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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2 Trays of Encased Cent Dies  [137481]5480 - 2 Trays of Encased Cent Dies [137481]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 140 encased cents in horseshoe shape from the Northwest Territorial Mint Die Collection. A variety of businesses, parks, etc. from all over Ame
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to M*******l for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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4 Trays of Dollar Sized Dies  [137480]5481 - 4 Trays of Dollar Sized Dies [137480]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Historic collection from the Northwest Territorial Mint. Approx 320 dollar sized dies from all over America representing a myriad of businesses from m
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to M*******l for (600.00 + 150.00BP) = 750.00
 
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Box of Dies from the Northwest Territorial Mint Collection (104)  [136749]5482 - Box of Dies from the Northwest Territorial Mint Collection (104) [136749]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
96 are dollar sized and 8 are half dollar sized. Wide variety of subject matter, music, celebrations, good luck, and store cards, a coin shop. Includi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to M*******l for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Box of Key Fob Tag Dies (113)  [136712]5483 - Box of Key Fob Tag Dies (113) [136712]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
From the Northwest Territorial Mint Historic Die Collection, probably originated at the Norther Mint. A variety of subject matter from store cards, ba
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to l*********r for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Horseshoe-Shaped Encased Cent Die Collection (225)  [136714]5484 - Horseshoe-Shaped Encased Cent Die Collection (225) [136714]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 trays of dies comprised of 225 dies from a variety of locations all over America including the West. A variety of businesses - banks, clubs, store c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to c*****r for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Two Trays of Dies Nearly all Good For (340)  [136716]5485 - Two Trays of Dies Nearly all Good For (340) [136716]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 340 dies in all. Includes obverses and reverses. Includes a variety of business's from all over America such as the Ohau bar, Shefields, g...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to c*****r for (375.00 + 93.75BP) = 468.75
 
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Two Trays of Dollar Sized Dies (122)  [136715]5486 - Two Trays of Dollar Sized Dies (122) [136715]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
122 dollar sized dies Includes 8 encased cent pieces. A variety of locations from all over America. High School, various businesses, kennel club, bank
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to c*****r for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Two Boxes of Mostly 1 Dollar Sized Dies (147)  [136713]5487 - Two Boxes of Mostly 1 Dollar Sized Dies (147) [136713]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 147, only 14 are smaller than dollar sized. This is another group from the Northwest Territorial Mint Collection. Includes coin shops, clubs, s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to c*****r for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Famous Early Die Sinker Billhead  [132590]5488 - Famous Early Die Sinker Billhead [132590]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
R. Lovett, Jr. of Philadelphia billed himself as a Seal Engraver offering Coats of Arms engraved on stone. Billhead is light blue paper with bold blue
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to r*********1 for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
 
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US Fun Money and Scrip  [136107]5489 - US Fun Money and Scrip [136107]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
An odd group of play money and scrip, some issued as legal tender in specific places, and others just used for promotional and entertainment purposes.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 150.00
Sold to c*********p for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Funny Money Advertising Notes  [136382]5490 - Funny Money Advertising Notes [136382]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three different currency like advertising notes: 1) Rancho Bucks, 1975 (1); 2) The Disorganized State of Sinclaria (8); Whiskey Gulch Fun Notes, Canyo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to l********b.. for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
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Foreign Coin Group  [136390]5491 - Foreign Coin Group [136390]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 48 foreign coins, including Mexican silver, some metal detector finds. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Canadian Penny Collection  [136775]5492 - Canadian Penny Collection [136775]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Canadian penny collection 1858-1965. Over 200 envelopes for each year, many with multiple coins. Also six BU rolls of 1960s Canadian pennies. Ex: Ron
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to d*******f for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Jefferson Nickel Collection  [136400]5493 - Jefferson Nickel Collection [136400]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One BU roll 1958 Jefferson nickels. One coin album: Library of Coins, Volume 7, Jefferson Head Nickels 1938 - , with 63 coins. One proof 1955, one 194
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Coins and Miscellaneous   [132549]5494 - Coins and Miscellaneous [132549]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The last box of an estate: 1962 U.S. Proof Set; token to a bawdy house in New Orleans; four sets of cuff links; a monogrammed cigarette lighter &quo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to 0*******a for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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U.S. Proof Sets & Uncirculated Sets  [131157]5495 - U.S. Proof Sets & Uncirculated Sets [131157]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
In original mint packaging: 1) Partial 1956 Uncirculated set: 2 pennies, 2 nickels, 2 dimes, 2 quarters (no half dollars); 2) 1964 Uncirculated set; 3
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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US Mint Set Group, D & P, 1984-85, 1987-95, 1998, 2006  [138911]5496 - US Mint Set Group, D & P, 1984-85, 1987-95, 1998, 2006 [138911]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fourteen US Mint Uncirculated Coin Sets including both D and P mint marks for 1984-1995 (except for 1986), and 1998 and 2006. All in original paper en
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 100.00
Sold to b****0 for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Teaching Coins for Kindergarten  [135104]5497 - Teaching Coins for Kindergarten [135104]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
In original box Bradley's Kindergarten Material, 43 cardboard coins fashioned after coinage of the 1860s and 1870s. Liberty seated coinage, Morg...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to n*******e for (120.00 + 26.40BP) = 146.40
 
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Miscellaneous Token & Exonumia Lot  [135219]5498 - Miscellaneous Token & Exonumia Lot [135219]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 19 pieces: U.S. Grant 1868; Erie, PA German singing group; Austria Francis II; Cavett's System Regulator advertising mirror, Topeka, Kans...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to b****0 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Religious Medal Collection  [135888]5499 - Religious Medal Collection [135888]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 74 religious medals. Some pendants, four pinbacks. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Benjamin Fauver Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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