The Sweetheart Express Auction (February 2021)

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

Auction Details

Greetings Collectors!

The first sale of the 2021 season is upon us as the best sale we’ve had in several years – across the board – in every category. We’ve been fortunate to receive many key collections from around America to offer some of the best material to be sold in years. It is truly a Covid-breaking sale that should have everybody jumping from their seats! In fact, it may be the best cross section of collectibles since the great market crash of 2008. We’ve called this sale “The Sweetheart Express” to commemorate the Valentine’s Day weekend and the Gary Nelson Railroad Collection.

Here’s a look at some of the major categories, with a glimpse at what is in them.

Railroad- the Gary Nelson Railroad Collection, about 600 lots, covering almost every category of railroad collectibles: Model trains; Cast iron trains; Train lanterns; Train signal lights; Train headlights; Train bells; Train ephemera; RR pass collections. This collection contains the very first cast iron train purchased from another major collection.

Arizona history- Rare Vulture Mine gold ingot, c 1911-1914, from an old Wickenburg family; a collection of 19th century Native American photos and documents, including two Apache Scout Medal of Honor winners, 2 letters from famous Earp era lawman Robert Paul, a Copper Queen Mine security force Colt revolver from 1907.

Colorado history- Leadville 19th century photo collection, documents from the miner's strike of 1896-7, spectacular United Mine Workers of America parade banner from the 1903 coal strike, a new discovery silver ingot from Leadville with an engraved mountain scene with a Colorado - famous Rhode Island family tie, choice mining medals and so-called dollars.

Montana history- Stuart MacKenzie’s collection of Montana stocks (all categories), Yellowstone collection, and saloon letters.

Western History – Rare and original tin type of George Custer in original case, and rarities across the board!

Badges etc- fantastic selection from the Lerch collection from California to Colorado; more of the special Presidential Inauguration badge collection, Mare Island, several fire badges, etc

Don Polland western sculpture collection- more than 1000 sculptures of very high quality design and detail from a major southern California collection. Native American themed, some western themed and some civil war, from 4” to three feet! This is the largest collection to be offered publicly!!

The Ken Prag Stocks are incredible- A major part of Ken's collection, this offering is of US businesses other than mining and railroad, plus Oil. It is nothing short of spectacular. Great rarities in every category you can think of, including some rare autographs such as Edison's son, and many important financial figures.

California gold rush- James Marshall autograph, gorgeous gold quartz watch chain and more.

Art- fantastic material across the board- the best we’ve had. David Roberts lithographs (Egypt, and the Holy Land, c1842-44), selections from the Ben-T art collection including a fantastic map from the reign of Peter the Great c 1722, great oils by some of the prominent early twentieth century Russian artists, and more.

Numismatics- great medals including a rare 1862 Lincoln Peace Medal with Osage provenance, California tokens, wood nickels, selections from the Ellsworth collection including the only set of encased large cents with every date, including the rarities!, California gaming token collection, US gold coin “look-alike” counters, so-called dollars and more!!

Firearms: a Copper Queen Mine Colt, several rare Colts with papers, and more.
10.

Auction Schedule

Day 1, February 11th, 2021, Lots 1000-1729
            General Americana (1000-1275)
                        Geo. Sort
                        Jewelry
                        Marbles & Toys
                        Miscellaneous
            Bottles & Saloon (1276-1339)
                        Bottles
                        Saloon, Brewing, & Drug Ephemera
            Mining Collectibles (1340-1431)
            Stocks & Bonds Part I
                        Mining (1432-1729)
 
Day 2, February 12th, 2021, Lots 2000-2729
            Stocks & Bonds Part II
                        Oil (2000-2113)
                        Railroad (2114-2176)
                        Transportation (2177-2246)
                        Miscellaneous (2247-2645)
                                    Agriculture
                                    Banking
                                    Brewing
                                    Industrial
                                    Other
            Firearms, Military, & Political Collectibles (2646-2729)
 
Day 3, February 13th, 2021, Lots 3000-3757
            Railroadiana & Transportation (3000-3559)
                        Model Railroading (3000-3286)
                        Railroad Equipment (3287-3430)          
                        Railroad & Transportation Ephemera (3431-3559)
            Numismatics (3560-3635)
            Tokens (3636-3704)
            Sports (3705-3757)
 
Day 4, February 14th, 2021, Lots 4000-4763
            Art (4000-4137)
            Native Americana (4138-4148)
            Philatelic (4149-4430)
            Bargains & Dealer Specials Part I
                        Stocks & Bonds (4431-4763)
 
Day 5, February 15th, 2021, Lots 5000-5708
            Bargains & Dealer Specials Part II
                        Philatelic (5000-5209)
                        General Americana (5210-5390)
                        Numismatics (5391-5708)
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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Santa Fe Railroad Rear Marker Lamp  [126922]3379 - Santa Fe Railroad Rear Marker Lamp [126922]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Pristine multi-color lens signal lamp for the rear RR car with original embossed brass holder for exterior mounting. Embossed "Santa Fe" a...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 800.00
Sold to d*******f for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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GRS Type "SA" Searchlight Dwarf Signal  [133628]3380 - GRS Type "SA" Searchlight Dwarf Signal [133628]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
GRS Type "SA" searchlight dwarf with deflecting cover glass. General Railway Signal Co., 3' x 2' x 1' Date: Country (if ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to g*******s for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Searchlight Signal mounted on tall pole  [133627]3381 - Searchlight Signal mounted on tall pole [133627]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Union Switch and Signal Co., 40" diam, 3.5' long. This signal has the complete glass battery component. Date: Country (if not USA): St...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to g*******s for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Signal and Telegraph Department Cast-Iron Sign and Signal Devices  [133479]3382 - Signal and Telegraph Department Cast-Iron Sign and Signal Devices [133479]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Six signal devices, two books, LM&S Railway 10x8 inches on wood oval base; three round signal devices, 4x4x2.5, each slightly different; two lin...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
 
 
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Signal Block Occupancy Indicator  [133414]3383 - Signal Block Occupancy Indicator [133414]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Measures 10" wide 9" deep, 12" tall. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Gary Nelson Railroad Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
 
 
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Signal Number No 6209  [133411]3384 - Signal Number No 6209 [133411]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
From Louisville & Nashville Railroad, made of 4 pieces of steel. May be cast iron painted black with white numbers. 27" long by 5.75" ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Signal Pinnacle Pair  [133417]3385 - Signal Pinnacle Pair [133417]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two 1.) Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. Measures about 23" tall by 10 in diameter at the base. 2.) 12.5" tall an...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Position Light Signal  [133469]3386 - Position Light Signal [133469]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Label UNION on the side, 9x9x9. Alexander Holley Rudd's original 1915 designed, "Position Light Signal" (later "PL-1") unit....
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to g*******s for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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Southern Pacific Passenger Step Box  [133458]3387 - Southern Pacific Passenger Step Box [133458]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Used to board such famous trains as the Sunset Limited 1910-20, 16x22x10. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Gary Nelson R
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to C******n for (250.00 + 55.00BP) = 305.00
 
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Southern RR Engine Bell  [133352]3388 - Southern RR Engine Bell [133352]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Southern RR Engine Bell: a 12-inch diameter, brass bell in a black iron yoke mounted on wood base for display. Yoke is 26 inches tall, 24 inches wide.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to r**4 for (1,800.00 + 450.00BP) = 2,250.00
 
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Southern Pacific RR Ground Throw Switch with Four-Lens Dressel Switch Lantern  [133374]3389 - Southern Pacific RR Ground Throw Switch with Four-Lens Dressel Switch Lantern [133374]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Southern Pacific RR Ground Throw Switch with Four-Lens Dressel Switch Lantern. The throw switch is cast iron collected from Tahatchapee, California. S
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to D***g for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Southern Pacific RR Lantern Collection - 10  [133347]3390 - Southern Pacific RR Lantern Collection - 10 [133347]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ten different embossed Southern Pacific RR Lanterns. Only two are the same metal-frame lamp, one with a red lens and one with a blue lens. All the res
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to w*******2 for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Southern Pacific RR Marker Lamps - 2  [133389]3391 - Southern Pacific RR Marker Lamps - 2 [133389]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Southern Pacific RR Marker Lamps: The first is an Adams & Westlake switch stand marker lamp, with four lenses, two with nine-inch aprons, emboss...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to g*****9 for (250.00 + 55.00BP) = 305.00
 
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Southern Pacific RR Signal Lamp  [133329]3392 - Southern Pacific RR Signal Lamp [133329]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Southern Pacific RR Signal Lamp, electrified for modern use. Four, five-inch lenses, 2 red, 2 teal. Marked on top Dressel Stainless. SP marking not ea
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to t*****1 for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Southern Pacific Switchstand Marker Lamp  [133403]3393 - Southern Pacific Switchstand Marker Lamp [133403]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Used at the S.P. Ogden Yard in Utah. Painted ina unique manner by the Southern Pacific. Four lenses 4" 2 red 2 teal. About 15" tall and 8&...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to b******2 for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Southern Pacific Lunar White Call-On Signal  [133415]3394 - Southern Pacific Lunar White Call-On Signal [133415]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This "lunar white" call-on signal was placed below a searchlight signal to give signal a double meaning. 20" diameter, 20" wide,...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimate : 600.00 - 1,200.00
 
 
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Southern Railway Lanterns - 2  [133441]3395 - Southern Railway Lanterns - 2 [133441]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two Adlake lanterns: one marked Southern RY on top, unmarked clear globe; Second marked SOU.RY, unmarked clear globe. Date: Country (if not USA):
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to g*****9 for (90.00 + 19.80BP) = 109.80
 
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Southern Pacific RR Searchlight Signal  [133630]3396 - Southern Pacific RR Searchlight Signal [133630]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Union Switch and Signal Co., 3 x 3 x 8'. This signal has the complete glass battery component. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to g*******s for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Southern Pacific RR Spike Hammer  [133634]3397 - Southern Pacific RR Spike Hammer [133634]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
replaced handle, stamped as usual. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Gary Nelson Railroad Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Steam Locomotive Oilers - 2  [133342]3398 - Steam Locomotive Oilers - 2 [133342]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two steam locomotive oilers, each about 28 inches long. Base is 4 inches in diameter. One is marked Delaware Lakawana, the other is unmarked. Date:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to R*****e for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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