Sizzling Summer Western Americana Auction (August 2021)

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location3555 Airway Drive Suite 309, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States In Person PreviewPreview

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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Georgetown Loop Cabinet Card & Stereoview  [134173]1140 - Georgetown Loop Cabinet Card & Stereoview [134173]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2 different. 1) Cabinet card showing fabulous scene of train parked on bridge over river. Alex. Martin, Rocky Mountain Views. Published at 1634
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Glenwood Springs Resort Stereoview & Boudoir Photograph  [134200]1141 - Glenwood Springs Resort Stereoview & Boudoir Photograph [134200]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2. 1) Boudoir photograph card, No. 1034, "In the Pool at Glenwood." Views Along the Colorado Midland Railway. Advertising label att...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 180.00 | Estimate : 360.00 - 700.00
 
 
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Cabinet Card of Elk Herd in Snow at Lay, Colorado  [135818]1142 - Cabinet Card of Elk Herd in Snow at Lay, Colorado [135818]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Elk. No. 4." Photographer identified at bottom right as "A.G. Wallihan, Lay, Colo." View of a herd of elk resting on snowy hill...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Colorado & Arizona 1885 Newspapers  [136837]1143 - Colorado & Arizona 1885 Newspapers [136837]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A group of three (3) newspaper sections from Leadville, Colorado, Phoenix, Arizona Territory. As a bonus, we've included a section from Indianap...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to r*****r for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Leadville Ephemera  [137357]1144 - Leadville Ephemera [137357]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of five pieces of Leadville history. Billheads from Niblock Brothers; E. Nuckolls, dealer in hay grain & wagons; The Leadville Abstract Comp...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Leadville Photographs & a Check  [135870]1145 - Leadville Photographs & a Check [135870]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3. 1) Cabinet card of a Leadville dog. Photo by Anderson & Co., First Grade Studio, 219 Harrison Ave., Leadville, Colorado. According to ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to r********e for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Leadville Ephemera: Newspapers and Sheet Music  [136029]1146 - Leadville Ephemera: Newspapers and Sheet Music [136029]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two newspapers and a piece of sheet music related to Leadville, Colorado, including a copy of the Carbonate Chronicle date September 6, 1884, a copy o
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Ute Iron Spring, Manitou, Colorado Cabinet Card  [135816]1147 - Ute Iron Spring, Manitou, Colorado Cabinet Card [135816]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Cabinet card by H.W. Wyman, Dealer in Watches, Diamonds, Fine Jewelry, Navajo Blankets, Indian and Mexican Pottery, No. 10 South Tejon Street, Colorad
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
 
 
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Manitou, Colorado Boudoir Card  [134176]1148 - Manitou, Colorado Boudoir Card [134176]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice early view of Manitou with large sign visible on building in foreground, "A Public Resort for Gentlemen." No photographer identified,...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 120.00 | Estimate : 240.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Colorado Letter About Cowboy Looking For Work  [134172]1149 - Colorado Letter About Cowboy Looking For Work [134172]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dateline Montrose, Colo, March 6th, 1897. Letter addressed to Friend Adsit, from Andy Cady. Andy mentions learning that Jim Moore is no longer working
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to L******8 for (150.00 + 33.00BP) = 183.00
 
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Ouray Gem of the Rockies Brochure  [132636]1150 - Ouray Gem of the Rockies Brochure [132636]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Excellent condition 1903 brochure depicting the beauty of Ouray and it's surrounding mountains. About 25 pages, green cover, 9 x 7 inches. Date...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to L******8 for (60.00 + 13.20BP) = 73.20
 
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Pike's Peak Vintage Tourist Brochures  [132613]1151 - Pike's Peak Vintage Tourist Brochures [132613]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four pieces inviting tourists to visit Pike's Peak. Pike's Peak by Auto; Pike's Peak via World Famous Cog Wheel Route; Take The Electric...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to L****n for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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Platte Canal Cabinet Card   [135832]1152 - Platte Canal Cabinet Card [135832]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Advertising cabinet card for the Platte Canal in Platte Canyon, Colorado. Compliments of The Platte Land Co. (Ltd). Bates & Muhr, Photographers,...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Birds-Eye View Mounted Photograph of Silverton, Colorado  [134165]1153 - Birds-Eye View Mounted Photograph of Silverton, Colorado [134165]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice birds-eye view of Silverton showing rows of houses and structures with mountains in the background. 5 x 8" Pen notation on front reads &qu...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to R*******8 for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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"South Cheyenne Canon with Pen & Camera" Booklet  [135295]1154 - "South Cheyenne Canon with Pen & Camera" Booklet [135295]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Published by Hull Brothers, Proprietors of South Cheyenne Canon, Colorado Springs, Colorado." Printed by Capron-Stott Printing Co., Denver, in ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to L******8 for (30.00 + 6.60BP) = 36.60
 
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Trinidad, Colorado Tourism Booklet  [135285]1155 - Trinidad, Colorado Tourism Booklet [135285]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Trinidad booklet titled "The Town to Tie To." Published by The Richter-McNaughton Drug Co. in Trinidad. No date but appears to be c.1915 b...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to L******8 for (30.00 + 6.60BP) = 36.60
 
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Inter-Laken Hotel Photo Brochure  [132617]1156 - Inter-Laken Hotel Photo Brochure [132617]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Published by the Gazette Printing co. of Colorado Springs, this eight page booklet invites tourists to the Inter-Laken Hotel of Twin Lakes. Four photo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to L******8 for (40.00 + 8.80BP) = 48.80
 
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W.E. Hook, Colorado Landscape Photography Archive  [134181]1157 - W.E. Hook, Colorado Landscape Photography Archive [134181]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 15 different boudoir photographs of natural scenes in Colorado published by W.E. Hook. Views include: Cascade Canon; Lots Wife, Garden of the G
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
 
 
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Colorado Stereoview Collection Plus Bonus  [134196]1158 - Colorado Stereoview Collection Plus Bonus [134196]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 8 different pieces. 1) Seven photographs: six stereoviews and one cabinet card. Stereoviews include: Gateway, Garden of the Gods (1877, Kilburn
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
 
 
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"Scenes in the Rocky Mountains" (Scenic Booklet)  [135734]1159 - "Scenes in the Rocky Mountains" (Scenic Booklet) [135734]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare and in very good condition. Copyright 1888 by Chas. Lee for the Colorado Midland Railroad. Published by Ward Bros., Columbus. Illustrations of si
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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