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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San Francisco Token Collection  [136407]5540 - San Francisco Token Collection [136407]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wide variety of San Francisco good for tokens: a box of approximately 76 tokens. Olympic Club, Marx Bros. & Victor, Line - O - Lites and many ot...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 700.00
Sold to p***d for (475.00 + 118.75BP) = 593.75
 
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San Francisco Tokens from The Tahoe and Sutro Lunch Room  [136644]5541 - San Francisco Tokens from The Tahoe and Sutro Lunch Room [136644]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three: two from The Tahoe / Kleinhans / & Schmitt / Props. / 452 Kearney St // Good For / 5c / In Trade; Br. rd., 21 mm; Sutro / Lunch / ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to r****2 for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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Telephone Tokens of San Francisco  [136634]5542 - Telephone Tokens of San Francisco [136634]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of eleven telephone checks (or slugs) from San Francisco token makers. Bernhard, Larson & Johnson, Moise -Klinkner. Date: Country (if no...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to p***d for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Union League Hotel Tokens  [136645]5543 - Union League Hotel Tokens [136645]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three: Union League Hotel // Good For / 5 c / In Trade; Br., rd., 21 mm. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: San Francis
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Wine and Soft Drink Tokens  [136507]5544 - Wine and Soft Drink Tokens [136507]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of five San Francisco tokens: Art Saloon; California Wine House Bar; Italian Market Soft Drink; Panama Soft Drinks; Royal Wine Co. Ex: Ron Lerch
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 70.00
Sold to d*******f for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Dealer Lot of Woodland Tokens  [136769]5545 - Dealer Lot of Woodland Tokens [136769]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four different tokens from Woodland: 1) Storkman's, K 76 (15). STORKMAN'S / WOODLAND // GOOD FOR 5¢ IN TRADE (square cutout); br., rd...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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California Car Wash Token Collection  [136409]5546 - California Car Wash Token Collection [136409]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of over 80 California car wash tokens. Ex: Ron Lerch collection. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Provenance: Benjami
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to p***d for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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California Transportation, Car Wash and Parking Token Collection  [136413]5547 - California Transportation, Car Wash and Parking Token Collection [136413]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two row box, 14 inches long with California transportation, car wash and parking tokens. Approximately 200 tokens. Ex: Ron Lerch collection. Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to p***d for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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California Transportation Token Collection  [136414]5548 - California Transportation Token Collection [136414]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two row box 14 inches long almost full with California transportation tokens. Approximately 150 pieces. Ex: Ron Lerch collection. Date: Country (i
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to b*******n for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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California Transportation Token Collection  [136415]5549 - California Transportation Token Collection [136415]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two row box 14 inches long with approximately 200 California transportation tokens. Ex: Ron Lerch collection. Date: Country (if not USA): State:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to b*******n for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Modern California Token Collection   [136432]5550 - Modern California Token Collection [136432]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 55 tokens, wood, metal and plastic. Including Cool, Independence, Wheatland, Jackson, Petaluma, Porterville, Sacramento and others. Ex: Ron Le
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to p***d for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Michigan Token Collection  [136421]5551 - Michigan Token Collection [136421]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 17 tokens from towns in Michigan. Capac, Charlotte, Goodrich, Hastings, Silverwood, Ashley, Alpena, Owosso, Saint Charles, Lake Orion, Kalamazo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to c******n for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
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Mississippi Token Collection  [136419]5552 - Mississippi Token Collection [136419]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 13 tokens from Mississippi. Five from Dickerson, one from Jackson and seven from the NCO Open Mess at Columbus. Date: Country (if not USA):
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Ohio Token Collection  [136418]5553 - Ohio Token Collection [136418]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 47 tokens from various towns in Ohio. Dyesville, Cincinnati, Tiffin, Zanesville, Versailles, New Boston, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, Yorkville, N
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to A****k for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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Heppner Sheepskin Scrip  [136480]5554 - Heppner Sheepskin Scrip [136480]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three pieces of leather scrip. Two pieces from 1934 Heppner Sheepskin Scrip, including a brochure about the history of the pieces made to provi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to x***n for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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Pennsylvania Token Collection  [136422]5555 - Pennsylvania Token Collection [136422]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 17 tokens from different towns in Pennsylvania. Wilkes-Barre, Oil City, Pittston, Pleasureville, Erie, Alleghany, Ralston, York, Munhall, Scran
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Washington Token  Collection  [136760]5556 - Washington Token Collection [136760]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 32 tokens from many different Washington towns. Seattle, Toppenish, Walla Walla, Aberdeen, Carlsborg, Colfax, Cheney, Bellingham, Grayland, For
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to d*******f for (85.00 + 21.25BP) = 106.25
 
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Elk Recreation Parlor Token Collection  [136755]5557 - Elk Recreation Parlor Token Collection [136755]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 56 tokens from the Elk Pool Hall or Elk Recreation Parlor. Square, round, scalloped, octagonal. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Wyomi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to l*********.. for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Elk Recreation Parlor Token Collection  [136754]5558 - Elk Recreation Parlor Token Collection [136754]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five different tokens from Rock Springs, five pieces of each. Elk Recreation Parlor; Elk Pool Hall. Square, round, scalloped. Date: Country (if not
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to l*********.. for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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Wyoming Metal Detector Finds  [136763]5559 - Wyoming Metal Detector Finds [136763]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 26 items found in Wyoming. 1921 Lincoln penny; Wyoming license plate tag; tokens and medals. Mostly Rock Springs tokens. Date: Country (if
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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