver ti...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Butterfly Pin  [137147]3093 - Butterfly Pin [137147]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Mosaic (stone to stone) inlay--1.5" x 1". Unknown artist, but possibly Lee Edaakie. Beautiful piece. Date: c 1940's-50's Country...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to b**********n for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Calabaza Ghan Dancers Belt  Buckle  [137233]3094 - Calabaza Ghan Dancers Belt Buckle [137233]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Double image of Ghan Dancers (Apache Mountain Spirit Dancers) overlay in gold mother of pearl, turquoise, coral, jet set in oval silver buckle--2.5&...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (950.00 + 237.50BP) = 1,187.50
 
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Celicion Comanche Dancer  [137261]3095 - Celicion Comanche Dancer [137261]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dexter and Mary Ann Cellicion designed this Comanche dancer pendant. Mosaic inlay in precise cuts--mother of pearl, jet turquoise, brown melon shell.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to 6******n for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Channel Knifewing Inlay  [137153]3096 - Channel Knifewing Inlay [137153]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This interesting bolo has a head like Alonzo Hustito does and a body like Lee Edaakie does. So we don't know who the artist is--however this bo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
Details...Bookmark