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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Aviation Pioneer Postcards #2 - Hamilton and Curtiss - 3  [137097]2440 - Aviation Pioneer Postcards #2 - Hamilton and Curtiss - 3 [137097]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three postcards from 1910 featuring aviation pioneers Charles K. Hamilton and Glenn Curtiss: Hamilton Ready for Flight in Curtiss Biplane; Glenn Curti
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Aviation Pioneer Postcards #3 - Curtis, Hamilton, and Paulman - 5  [137098]2441 - Aviation Pioneer Postcards #3 - Curtis, Hamilton, and Paulman - 5 [137098]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Among the earliest airplane pilots who demonstrated the wonders of aviation were French aviator Louis Paulhan, and Americans Charles K. Hamilton (&q...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 900.00
Sold to d*******f for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Aviation Pioneer Postcards #4 - Louis Paulhan - 7 pcs  [137101]2442 - Aviation Pioneer Postcards #4 - Louis Paulhan - 7 pcs [137101]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
French pilot Louis Paulhan was a frequent participant in airshows in the US and Europe. At the 1910 Los Angeles International Air Meet at Dominguez Fi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 900.00
Sold to d*******f for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Aviation Pioneer Postcards #5 - Art Smith - 3  [137104]2443 - Aviation Pioneer Postcards #5 - Art Smith - 3 [137104]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Art Smith was an American aviator who became a noted stunt pilot, sometimes flying with flares at night. He flew at the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition af
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Aviation Pioneer Postcards #6 - Latham & Radley - 4  [137105]2444 - Aviation Pioneer Postcards #6 - Latham & Radley - 4 [137105]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hubert Latham was a French airplane pilot who made the first attempts to cross the English Channel in an airplane. Being unsuccessful in both attempts
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Aviation Pioneer Postcards #7 - Charles F. Willard - 1  [137106]2445 - Aviation Pioneer Postcards #7 - Charles F. Willard - 1 [137106]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Charles F. Willard was an American aviator and engineer who took to flying as a stunt pilot and ushered in the age of barnstorming. This postcard show
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Aviation Pioneer Postcards #8 - Douglas Corrigan - 1  [137107]2446 - Aviation Pioneer Postcards #8 - Douglas Corrigan - 1 [137107]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Douglas Corrigan was an American aviator and aircraft mechanic who became famous for an unapproved flight from New York to Ireland in 1938. He had alr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 150.00
Sold to j*****0 for (25.00 + 5.50BP) = 30.50
 
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Aviation Pioneers #9 - The Wright Brothers - 19  [137109]2447 - Aviation Pioneers #9 - The Wright Brothers - 19 [137109]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No series of Aviation Pioneers would be complete without an entry for Wilbur and Orville Wright. Here are 4 black & white and 15 color postcards...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to j*****0 for (60.00 + 13.20BP) = 73.20
 
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Aviation Pioneer Postcards #10 - Pioneer Airfields - 13 pcs  [137110]2448 - Aviation Pioneer Postcards #10 - Pioneer Airfields - 13 pcs [137110]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Many pioneer aviators were instrumental in establishing government and private airfields across the United States, and these 3 B&W and 10 color ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to j*******h for (50.00 + 11.00BP) = 61.00
 
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Aviation Pioneers #11 - Early Airplanes - 44  [137111]2449 - Aviation Pioneers #11 - Early Airplanes - 44 [137111]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The earliest airplanes use by aviation pioneers were fragile contraptions that could be broken in a light breeze. Looking at them today, it can be a s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to j*******h for (120.00 + 26.40BP) = 146.40
 
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Graf Zeppelin Postcard with 45 cents in Postage  [135768]2450 - Graf Zeppelin Postcard with 45 cents in Postage [135768]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early printed color card of Seaside Park at Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mailed "By German Airship LZ127 from Los Angeles to Lakehurst." Four ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Early Aviation Postcard Collection  [133661]2451 - Early Aviation Postcard Collection [133661]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 13 real photo postcards of early aviation. "Daddy took this in 1911"; first flight of the DC 4; James Radley in his Bleriot; T.W.A....
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Early Aviation Special Occasion Postcards - 12  [137113]2452 - Early Aviation Special Occasion Postcards - 12 [137113]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early aviation captured the public imagination, and these 3 B&W and 9 color, special-occasion postcards use an aviation theme in sending good wi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to m********s.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Ford Tri-motor Advertising Post Cards  [135128]2453 - Ford Tri-motor Advertising Post Cards [135128]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three unused post cards issued by the Ford Motor Company to sell their Ford de luxe club plane. Elegant prose extolls the plane's virtue...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Ezra Meeker at the 1910 L.A. Air Meet - 4 pcs  [137099]2454 - Ezra Meeker at the 1910 L.A. Air Meet - 4 pcs [137099]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ezra Meeker was is known as an American pioneer who travelled the Oregon Trail as a young man, and in his later years he sought to preserve the histor
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Babe Ruth Postcards (47)  [136092]2455 - Babe Ruth Postcards (47) [136092]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Several photo postcards showing various shots of the Great Bambino, George Herman "Babe" Ruth. Most appear to come from a series called &q...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Baseball Postcard Group  (11)  [136089]2456 - Baseball Postcard Group (11) [136089]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A small gathering of eleven (11) postcards with baseball themes. Included are a couple of novelty joke cards, Guinn Field and minor league park in San
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 120.00
Sold to k******k for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Baseball Postcard Collection  [137471]2457 - Baseball Postcard Collection [137471]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This lot is a group of baseball about 30 postcards from C.1900s to 1970. See photo. Included in this lot is a special set of 9 RPCs of men dressed as
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Football Postcard Group (Approx 125-150 cards)  [138124]2458 - Football Postcard Group (Approx 125-150 cards) [138124]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Includes a number of early RPCS of football teams and games, a group of humorous football cards, c1910 and a number of cards from the WWII era. Date
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Olympics Postcard Collections (Approx 50)  [138122]2459 - Olympics Postcard Collections (Approx 50) [138122]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
From various Olympics, particularly Los Angeles. Mostly printed cards. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Ken Prag Colle
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to k******k for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
Details...Bookmark