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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Channel Set Horned Surface Bolo  [136592]3097 - Channel Set Horned Surface Bolo [136592]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unusual Horned Surface bolo--inlay is channel set, silver adornments. Attributed to Homer Vacit or Lambert Homer. 2" x 1.75". Black tie wi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 500.00
Sold to P***a for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Comanche Dancer Bolo  [137194]3098 - Comanche Dancer Bolo [137194]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ralph Quam ("R Quam" scratched on reverse) designed this Comanche Chief bolo. Inlaid with turquoise, spiney oyster, fossilized walrus ivor...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to s*******s for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Comanche Dancer Brooch  [137260]3099 - Comanche Dancer Brooch [137260]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dexter and Mary Ann Cellicion from Zuni. They were especially known for this design. All of the inlaid parts are raised above the channel wall. Feathe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to P***a for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
 
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Coral & Turquoise Cuff  [137236]3100 - Coral & Turquoise Cuff [137236]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early Helen Lincoln Zunie bracelet of coral and turquoise geometric channel inlays. No Hallmark. Inside measure 5.5",1.25" gap. Date: C...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Covered Wagon Bolo  [136998]3101 - Covered Wagon Bolo [136998]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Virgil Dishta Sr. (ca. 1921-2017) is best known for his exquisite channel inlay jewelry. This silver and turquoise bolo is a covered wagon, Black leat
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 900.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (650.00 + 162.50BP) = 812.50
 
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Dan Simplicio Bolo  [136590]3102 - Dan Simplicio Bolo [136590]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Classic Simplicio bolo--rattlesnake overlay and turquoise and coral stones, feather and leaf designs. 2" x 1.5", no tie. Unsigned. Date: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 350.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
 
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Dan Simplicio Coral and Turquoise Bolo  [136945]3103 - Dan Simplicio Coral and Turquoise Bolo [136945]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dan Simplicio (1917-1969), one of the historically great Zuni silversmiths--branch coral an d turquoise stones set on silver base with stamping and ap
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to P***a for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Dan Simplicio Peyote Bird Pin  [136964]3104 - Dan Simplicio Peyote Bird Pin [136964]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dan Simplicio (1917-1969) designed this peyote bird inlaid with jet, turquoise, mother of pearl and coral. The inlay is set onto an etched silver back
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Dan Simplicio Zuni Bird Pendant  [137256]3105 - Dan Simplicio Zuni Bird Pendant [137256]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautiful Zuni/Hopi bird pendant by Dan Simplicio. Channel inlay of turquoise, jet, mother of pearl, and coral, set in silver with dots of silver. 2...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 260.00 - 360.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Dennis Edaakie Eagle Dancer Bolo  [136985]3106 - Dennis Edaakie Eagle Dancer Bolo [136985]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large beautiful Eagle Dancer bolo by Dennis Edaakie (1931-2008). He worked with his wife, Nancy, and their bird pieces are some of the most sought-aft
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Dexter Cellicion Knifewing Bolo  [137144]3107 - Dexter Cellicion Knifewing Bolo [137144]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Sun Father and Twin Sons by Angela and Oliver Cellicion. Ref Sei Zuni Bird & Sun Face (1931-1999)-- Incredible triple figure bolo with figure ti...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (550.00 + 137.50BP) = 687.50
 
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Dishta Silver and Turquoise Belt Buckle  [137187]3108 - Dishta Silver and Turquoise Belt Buckle [137187]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vincent and Marvina Dishta (name stamped on reverse) sterling silver stone inlaybelt buckle. Turquoise mother of pearl, and coral inlay on covered wag
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (550.00 + 137.50BP) = 687.50
 
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Dixon Shebola Bolo  [137127]3109 - Dixon Shebola Bolo [137127]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vintage Peyote bird by Dixon Shebola (1937-1976). Mosaic inlay Turquoise, mother of Pearl, jet coral. 2.25" x 1.75". this beautiful piece ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimate : 600.00 - 900.00
 
 
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Dixon Shebola Bolo Slide  [136959]3110 - Dixon Shebola Bolo Slide [136959]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dixon Shebola (Zuni, 1937-1976). Peyote bird, inlaid with turquoise, onyx, mother-of-pearl, and coral. 3" x 2.25". This is an excellent ex...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to 6******n for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Dixon Shebola Eagle Dancer  [137150]3111 - Dixon Shebola Eagle Dancer [137150]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautiful, large Dixon Shebola (1937-1976). Very intricate piece with rough stones and inlay. Please see photo. 3.25" x 3.75". Date: c ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to 6******n for (475.00 + 118.75BP) = 593.75
 
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Eagle Dancer  [136581]3112 - Eagle Dancer [136581]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Piece is attributed to Theodore Edaakie (1911-1987). Great Eagle Dancer in turquoise, spiney oyster, jet, mother of pearl inlay set in silver. 3&quo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Eagle Dancer Bolo  [137149]3113 - Eagle Dancer Bolo [137149]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early Eagle Dancer. Unknown Zuni artist. Nice inlay with silver--jet, mother of pearl, turquoise, spiney oyster and a light green stone. 2.5" x...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Eagle Dancer Bolo--Frank Vacit  [137161]3114 - Eagle Dancer Bolo--Frank Vacit [137161]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare Frank Vacit (1915-1999), silver overlay/mosaic Eagle Dancer bolo. Incredible work on this piece. 2.25" x 2". See Toshio Sei's boo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to P***a for (750.00 + 187.50BP) = 937.50
 
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Eagle Kachina, Frank Vacit  [136995]3115 - Eagle Kachina, Frank Vacit [136995]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Amazing Eagle Kachina by Frank Vacit (1915-1999). Inlay of jet, spiny oyste, turquoise, mother of pearl. 2.25" x 2". Unsigned, set in silv...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Early Peyote Bird Bolo  [137158]3116 - Early Peyote Bird Bolo [137158]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vintage Peyote bird in traditional Zuni mosaic fashion, inlaid with turquoise, coral, onyx/jet, mother of pearl set in silver-- 2" x 1". ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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