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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Three Inlay Rings  [137209]3217 - Three Inlay Rings [137209]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Charming Owl ring--jet, turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, abalone shell set in silver--size 7. 1.5" x 1.25". 2) Butterfly inlay ring--...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Three Knifewing  Pins  [137219]3218 - Three Knifewing Pins [137219]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) All turquoise inlay, pin, c 1950's-60'd.1.25". 2) Appealing Vintage Knifewing, pin/pendant attributed to Bowman Paywa. c 1950's-...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*****m for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Turquoise & Coral Bolo  [137172]3219 - Turquoise & Coral Bolo [137172]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Natural turquoise stone and branch coral set in silver. Hand etched silver, probably by Mike Simplicio. 2" x 1.5". Black leather tie, nice...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Turquoise Channel Inlay Bolo  [137188]3220 - Turquoise Channel Inlay Bolo [137188]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unknown artist. Rectangular turquoise channel overlay. Sterling silver. 1.5" x 1.25". Nice piece. Date: c 1957-67 Country (if not USA):...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to f*****E for (110.00 + 0.00BP) = 110.00
 
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Turquoise Channel Inlay Bolo  [137174]3221 - Turquoise Channel Inlay Bolo [137174]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This bolo by Alice Leeka Homer is stunning. Her distinctive work features two continuous lines from one side to the other. Very small cuts of turquois
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Turquoise Knifewing Bolo  [136579]3222 - Turquoise Knifewing Bolo [136579]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unusual, all turquoise Knifewing bolo, mosaic inlay, stones set individually in silver. Unsigned, possibly Harold Tucson. Black tie with silver tips.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (950.00 + 237.50BP) = 1,187.50
 
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Turquoise Mosaic Knifewing  [136585]3223 - Turquoise Mosaic Knifewing [136585]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vintage turquoise mosaic in silver Knifewing by Lee Edaakie, unsigned.1.25" x 1.25". Black leather tie, silver tips. Date: Country (if ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Turquoise Needlepoint Cuff  [137237]3224 - Turquoise Needlepoint Cuff [137237]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Stamped sterling silver turquoise needlepoint cuff. Stamped inside "S H". Inside measure, 4.5", 1" gap. Very good condition. D...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to C*****r for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Two Fab Pair Earrings  [137228]3225 - Two Fab Pair Earrings [137228]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Annie Quam Gasper small Hummingbird screw back earrings. Turquoise channel inlay, .75". 2) Zuni Sunface pierced earrings by E. A. Zunie. Mos...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to r**4 for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Two Inlay Bolo Slides  [137198]3226 - Two Inlay Bolo Slides [137198]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Sunface, attributed to Myra Tucson. Beautiful small bolo slide, inlaid with spiney oyster, jet, turquoise mother of pearl with twisted wire edging,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to b*********7 for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Two Sunface Pins  [137262]3227 - Two Sunface Pins [137262]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
These are attributed to Lambert Homer Sr., very similar to his design, but with needle point feathers. face area raised higher than feather area. Each
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Unusual Apache Mountain Dancer  [137199]3228 - Unusual Apache Mountain Dancer [137199]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This rather unsophisticated style Apache Mountain Dancer is inlaid in silver and mounted on tortoise shell with a beaded silver outline. This is a bea
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to K*****1 for (275.00 + 60.50BP) = 335.50
 
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Unusual Hopi Bird Pin  [137267]3229 - Unusual Hopi Bird Pin [137267]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very different and unusual head and silver design in this Hopi Bird. beautiful channel inlay and great silver edging, attributed to Leo Poblano. 1.7...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to d*******f for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Vacit Fish Scale Bolo  [137190]3230 - Vacit Fish Scale Bolo [137190]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Possibly by Bessie Vacit copied from Frank Vacit. turquoise inlay in random pattern set in silver , all set atop etched silver with curvy edges. 2&q...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Vera Luna Comanche Dancer Pendant  [137280]3231 - Vera Luna Comanche Dancer Pendant [137280]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vera Luna (1930-1982) designed this Comanche Dancer Pendant, 2.25" diameter with silver dangles makes it 3.75" long. Comanche head is chan...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Vera Luna Eagle Dancer  [136596]3232 - Vera Luna Eagle Dancer [136596]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very large--3.5" x 4" Eagle Dancer. Jet, coral mother of pearl, abalone shell, carved turquoise set in silver with twisted wire. Vera Luna...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Vincent Dishta--Covered Wagon Bolo  [137186]3233 - Vincent Dishta--Covered Wagon Bolo [137186]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vincent and Marvina Dishta (name stamped on reverse) sterling silver stone inlay bolo. Turquoise mother of pearl, and coral inlay on covered wagon and
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (650.00 + 162.50BP) = 812.50
 
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Vintage Knifewing Bolo  [137166]3234 - Vintage Knifewing Bolo [137166]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small size, elegant Knifewing old style bolo with set rings. Unknown artist. 1.5" x 1.5". Date: c 1940's Country (if not USA): Sta...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to r******n for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Vintage Peyote Bird  [137205]3235 - Vintage Peyote Bird [137205]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Artist id unknown. Nice Peyote Bird inlaid with green turquoise, coral, jet, and mother of pearl. Delicate silver edging. 1.25" x 1.25". ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Vintage Rainbow Man Bolo  [137173]3236 - Vintage Rainbow Man Bolo [137173]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early channel inlay Rainbow Man bolo. Nice small piece--1.5" x 1". Unknown artist. Date: Country (if not USA): State: New Mexico Ci...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to D*******n for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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