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...
Choose Your Layout > Switch to Grid View Switch to List View
Military Buttons from Civil War to WW 2  [137727]3400 - Military Buttons from Civil War to WW 2 [137727]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a cache of 25 buttons and pins. Four coat buttons from the Civil War, Scovill, one is Horstman, one Boylan. Many others are WW2 vintage infant
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Two Civil War Confederate Fobs  [137731]3401 - Two Civil War Confederate Fobs [137731]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The first fob offered is the 39th UCV (United Confederate Veterans) fob. It actually started as a medal with ribbon when originally issued to particip
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Civil War Letter & Photograph  [132576]3402 - Civil War Letter & Photograph [132576]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A touching handwritten letter from the Hospital of the Illinois Cavalry from Legrange Tennesse: "To Mrs. Murdock, Re Joseph Murdock, patient, g...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
Details...Bookmark
Civil War Document for Clothing Allotments-Connecticut Heavy Artillery 1864  [135993]3403 - Civil War Document for Clothing Allotments-Connecticut Heavy Artillery 1864 [135993]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This clothing roster is for Company I , 12th Connecticut Heavy Artillery dated (illegible) 9th, 1864 received by Captain John H. Burton. There are 61
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Confederate Letter Recording Recruitment and Loyalty to the South  [131569]3404 - Confederate Letter Recording Recruitment and Loyalty to the South [131569]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This letter is written by a surviving Confederate soldier listing the Southern recruitments from 1861 through 1864, as well as referencing J. M. Longs
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Civil War General CDV Collection  [134167]3405 - Civil War General CDV Collection [134167]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 6 different. Some are identified on the reverse, but we're not sure the accuracy of these identifications. Includes: two identified as Ge...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Confederate Generals CDV Group  [134175]3406 - Confederate Generals CDV Group [134175]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 6 different. Very rare. Identified in pencil on reverse. Five are published by E&HT Anthony, New York. Includes: Gen. Arnold Elzey; two d...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (550.00 + 137.50BP) = 687.50
 
Details...Bookmark
Early Civil War Confederate General CDVs  [134183]3407 - Early Civil War Confederate General CDVs [134183]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3 different early shots of Civil War generals. Identified in pencil on the reverse. Two are published by E&HT Anthony, New York. Includes...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
Details...Bookmark
Tintype Photo of a Civil War Soldier with Spencer Rifle  [137532]3408 - Tintype Photo of a Civil War Soldier with Spencer Rifle [137532]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This tintype photo depicts a Spanish-American War soldier, with a trapdoor Springfield musket. An extremely rare quality photograph. The tintype is in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to p******1 for (180.00 + 39.60BP) = 219.60
 
Details...Bookmark
Stereoview of George Washington Military HQ in Newburgh, NY [134209]3409 - Stereoview of George Washington Military HQ in Newburgh, NY [134209]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Thanks to an observant customer, we now know that this is a stereo-view of Washington's headquarters in Newburgh, NY, a.k.a. the Hasbrouck House...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to p******1 for (45.00 + 9.90BP) = 54.90
 
Details...Bookmark
Men's Portraits, Civil War Era Tin Types Album  [135623]3410 - Men's Portraits, Civil War Era Tin Types Album [135623]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Twelve CDV-size tintypes from a folding pocket album. None identified. At least four shots appear to contain the same man, sometimes with others. Two
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 140.00 - 200.00
Sold to p******1 for (140.00 + 30.80BP) = 170.80
 
Details...Bookmark
Photographic History of the Civil War in 10 Volumes  [136473]3411 - Photographic History of the Civil War in 10 Volumes [136473]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Francis Miller, editor, NY, the review of reviews company 1912. Blue binding, 8.5x11" generally very fine. Outstanding photographic history of ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
"The Smoked Yank" Autographed by Author  [135842]3412 - "The Smoked Yank" Autographed by Author [135842]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"The Smoked Yank" by Melvin Grigsby c1888. Book gives an account of the Civil War. In later years, the author lead a detachment during the...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
Details...Bookmark
"The Civil War Through the Camera"   [136788]3413 - "The Civil War Through the Camera" [136788]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A 16 volume set in softcover detailing the Civil War with photographs actually taken in Civil War Times. Also includes Elson's New History. Plea...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
 
Details...Bookmark
Autobiography of Civil War General P,H, Sheridan (2)  [136818]3414 - Autobiography of Civil War General P,H, Sheridan (2) [136818]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two volume set of General Phillip Sheridan's U.S. IANA 394-398) autobiography c1888. Life and times of the Union General and Indian Wars partici...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 240.00 - 300.00
Sold to 2*****l for (120.00 + 26.40BP) = 146.40
 
Details...Bookmark
Civil War Army Strategy  [135977]3415 - Civil War Army Strategy [135977]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
These two early books outline strategies for battle in the mid-19th century. First, we have ""Advanced Guard Outpost & Detachment Serv...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 160.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Civil War Book Pair (2)  [135855]3416 - Civil War Book Pair (2) [135855]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two books about the Civil War, or as one book is entitled "History of the Great Rebellion" by Thomas B. Kettell c1865. Fly pages are intac...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to r*****r for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
Details...Bookmark
Civil War History Trio of Books  [135840]3417 - Civil War History Trio of Books [135840]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three rare, massive reference books written about the War Between the States in retrospect. The first is "Catalogue of Connecticut Volunteers...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Four Books on Civil War Experiences  [136792]3418 - Four Books on Civil War Experiences [136792]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four books, each offering first hand accounts of the War Between the States. First, "On Wheels and How I came There" by Private W.B. Smith...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
General Sherman Biographies (3)  [136814]3419 - General Sherman Biographies (3) [136814]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three books that offer different views and accounts of the life of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. First we have "Sherman and His Campa...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
Details...Bookmark