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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Early Peyote Bird Bolo  [137170]3117 - Early Peyote Bird Bolo [137170]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautiful Peyote bird attributed to Frank Vacit. 3" x 1.75". Great bright colors in turquoise, spiney oyster, jet, mother of pearl. Date...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 350.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Early Peyote Bird Pin  [137146]3118 - Early Peyote Bird Pin [137146]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unknown artist made this vintage Peyote bird. Very nice inlay and silver beads and wire wrap.1.75" x 2.25". Date: Country (if not USA):...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 170.00 - 250.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Early Rainbow Man Pin  [137266]3119 - Early Rainbow Man Pin [137266]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Possibly this piece was made by Leo Poblano. Vintage Rainbow Man pin, set in silver with silver dot edges. 2.25" x .75". Date: c 1940...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 350.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Elizabeth Leeka Vacit Bolo  [136575]3120 - Elizabeth Leeka Vacit Bolo [136575]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small peyote bird bolo by Elizabeth Leeka Vacit. 1.75"x1.25". Black leather tie, silver tips. Date: 1940's-50's Country (if not ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Elliot Qualo "Peyote Bird" Bolo  [136987]3121 - Elliot Qualo "Peyote Bird" Bolo [136987]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gorgeous inlay by Elliot Qualo. Very finely detailed inlay set in mother of pearl with silver edging. 1.75"x 1.75", black leather tie with...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (375.00 + 93.75BP) = 468.75
 
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Elliot Qualo Mosaic Bolo  [136991]3122 - Elliot Qualo Mosaic Bolo [136991]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Round bolo with image of Ram's head--impeccable mother of pearl, inlaid into brown circular plaque framed in sterling silver, refined scalloped ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to 6******n for (1,100.00 + 275.00BP) = 1,375.00
 
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Elliot Qualo Quail Bolo  [137165]3123 - Elliot Qualo Quail Bolo [137165]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Adorable quail looking at a cactus! incredible mosaic inlay with wing raised up from body. Elliot Qualo (1930-1974) designed this charmer all set in m
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Fish Bolo  [136580]3124 - Fish Bolo [136580]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large fish bolo, turquoise and abalone shell with silver work on fins and tail. 3.5"x1.75". Unsigned, but possibly by Joe Zunie. Very unus...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 350.00
Sold to d*******f for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Four Zuni Pieces  [137218]3125 - Four Zuni Pieces [137218]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Zuni bird pendant, 1", unknown artist. 2) Knifewing pin, 1.25". 3) Tiny Zuni Sunface pendant, inlay with petit point turquoise, .75&quo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Francis Leekya Turquoise Bolo  [137176]3126 - Francis Leekya Turquoise Bolo [137176]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fishscale style inlay turquoise bolo by Francis Leekya (1928-2003). Hallmarked "F L". 1.25" x 1". Date: Country (if not USA)...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Frank Vacit Watch Band & R. Galvan Signed Mexican Pot  [136992]3127 - Frank Vacit Watch Band & R. Galvan Signed Mexican Pot [136992]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wotemthia, the Kachina who appears in the Mixed Dance is inlaid on this incredible watchband. 5.5" inside measure, 1.25" gap. Frank Vacit ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to d*******f for (650.00 + 162.50BP) = 812.50
 
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Frank Vacit Zuni Bird Bolo  [137137]3128 - Frank Vacit Zuni Bird Bolo [137137]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice inlay in this Zuni bird by Frank Vacit. Very collectable. 2.25"x1.25". Date: 1940's-50's Country (if not USA): State: N...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Frank Vacit--Knifewing Bolo  [137125]3129 - Frank Vacit--Knifewing Bolo [137125]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vintage Knifewing bolo attributed to Frank Vacit. 1.75" x 1.5". This if a great example of Vacit's work. Brown leather tie with long s...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (190.00 + 47.50BP) = 237.50
 
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Gary Vacit Ring  [137207]3130 - Gary Vacit Ring [137207]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Peyote Bird ring by Gary Vacit, size 6. Measures 1.75" x 1.5". Great inlay and silver work. Date: c 1960's Country (if not USA): S...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Ghan Dancer  [137143]3131 - Ghan Dancer [137143]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Ghan Dancer, also known as the Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer is probably by Vera Luna (1930-1982). Very small bolo (1.75" x .75") in ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Ghan Dancer  [137163]3132 - Ghan Dancer [137163]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
apache Spirit Dancer by Anna Rita and Lambert Home Jr. 2.25" x 1.75". gorgeous mosaic inlay in mother of pearl oval. silver work looks lik...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Gooney Bird by Jacob Haloo  [137179]3133 - Gooney Bird by Jacob Haloo [137179]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Jacob Haloo created this modern, charming bolo of a Gooney Bird. 1.75" x 1.25". No hallmark. His work is called overlay Inlay, which requi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to d*******f for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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H L Zunie Turquoise Cuff  [137238]3134 - H L Zunie Turquoise Cuff [137238]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Turquoise inlay over silver. Helen Lincoln Zunie designed this amazing cuff. The inlaid area is raised above main silver cuff which features twisted w
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to d*******f for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Homer & Myra Vacit Eagle Pin  [136588]3135 - Homer & Myra Vacit Eagle Pin [136588]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Eagle pin, an"H" scratched on reverse by Homer and Myra Vacit. Nice inlay in silver. 2" x 1,75". Date: Country (if not USA): ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 350.00 | Estimate : 700.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Homer & Myra Vacit--Knifewing Bolo  [137181]3136 - Homer & Myra Vacit--Knifewing Bolo [137181]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rainbow Man bolo by Myra& Homer Vacit was done before grout wires were removed. You can see in the top corners of the piece and in several areas...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 600.00 | Estimate : 1,200.00 - 1,800.00
 
 
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