The Big Bonanza Auction: Mining, Philatelic, Numismatics, Americana (March 2023)

Auction Details

Welcome to The Big Bonanza Auction!
 
This is our first live sale since the world-record breaking second (and final) SS Central America Shipwreck Artifacts Auction, which took place on March 4th & 5th, 2023. Virtual catalogs for the SSCA sales are still available on our website and include numerous research essays and articles. We’d sincerely like to thank all who participated and contributed to these historic two auctions!
 
Out of the ocean and back onto land, we’re pleased to present the phenomenal Big Bonanza Auction! This is a 4-day sale encompassing over 2,000 lots in over a dozen collecting categories.
 
Since this auction features Part I of the best Comstock mining collection ever to hit the market, we chose an auction name that honors the “Big Bonanza” ore discovery of 1873 in Virginia City, Nevada!
 
In addition to the Comstock collection, this sale is supplemented by rarities from the Gary Bracken Collection; the Jim & Barbara Sherman Private Western Mining Museum Collection; the Joe Elcano Nevada Collection; the Chunlin Zhu Mineral Collection; as well as others.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
 
*The Comstock Collection, Part I*
We’re honored to have been chosen to sell this lifetime Nevada and Comstock Collection. This collection will be sold in multiple parts. Part I, in this sale, focuses on mining stock certificates, ore specimens, ephemera, and publications. Each of these groups includes spectacular items!
 
Within the group of ephemera are pieces dating back to very beginning of the Comstock mining rush. This includes an 1859 mining deed for the Ophir claim, signed by Judge Walsh and mentioning the original discovers. We’re calling this the “Comstock Founding Fathers” mining deed (Lot 4204), and it is truly worthy of the most advanced private or institutional collection. Or see the 1860 illustrated “Wash-Oh!” lettersheet (Lot 4205) with a spectacular cartoon highlighting the dangers of mining stock speculation! Or an 1859 letter (Lot 4206) mentioning some of the first ore Comstock assays!
 
This collection also features hundreds of Comstock checks with great rarities, revenue types, and key autographs represented. Included in this group is the Chollar-Potosi RN check with violet stamp (Lot 4151), the rarest of all Nevada revenue checks!
 
The ore collection includes high grade gold and silver specimens from key Comstock mines, including the Crown Point, Chollar, California, Gould & Curry, Hale & Norcross, and Ophir. Many are from the famous Gottschalk Ore Collection, with original labels.
 
The stock certificate section is phenomenal, with key autograph pieces and dozens of territorial pieces including perhaps the earliest Comstock mining stock ever issued! It also features 1870s-80s stocks from the key major mines, which can sometimes be even rarer than territorial pieces.
 
Part I will grab the attention of the Comstock and Nevada mining collecting community worldwide. And stay tuned for more items from this collection in different categories coming up in future sales!
 
*The Gary Bracken Collection, Part V*
We’re thrilled to offer more great collectibles from the lifetime collection of Oklahoma lawyer Gary Bracken. This auction features a large Philatelic offering, including US and foreign covers and lettersheets, ultra rare stamps, and express covers. Also from the Bracken Collection: rare items from the famous 101 Ranch including a beaded gun belt (Lot 4017) and original advertising posters; a Buffalo Bill CDV (Lot 4020); Colorado bottles, stocks, and ephemera including a fantastic Baby Doe Tabor Archive (Lot 1238); Native American pottery, and more.
 
*The Jim & Barbara Sherman Private Western Mining Museum Collection*
A new round of rarities from this fantastic Arizona collection. This sale includes: artifacts from Western forts in Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, and Wyoming; rare 19th-century ammunition and antique firearms incl. a Confederate revolver and Winchester rifles; and Civil War militaria.
 
*Railroadiana*
A brand new batch of railroad and steamer passes from a private collection. Many feature great vignettes. These are always a huge hit with our collectors; this is a robust collecting community! A key piece is a Central Pacific pass signed by Collis P. Huntington (Lot 1009), one of the “Big Four.” And if you have a collection of passes you’re ready to sell, please consider our auction house; we’re setting records!
 
*Numismatics*
This section includes a new group of very rare Nevada national banknotes (Elko, Ely, Reno); liberty war bonds; US gold coins and coin collections; California and Nevada medals; and more.

*American Bank Note Co. (& Other Engravers) Printers Plate Collection*
The start of a major offering, this sale features rare printers plates from the American Bank Note Company and other engravers. These plates were used for currency and stocks/bonds. Plates are lotted in both the Stock & Currency Sections in the catalog. This collection has not come to market before and should generate huge excitement with our numismatic & stock collectors!
 
*Native Americana*
The Native Americana section in this sale is strong! In addition to pottery from the Bracken Collection, this section has arrowheads, beadwork and clothing, Sioux peace pipes, cradleboards, and jewelry.
 
*Mining & Minerals*
This category is dominated by the previously-mentioned Comstock Collection, but also includes California assay ephemera, mining documents from Colorado and Montana, mineral and fossil specimens from the Chunlin Zhu Collection, and mining artifacts.
 
*General Americana*
A nice group of ephemera from Western states (particularly California, Colorado, Montana, and Nevada) incl. rare West Coast directories and Gold Rush checks & exchanges; plus sub-categories such as art, jewelry, gaming, political collectibles, and sports. The sports category includes historic letters from baseball legend Connie Mack! And much more…
 
Please be sure to use the Keyword Search Tool on our website (holabirdamericana.com) to search for items in your collecting categories.
 
*Timed Auctions*
There is a new auction format we have been experimenting with since last December: special weekend timed auctions. These sales are a mix of both new and old material, and they are where we will now run our lower-priced and/or dealer lots. We have always believed the collectors—you—set the market value. With that philosophy in mind, we’ve set very low start prices (usually just $10) on all lots in the timed auctions. The timed auctions have been a huge hit with our bidders and are a fun format we will be continuing to use in the future. (We just had one this last weekend!) Please check our website or subscribe to our email list to be notified of these internet-only auctions hosted exclusively on iCollector, our preferred auction platform.
 
Ready to sell your collection? We’re always looking for high-quality consignments in many categories, including Mining, Railroadiana, Native Americana, Numismatics, Bottles, Firearms, Stocks, and more.
 
If you would like to know more about consigning, or if you have any questions or comments about this sale, please give our office a call at 775-851-1859. 
 
Our friendly staff is ready to help you continue to build your collection. We’ve created an astonishing community of customers around the world, including private collectors, institutions, and dealers. Remember, your collection could set the next world-record!
 
Thanks again for your continued interest in our auctions. And as we like to say, bid early and bid often!
 
--The Holabird Team-- 


Auction Schedule

Thursday, March 30th, 2023, Lots 1000-1552

Railroadiana & Steamship (1000-1126)

Railroad & Steamer Passes

Transportation Ephemera

General Americana (1127-1502)

Geo. Sort

Political

Jewelry

Musical Instruments

Tobacco & Gaming

Sports

Miscellaneous

Bottles, Brewing, Saloon (1503-1552)



Friday, March 31st, 2023, Lots 2000-2548

Art (2000-2062)

Militaria & Firearms (2063-2192)

Stocks & Bonds (2193-2548)

Mining feat. the Comstock Collection

Railroad

Miscellaneous



Saturday, April 1st, 2023, Lots 3000-3531

Native Americana (3000-3148)

Numismatics feat. Nevada Banknotes (3149-3285)

Philatelic (3286-3531)

Express & US Covers

US Stamps

Foreign Stamps & Covers



Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, Lots 4000-4400

Cowboy & Old West feat. 101 Ranch Group (4000-4026)

Mining feat. the Comstock Ore & Ephemera Collection (4027-4400)

Ephemera & Ore

Minerals, Fossils, Viewing Stones

SHIPPING & HANDLING: The customer is responsible for all shipping and packaging charges. We offer shipping service as a convenience to our buyers. Items are not shipped until the invoice and shipping charges are completely paid. Shipping costs will be calculated and billed separately after your items have been paid for. Purchases will be shipped via our approved, insured carriers: FedEx, UPS, USPS or DHL. Pick up is available from our Reno office, once you have received your invoice post auction
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Chinese Viewing Stone Red Taihu Stone [149102]4365 - Chinese Viewing Stone Red Taihu Stone [149102]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Chinese Viewing Stone surface has deep erosion. Custom Stand. 10x5x12". Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: Provenance: C...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Chinese Viewing Stone. [149109]4366 - Chinese Viewing Stone. [149109]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Slate Viewing Stone w/custom stand. Red and dark gray. 16x9x12". Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: Provenance: Chunlin ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Custom Base W/Shell [159186]4367 - Custom Base W/Shell [159186]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
19x10x7" custom wood base, brown and black w/differential shell. Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: Provenance: Chunlin Zh...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Green & White Marble Viewing Stone [159191]4368 - Green & White Marble Viewing Stone [159191]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Tall Chinese viewing stone in bright green, white, and grey marble. Rounded boulder of marble streaked with epidote with a very glossy finish. On a re
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
 
 
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"Agate Boulder" Viewing Stone [149098]4369 - "Agate Boulder" Viewing Stone [149098]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
12 x 6 x 19". Nice rounded soft white, gray and red colors. Reminiscent of an agate. Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to d*******f for (150.00 + 0.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Wuling/Red Mountain Viewing Stone [149092]4370 - Wuling/Red Mountain Viewing Stone [149092]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wuling/Red Mountain View stone w/base. 18x5x9. Gray, brown layers formed by wind and river erosion.. Considered a very sought after Gongshi (Spirit
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to V******e for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Lingbi Viewing Stone From China [149186]4371 - Lingbi Viewing Stone From China [149186]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Chinese Lingbi Viewing Stone. Custom made stand. Approx. 18x11x6" Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: Provenance: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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"Baseball Mitt" Viewing stone [149101]4372 - "Baseball Mitt" Viewing stone [149101]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Viewing stone, brown w/custom stand. 10x6x12 ". Kind of resembles a baseball mitt. Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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"Walrus" Viewing Stone [149104]4373 - "Walrus" Viewing Stone [149104]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Chinese Viewing Stone rounded river rock w/two nodules. Looks kind of like a walrus. 15x7x9'. Custom wood stand. Date: Country (if not U...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 125.00 | Estimate : 250.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Viewing Stone [149106]4374 - Viewing Stone [149106]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Chinese viewing stone, striations. Custom wood stand. 13x9x17", large stone. Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: Provenanc...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to d*******f for (150.00 + 0.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Viewing Stone [149108]4375 - Viewing Stone [149108]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Viewing stone w/striations and erosion through it. On custom wood base. Gray w/red. Approx. 18x6x10" Date: Country (if not USA): Chi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
 
 
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"White Ghost" Viewing Stone [149114]4376 - "White Ghost" Viewing Stone [149114]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Chinese Viewing Stone. White and Black Possible polished. Custom Wood Stand. 7x4x19. Looks like ghost made by a sheet. Very attractive. Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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"Jade Rooster Head" Viewing Stone [149183]4377 - "Jade Rooster Head" Viewing Stone [149183]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Viewing Stone. Black-white-jade green colors on custom wood base. Approx. 9x8x17. Almost looks like a rooster head in profile. Date: Country
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (120.00 + 0.00BP) = 120.00
 
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"Wishbone" Lingbi Viewing Stone [149184]4378 - "Wishbone" Lingbi Viewing Stone [149184]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lingbi Viewing Stone. Black and gray w/orange colors. Unusual and interesting shape (like a wishbone) on custom wood base. 14x6x9". Date: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Viewing Stone - River Stone  [149103]4379 - Viewing Stone - River Stone [149103]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Viewing Stone - River Stone , gray/brn w/custom stand. 8x5x8 Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: Provenance: Chunlin Zhu Collectio
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Viewing Stone China [149100]4380 - Viewing Stone China [149100]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large brown orb, 12"x 8"x 22"with wood base. Possibly Lacquered or varnished. Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to t********f for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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"Seated Owl" Viewing Stone-Lingbi [149112]4381 - "Seated Owl" Viewing Stone-Lingbi [149112]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lingbi Viewing Stone, name has a ring to it. Looks like a seated owl. Approx. 11x8x20". Custom wood stand. Gray w/wht striations and red col...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Chinese Viewing Stone - Lingbi Stone [149095]4382 - Chinese Viewing Stone - Lingbi Stone [149095]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large dark grey lingbi stone with veins through it and a very interesting shape. Comes with wood base. 12" x4 x18" Date: Country (if n...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to d*******f for (150.00 + 0.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Chinese Viewing Stone, Lingbi [149110]4383 - Chinese Viewing Stone, Lingbi [149110]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lingbi viewing stone, weathered w/deep striations and erosion. Custom base. Approx. 12x7x20" Date: Country (if not USA): State: City:...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Large Brown Orb Viewing Stone [159182]4384 - Large Brown Orb Viewing Stone [159182]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large gray brown orb, 12"x 3"x 18"with wood base. Lacquered or varnished. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Pr...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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"Limestone Tower", Large Viewing Stone [159188]4385 - "Limestone Tower", Large Viewing Stone [159188]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large vertical stone 39 x 6 x 33", Brown limestone on custom would base. Very attractive. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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"Horse Hoof" Viewing Stone [149090]4386 - "Horse Hoof" Viewing Stone [149090]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
View Stone Large brown w/base, 14x4x12. Resembles an animal hoof. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Chunlin Zhu Co
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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"Shades of Gray" Viewing Stone [159183]4387 - "Shades of Gray" Viewing Stone [159183]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
12 x 6 x 19", shellacked. Nice rounded soft white and gray colors. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Chunli...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 125.00 | Estimate : 250.00 - 400.00
 
 
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"Baby in Basket" Viewing Stone [159185]4388 - "Baby in Basket" Viewing Stone [159185]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
18 " x 5"x 12". Light orange brown compression in gray shell. Very attractive piece. Almost like a baby in a basket. Date: Coun...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
 
 
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"Buffalo" Viewing Stone [159193]4389 - "Buffalo" Viewing Stone [159193]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
View stone, resembles a buffalo facing left, 21" x 6"x 12"tall. Wood Base. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: P...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Stalactite Cave Viewing Stone [159194]4390 - Stalactite Cave Viewing Stone [159194]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
17"x 14 x 9"tall, view stone composed of a botryoidal textures, stalactite cave formation . Wood Base Date: Country (if not USA): ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 400.00 | Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
 
 
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Viewing Stone Pair: Red Stone & "Rubble Pile" Stone [150817]4391 - Viewing Stone Pair: Red Stone & "Rubble Pile" Stone [150817]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2. Two view stones w/bases. One red stone. The other looks like a "rubble pile." Largest 10x9x4. Heavy. Date: Country (...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to P*****8 for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Colorful Viewing Stone Group incl. Chrysanthemum Fossil  [150850]4392 - Colorful Viewing Stone Group incl. Chrysanthemum Fossil [150850]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 5. One Chrysanthemum fossil view stone 5x7x2"w/stand . Four view stones w/stands. Largest 11x5x3"all w/stands. Date: Cou...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 350.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (275.00 + 0.00BP) = 275.00
 
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"Mountain Range" Viewing Stone Bookends & Mini Gobi's [150843]4393 - "Mountain Range" Viewing Stone Bookends & Mini Gobi's [150843]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4. Two View stone book ends, 7x4 x3" that resemble mountain ranges. Two Gobi stones w/stands, 2x2x2" Date: Country (if not...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to P*****8 for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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"Boxing Glove" Gobi Stone with White Bands  [159196]4394 - "Boxing Glove" Gobi Stone with White Bands [159196]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gobi stone. 15x8x4". Medium gray. No base. Kind of resembles a boxing glove. Date: Country (if not USA): China State: City: Pro...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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"Road Runner/Horse" Gobi Stone [159199]4395 - "Road Runner/Horse" Gobi Stone [159199]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gobi stone. 24"x 6"x 10". resembles a road runner if mounted properly . or a horse, light medium gray . Date: Country (if not ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to f*****E for (120.00 + 0.00BP) = 120.00
 
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Gray Striated Gobi Stone [159197]4396 - Gray Striated Gobi Stone [159197]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gobi stone. 22 x 7 x 10". Medium gray. No base. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Chunlin Zhu Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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"Dragon's Head" Gobi Stone [159198]4397 - "Dragon's Head" Gobi Stone [159198]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gobi stone. When displayed horizontally resembles a Dragon's head. 36"x 7 "x14" . No Base Date: Country (if not USA): ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Gobi Stone Group Including Bookends [150844]4398 - Gobi Stone Group Including Bookends [150844]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 13. Two Gobi Stone Bookends 9x3x3". Remaining Gobi stones range from 2x2"to 9x3x3", some w/bases. Date: Country (...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to P*****8 for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Red Gobi Stone [159184]4399 - Red Gobi Stone [159184]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Red Gobi stone. 14 x 9x 9 inches. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Chunlin Zhu Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Viewing Stone "Fortress" Bookends And Gobi Stones [150855]4400 - Viewing Stone "Fortress" Bookends And Gobi Stones [150855]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 5. Two Viewing Stone Bookends that look like a fantastical fortress. Three Gobi stones Approx. 2x2" Date: Country (if not USA):...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to t********f for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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