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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Erie Railroad Equipment Tag  [129268]3458 - Erie Railroad Equipment Tag [129268]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Round brass equipment tag: Erie R. R. / No. 124 / R N; 24 mm, holed. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Pennsylvania City: Provenance: Benjam
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 90.00
Sold to d*******f for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Five Commemorative Rail Spikes  [133407]3459 - Five Commemorative Rail Spikes [133407]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1.) Spiked wuth Progress Sante Fe Dallas-Denton-Chicago Main Line Inaugurated Dec 5. 1955 2.) Spiked wuth Progress Sante Fe Dallas-Denton-Chicago Main
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to j****2 for (100.00 + 22.00BP) = 122.00
 
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Four California Historic Railroad Publications  [123822]3460 - Four California Historic Railroad Publications [123822]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Bonanza Railroads" by Kneiss. 1954. Includes central California railroads and Nevada mining related railroads. 2) "California Centra...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 250.00
Sold to 6******n for (50.00 + 11.00BP) = 61.00
 
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General Motors Electral Motor Division Railroad Ephemera  [133428]3461 - General Motors Electral Motor Division Railroad Ephemera [133428]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large collection of General Motors ephemera including deisel fuel gauge 4.5" diameter, classification light 5" diameter, pressure gauge, v...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
 
 
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General Motors Electromotive Division Collectibles  [133611]3462 - General Motors Electromotive Division Collectibles [133611]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This collection has about 20 pieces: misc tools, danger 600 volts sign, 7 operating manuals, and other goodies. Date: Country (if not USA): State
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Great Northern RW Signal Instrument  [133383]3463 - Great Northern RW Signal Instrument [133383]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wood and brass signal indicator that shows whether a line is clear or there is a train on the line. 10x12x19. Date: c1890 Country (if not USA): St
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
 
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Handlan Buck Switch Stand Marker, Copper-Plated [133371]3464 - Handlan Buck Switch Stand Marker, Copper-Plated [133371]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four lenses, two orange, two green. 9x9x17 inches. Electrified. New York, New Haven, and Hartford on a plaque. Date: Country (if not USA): St
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to R*****e for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Historic and Important Western Railways Publications – Lot of 4  [123818]3465 - Historic and Important Western Railways Publications – Lot of 4 [123818]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
These are all great reference books. 1) “Railroads of Nevada and Eastern California.” Includes the rear pocket map (17 x 22
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to c**c for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Housatonic RR Annual Reports  [133622]3466 - Housatonic RR Annual Reports [133622]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 reports, 1869, 1890, both VF, 6 x 9" Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Gary Nelson Railroad Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Hudson & Manhattan Railroad Semaphore Signal Disc  [133391]3467 - Hudson & Manhattan Railroad Semaphore Signal Disc [133391]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dwarf semaphore signal disc used at the Henderson yard in Jersey city NJ. Similar signals were originally installled about 1908. The original spectica
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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International Textbook Company Railroad Series  [133612]3468 - International Textbook Company Railroad Series [133612]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
19 volumes. Scranton PA, 1935. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance: Gary Nelson Railroad Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to t******h for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Lake Tahoe RY Passes, 1912, 1914, 1915  [133643]3469 - Lake Tahoe RY Passes, 1912, 1914, 1915 [133643]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three of the classic Tahoe RR passes signed by Walter, Duane or C. Bliss. The 1914 and 1915 passes are issued to Charles Phillips, Los Angeles agent f
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 600.00
Sold to 6******n for (600.00 + 132.00BP) = 732.00
 
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Locomotive Encyclopedia - 3  [133504]3470 - Locomotive Encyclopedia - 3 [133504]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 volumes 1941, 52, 56 editions, published by Simmons-Boardman, the classic locomotive enclopedia of american practice. Edited by Association of Ameri
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Locomotive Engine Plate 811  [126649]3471 - Locomotive Engine Plate 811 [126649]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Cast metal number plate thought to be from a steam locomotive, repainted black with silver numbers. Unknown railway. Dimensions are 15-1/4 x 8 inches.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Midwestern Railroad Timetable Collection  [133604]3472 - Midwestern Railroad Timetable Collection [133604]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 50 pieces or so with some ephemera. Includes: Grandtrunk RR, IL Central, Kansas City Souther, Louisville Nashville, MI Central, Milwaukee Road,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
Sold to a*******I for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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Missouri Pacific RR Dining Car Collection  [133314]3473 - Missouri Pacific RR Dining Car Collection [133314]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 silver pieces, 2 ceramic, dining car towel, 1926 pass, beverage list, and menu. This group is from the Eagle streamliner era. The bowl and plate are
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (190.00 + 47.50BP) = 237.50
 
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Missouri Pacific RR Dining Car Silver Service Items  [133309]3474 - Missouri Pacific RR Dining Car Silver Service Items [133309]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
8 silver pieces plus ephemera. Sugar bowl 6", creamer 6", oval tray 7", oval tray 9", silver bowl 4.5", 4 pieces of flatwar...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Mt Lowe Railroad Collection, Pasadena California  [133429]3475 - Mt Lowe Railroad Collection, Pasadena California [133429]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of an original rail joint from the great incline, about 18" long, 2 original Mt Lowe photos with board backing, approx 109 original ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to a*******I for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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New Haven Railroad Dining Car Silverplate, Flatware, etc.  [133300]3476 - New Haven Railroad Dining Car Silverplate, Flatware, etc. [133300]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 25 pieces of flatware, all marked; creamer, tea pot, coffee pot, and 2 salt pepper shaker pairs, and holder All punched New Haven RR on the bott
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 900.00
Sold to d*******f for (475.00 + 118.75BP) = 593.75
 
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New York Central and Hudson River Ephemera Collection  [133452]3477 - New York Central and Hudson River Ephemera Collection [133452]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
includes about 75 pieces of ephmera including 1884 ticket book, numerbous employee passes, post 1900 ticket books, menus, timetables, tour pamphlet, r
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
 
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