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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Rain Bird Bolo  [137195]3197 - Rain Bird Bolo [137195]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unknown artist, or possibly Dan Simplicio designed this Rain Bird/Water Bird. 2" diameter. Silver overlay of turquoise, coral and jet. Piece id...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 500.00
Sold to 6******n for (375.00 + 93.75BP) = 468.75
 
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Rainbow Man Bolo  [136583]3198 - Rainbow Man Bolo [136583]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vintage Zuni Rainbow Man bolo, done with separations between parts of inlay, set in silver with twisted wire. Black/brown leather tie with small silve
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to f*****E for (150.00 + 0.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Rainbow Man Bolo  [137124]3199 - Rainbow Man Bolo [137124]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vintage, rainbow Man--imperfect silver and stone inlay, but beautiful. Set in silver with silver etched rainbow 2" x 2". brown tie, silver...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 350.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Rainbow Man by Elliot Qualo  [137180]3200 - Rainbow Man by Elliot Qualo [137180]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Elliot Qualo (1930-1974) designed this Rainbow Man--His distinctive technique of stone in stone is amazing with the tiny cuts he makes. the quality sh
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (750.00 + 187.50BP) = 937.50
 
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Ram Kachina by Andrew Dewa  [137183]3201 - Ram Kachina by Andrew Dewa [137183]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Mosaic overlay three-dimensional style. Andrew Dewa does raised overlay, which is difficult and also carves into the stones. An incredibly beautiful b
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 900.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to d*******f for (550.00 + 137.50BP) = 687.50
 
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Rare Carmichael Haloo Jet Bolo  [137185]3202 - Rare Carmichael Haloo Jet Bolo [137185]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fish scale in jet on this beautiful round bolo by Carmichael Haloo (signed on reverse) Set in silver with alternating floral design. 2" diamete...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to M********9 for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Roadrunner Bolo  [137122]3203 - Roadrunner Bolo [137122]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautiful inlay of roadrunner with cactus-abalone shell, drawing on shell, turquoise, and coral. This roadrunner has the perfect roadrunner expression
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*****m for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Roadrunner by Blake & Velma Lesansee  [136965]3204 - Roadrunner by Blake & Velma Lesansee [136965]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautifully designed roadrunner inlay pin (made so it can also be a pendant) by Blake (-1988) and Velma (-2013) Lesansee. Turquoise, jet, opal, mothe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 220.00 - 340.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Saiyatasha--Long Horn Bolo  [137134]3205 - Saiyatasha--Long Horn Bolo [137134]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Probably Dexter Cellicion (1931-1999), another of the master artists. This round bolo of mother of pearl, jet, turquoise and spiney oyster is set in s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
 
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Sammy & Ester Guardian Bolo  [136572]3206 - Sammy & Ester Guardian Bolo [136572]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Incredible large round bolo (3" diameter) in coral, mother of pearl, jet, turquoise set in sterling. Image of cardinal in coral Zuni jewelers (...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 350.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Shriner Inlay Bolo  [137168]3207 - Shriner Inlay Bolo [137168]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Shriner design by Wilford and Lena Quandelancy. Inlay of mother of pearl, jet , turquoise and coral, blade is silver . 1.5" x 2.75". ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 160.00
Sold to d*****m for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Silver, Turquoise, Coral Bolo  [137200]3208 - Silver, Turquoise, Coral Bolo [137200]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Bolo by Dan Simplicio. Branch coral Nevada turquoise (natural stone) set in silver, etched silver design. 2" x 1". Date: c 1950's-60...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Simplicio Bolo Slide  [137234]3209 - Simplicio Bolo Slide [137234]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dan Simplicio (1917-1969) designed this magnificent horse head inlay and natural turquoise stone bolo. Horse head inlay in mother of pearl, jet and si
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to 6******n for (550.00 + 137.50BP) = 687.50
 
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Simplicio Mosaic Inlay Bolo  [136986]3210 - Simplicio Mosaic Inlay Bolo [136986]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Master jeweler Dan Simplicio (1917-1969) created this rare earlier inlay Peyote bird of turquoise, spiny oyster, jet and mother of pearl. Very fine si
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to P***a for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Snake Bolo by Dan Simplicio  [137136]3211 - Snake Bolo by Dan Simplicio [137136]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Classic Dan Simplicio silver snake and leaf design with natural turquoise and coral bolo. 1.75" x 1,5". No hallmark. Date: 1940's-5...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Standing Buck and Raincloud Bolo  [137135]3212 - Standing Buck and Raincloud Bolo [137135]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Bolo by Lambert Homer, Sr. (1917-1972). Beautiful inlay and etching. Toshio Sei's book "Figural Design in Zuni Jewelry features many pieces...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to b*********7 for (375.00 + 93.75BP) = 468.75
 
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Sterling and Turquoise Rainbow Man Pin  [137264]3213 - Sterling and Turquoise Rainbow Man Pin [137264]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rainbow Man by Lee Edaakie (1914-19084). He designed the sterling silver channel turquoise inlay--the silver has become as important and the turquoise
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Striking Peyote Bird Bolo  [137123]3214 - Striking Peyote Bird Bolo [137123]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Attributed to Dan Simplicio, but we do not agree. Inlay of jet, turquoise coral, white stone with nice silver work and set in silver. 2" x 1.5&...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to k****9 for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Sunface Bolo  [137156]3215 - Sunface Bolo [137156]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Sadie and Morris Laahty, artists who made this elegant Zuni Sunface bolo. Mother of pearl, tortoise shell, turquoise, jet, spiney oyster. 2" di...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to D*******n for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Sunface Bolo Clasp  [137162]3216 - Sunface Bolo Clasp [137162]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Zuni Sunface by Rosemary and Dexter Celicion. Beautiful inlay work set in silver. 2" x 1.5". No hallmark. Date: c 1957-67 Country (if n...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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