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

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location3555 Airway Drive Suite 309, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States In Person PreviewPreview

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
Choose Your Layout > Switch to Grid View Switch to List View
Cincinnati Railway Tunnel Co. Stock Signed by John C. Fremont [155778]2499 - Cincinnati Railway Tunnel Co. Stock Signed by John C. Fremont [155778]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No. 142, issued to Fremont & Morton for 100 shares in March 1872. Signed by J(ohn) C Fremont on the reverse. Signed on the front by president A....
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to f*****E for (160.00 + 0.00BP) = 160.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Three Railroad Stocks with C.P. Huntington Signatures [155770]2500 - Three Railroad Stocks with C.P. Huntington Signatures [155770]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3 different. All have the signature of Collis P. Huntington, one of the "Big Four" founders of the Central Pacific Railroad. 1) Sho...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 350.00 - 700.00
Sold to f*****E for (150.00 + 0.00BP) = 150.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad Co. Bond Coupon Printers Plate, ABN [163879]2501 - Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad Co. Bond Coupon Printers Plate, ABN [163879]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steel printers plater for a bond coupon for the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad. Redeemable for $15. Bond due in 1974. Vignette of a woman. Amer...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 300.00
Sold to v********s.. for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
Details...Bookmark
Astoria & Portland Railway Co. Bond Coupon Printers Plate, New York Bank Note Co. [163874]2502 - Astoria & Portland Railway Co. Bond Coupon Printers Plate, New York Bank Note Co. [163874]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steel printers plate with paper envelope for a bond coupon for the Astoria & Portland Railway Company. Redeemable for $30 in gold coin. No date....
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 300.00
Sold to r********e.. for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Oregon & Transcontinental Co. Stock Issued & Signed by George Pullman [155772]2503 - Oregon & Transcontinental Co. Stock Issued & Signed by George Pullman [155772]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No. 418, issued to Geo. M. Pullman in 1881 for 100 shares. Signed by Pullman on the reverse. Signed by Anthony Thomas as 2nd vice president and asst.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to r********e.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Oregon & Transcontinental Co. Stock Issued to & Signed by Henry Villard [155777]2504 - Oregon & Transcontinental Co. Stock Issued to & Signed by Henry Villard [155777]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No. A965, issued to Henry Villard for 50 shares in 1882. Signed by 2nd vice president Anthony Thomas and the asst. secretary Stafford. Cut and stamp c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to r********e.. for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Oregon & Transcontinental Co. Stock Issued to & Signed by Oliver Ames [155776]2505 - Oregon & Transcontinental Co. Stock Issued to & Signed by Oliver Ames [155776]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No. 33452, issued to Oliver Ames for 100 shares in 1886. Signed by president Elijah Smith and the asst. secretary. Punch cancelled. Signed by Ames on
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to r********e.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Philadelphia Railway Co. Bond Coupon Printers Plate [163885]2506 - Philadelphia Railway Co. Bond Coupon Printers Plate [163885]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steel printers plate for a bond coupon for the Philadelphia Railway Co. Redeemable for $25 in gold coin. Not dated. Nice trolley car vignette. Signed
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 300.00
Sold to t********n for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
Details...Bookmark
Texaco Inc. Bond Masthead Steel Printers Plate [163886]2507 - Texaco Inc. Bond Masthead Steel Printers Plate [163886]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fabulous steel printers plate for the masthead of a bond for Texaco Inc. Large vignette of oil derricks and facilities. Inc. in Delaware. No date. &...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to t********n for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
Details...Bookmark
Wabash Railroad Company Bond Coupon Printers Plate, Hamilton Bank Note Co. [163870]2508 - Wabash Railroad Company Bond Coupon Printers Plate, Hamilton Bank Note Co. [163870]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steel printers plate for a bond coupon of the Wabash Railroad Company. Denomination left blank. Bond is payable in 1981. Signed by the treasurer. Loco
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 300.00
Sold to t********n for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Kingdom of Belgium Bond Coupon Printers Plate, American Bank Note Company [163860]2509 - Kingdom of Belgium Bond Coupon Printers Plate, American Bank Note Company [163860]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steel plate for a bond coupon issued by the Kingdom of Belgium. Made by ABN. Redeemable for $20 in Manhattan. No date. Vignette of allegorical man. Si
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 300.00
Sold to t********n for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
Details...Bookmark
Arizona Co-Operative Mercantile Association Stock Certificate (Mormon Business) [160413]2510 - Arizona Co-Operative Mercantile Association Stock Certificate (Mormon Business) [160413]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Inc. in Arizona. No. 705, issued for 9 shares to secretary John Hulet in 1893 in Holbrook. Signed by Jesse Smith (president) and Jno. Hulet (secretary
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Peoples Ice Company Stock Certificate [163590]2511 - Peoples Ice Company Stock Certificate [163590]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Peoples Ice Co. Boca, CA (just northwest of Truckee, CA) Certificate #23, for 10 shares dated August 11th, 1875. Issued to H. Balis. Signed by John Ca
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to f*****E for (50.00 + 0.00BP) = 50.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Colusa County, California Bond, 1864 [155765]2512 - Colusa County, California Bond, 1864 [155765]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
$100 bond issued to John Platt on June 15th, 1864. Pen cancelled. Signed by county auditor Frank Spalding and the president of the Board of Supervisor
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Humboldt County, California Wagon Road Construction Bond [155764]2513 - Humboldt County, California Wagon Road Construction Bond [155764]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare and colorful. $500 bond of the County of Humboldt issued September 1876 "to provide for the construction and completion of certain Wagon R...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Central California Electric Corporation Bond Coupon Printers Plate [163864]2514 - Central California Electric Corporation Bond Coupon Printers Plate [163864]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steel printers plate for a bond coupon for a gold bond of the Central California Electric Corporation. $30 coupon, payable in gold coin at the company
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 300.00
Sold to t********n for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
Details...Bookmark
Tuolumne Water Co. Stock [162190]2515 - Tuolumne Water Co. Stock [162190]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Tuolumne County Water Co. stock issued in 1862 to W O Sleeper, a California banker, his signature is on back. Lower left stain. Please inspect. Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to r********e.. for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
Details...Bookmark
California Oregon Power Co. Bond Coupon Printers Plate, Jeffries Banknote Co. [163861]2516 - California Oregon Power Co. Bond Coupon Printers Plate, Jeffries Banknote Co. [163861]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steel printers plate for a bond coupon for The California Oregon Power Company. Plate made by Jeffries Banknote Company. No denomination. Redeemable a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 300.00
Sold to t********n for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
Details...Bookmark
State of California Veterans' Welfare Bond Coupon Printers Plate, Security Banknote Company [163865]2517 - State of California Veterans' Welfare Bond Coupon Printers Plate, Security Banknote Company [163865]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steel printers plate for a bond coupon for a State of California Veterans' Welfare Bond of 1927. Redeemable for $21.25 in gold coin at the offic...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 300.00
Sold to t********n for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
Details...Bookmark
El Paso National Bank Stock Certificates in Ledger [154712]2518 - El Paso National Bank Stock Certificates in Ledger [154712]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Original stock ledger book with 59 issued stocks still intact, 1900-1914, all cancelled, plus some additional stubs remaining in the book. These are s
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark