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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Nordale Hotel Bar & Pool Room Token  [137330]5520 - Nordale Hotel Bar & Pool Room Token [137330]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This bimetallic token is missing the outer aluminum ring. Miner's pick, shovel and pan obverse; 25c reverse. Copper, rd., 20 mm. Date: Count...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to M******m for (10.00 + 2.50BP) = 12.50
 
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Gasoline Tokens Jameson Oil Company  [135663]5521 - Gasoline Tokens Jameson Oil Company [135663]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Book of tokens from the Club Service Station, Westminster and Second, Venice, California good for one or five gallons of Propello Gasoline made by the
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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California Coin Op Gasoline Tokens  [136765]5522 - California Coin Op Gasoline Tokens [136765]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 86 tokens good for $1 in gasoline at stations around California. Chula Vista, San Jose, Redwood City and others. White metal, 32 mm. Date: C
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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Madera Tokens  [136398]5523 - Madera Tokens [136398]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three: 1) Madera Sugar Pine Co. / 50c / Merchandise Only // (same); Rd., al., 30 mm. 2) J. M. Stevens / Yosemite / Avenue / Medara, Cal. // Goo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to r****2 for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Brooklyn Hotel Tokens  [136758]5524 - Brooklyn Hotel Tokens [136758]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 35 tokens. 1)The Brooklyn / Hotel / Napa, Cal. // Good For One / 10c / Drink; Al., rd. 24 mm.(17). 2) Brooklyn / Hotel / Napa // Good For / 5c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Oakland, Brooklyn & Fruitvale Railroad Tokens  [136435]5525 - Oakland, Brooklyn & Fruitvale Railroad Tokens [136435]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of seven of one of the earliest California transportation tokens. Pictorial horse and streetcar, dated 1871. Date: Country (if not USA): Sta
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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Dealer Lot of Roseville Pool Hall Tokens  [136770]5526 - Dealer Lot of Roseville Pool Hall Tokens [136770]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
(28) ARCADE POOL HALL / T.D. KARCALATOS.. / ROSEVILLE, CAL. // GOOD FOR / 5¢ / IN TRADE; Br. rd., 21 mm. (33) Roseville Billiard Parlor. (61)
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
 
 
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L. H. Moise Tokens  [136653]5527 - L. H. Moise Tokens [136653]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 14 tokens made by L.H. Moise of 320 Sansome St. in San Francisco. Moise had worked for C.A. Klinkner but went into business for himself after K
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to p***d for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Moise Klinkner Token Collection  [136750]5528 - Moise Klinkner Token Collection [136750]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 35 tokens made by the San Francisco company Moise-Klinkner, makers of signs, checks, rubber stamps and tokens. Many are telephone tokens. Ex: R
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Patrick & Company Tokens  [136654]5529 - Patrick & Company Tokens [136654]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 22 tokens made by Patrick and Company, 560 Market Street in San Francisco, or 221 Sansome Street. Maker of rubber stamps, stencils, seals. Ex:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Red Rubber Stamp Co. Tokens  [136658]5530 - Red Rubber Stamp Co. Tokens [136658]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two: Ring up / Market / 1656 / for / red rubber stamps / seals, checks // telephone tokens / made by / Moise / Klinkner Co. / 1212 / Market St.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to c******n for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Token Manufacturer Tokens  [136506]5531 - Token Manufacturer Tokens [136506]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of seven tokens issued by token manufacturers of San Francisco. Bernhardt (4); Tulley (1); J.C. Irvine (1) plus a very rare Patrick-Moise-Klinkner
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to p***d for (85.00 + 21.25BP) = 106.25
 
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Mills Novelty Co. Token Collection  [136751]5532 - Mills Novelty Co. Token Collection [136751]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 55 tokens from the Mills Novelty Company. Mills was a major slot and vending manufacturer. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Charles Fey Tokens  [136655]5533 - Charles Fey Tokens [136655]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of eight tokens from the Charles Fey Company, the first slot machine manufacturer. Fey opened a slot machine workshop in 1896 in San Francisco. I
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to G********a.. for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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San Francisco Novelty Company Tokens  [136641]5534 - San Francisco Novelty Company Tokens [136641]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Box of 65 tokens from San Francisco arcades, novelty companies. Early tokens circa 1900-1925. S.F. Novelty; Western novelty; Star novelty; Royalty nov
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to p***d for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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National Piano and Golden Gate Music Tokens  [136636]5535 - National Piano and Golden Gate Music Tokens [136636]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of eight: National Piano / Mfg. / Co. // Good For / 1 / Piece of Music; Br., rd., 21 mm. One: Golden Gate / Music Co. // same as obverse; Br., rd.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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San Francisco Dairy Tokens  [136637]5536 - San Francisco Dairy Tokens [136637]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 11. Dairy tokens from San Francisco: Santa Clara Milk Co.; Dairy Delivery Co. (4); Cal Creamery; Riverdale Creamery; Richmond Dairy Co.; Challe
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 150.00
Sold to m*****r for (130.00 + 32.50BP) = 162.50
 
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San Francisco Maverick Token Collection  [136504]5537 - San Francisco Maverick Token Collection [136504]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of about 146 tokens, mostly mavericks from San Francisco. Ex: Ron Lerch collection. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: S
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to p***d for (1,050.00 + 262.50BP) = 1,312.50
 
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San Francisco Newspaper & Publishing Tokens  [136643]5538 - San Francisco Newspaper & Publishing Tokens [136643]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of six tokens from the San Francisco Chronicle, the Call-Bulletin and Chicago Directory Company. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Californ
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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San Francisco Pool, Bowling & Billiard Tokens  [136632]5539 - San Francisco Pool, Bowling & Billiard Tokens [136632]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of seven tokens from San Francisco amusement houses: Mission Bowling Alley; Owl Billiards; Jack's Pool Parlor and more. Date: Country (i...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 70.00 - 100.00
Sold to p***d for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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