Wigwam Auction--March 2019

Auction Details

"A Celebration of Our Great Basin Native American Heritage"

Featuring the Moe Royels Great Basin Wigwam Collection plus two other important Native American Collections

The sale of the Moe And Mary Royels Wigwam Café Collection and the Great Basin Collection is a true celebration. The items within the collections reflect the very rich history we have here in this unique place we call the Great Basin.
Moe Royels was born in Montana in 1940. The family moved to Nevada when Moe was only three months old. He grew up in Wadsworth and Fernley and was in the Army from 1959-1961. Moe married Mary in 1964 and the pair opened the Dainty Cone in Fernley and immediately started displaying their Indian Artifact collection. As an exploration geologist during the 1970’s and early 1980’s the Dainty Cone was always a place to grab a hamburger and have fun looking at the artifacts. In 1984, the place was remodeled into the Wigwam Café. Along the way there were more remodels, finally ending up with massive display cases throughout the restaurant showing off the collection. Meanwhile, across the street, another parallel collection had developed over time which also went on public display, today known as the “Great Basin Collection.”

Moe was a fanatic fan of the Nevada desert communities. It seems everyone for about 100 miles around had been touched in some way by Moe. When he died in 2014, hundreds attended his memorial celebration, from Nixon to Fallon.

The Wigwam Collection is a fantastic array of Native American collectibles, art and artifacts. A number of the items (dresses) were made especially for Mary Royels and few for Moe generally by local Paiute friends. The collections include some fabulous Baby Baskets, beaded baskets, spectacular art depicting early man in the Great Basin by renowned artist William A. Moore, and stone artifacts. A large collection of moccasins is also a part of the collections. The stone projectile point collections are probably the largest offering of Great Basin points ever made, reflecting over fifty years of collecting.

Sixth generation Paiute basket weaver Norm Delorme has helped identify basket makers. Norm and I have also written several essays regarding the collections and cultural losses. We encourage you to read and digest them, creating thoughtful discussion, not only of cultures past, but cultures present. We also have a discussion of recent regulations regarding collection, especially NAGPRA. During the entire process of cataloging, we found a trade organization dedicated to preserving cultures and the ethics of collecting, ATADA, and we joined.

Two other important collections round out this large Native American offering: a wonderful collection of choice Native American art and a massive collection of vintage Native American post cards. In the latter category, we are only offering a part of the collection in this sale, with more to come in May and perhaps the following sale, date to be determined. (maybe July).

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
* A huge Mining section featuring another selection of rare mining stock certificates from the Ken Prag Collection plus mining artifacts, books, & other ephemera

*Numismatics: medals and so-called dollars from the Salvatore Falcone Collection, dies & other collectibles from the Northwest Territorial Mint, and US & foreign coinage.

*Bottles: California & Nevada sodas, Nevada medicines, rare Nevada whiskies, and more.

*General Americana feat. US directories, documents, photos, hard goods, and more with a focus on the Western States. Also non-mining stock certificates from the Prag Collection & ephemera from the Joe Elcano Nevada History Collection.

*Railroad, Auto. & Transportation Company stocks from the Prag Collection

*A Bargains & Dealer Specials section featuring larger groups ideal for resale and entry-level collectibles in many categories.

Auction Schedule

Day 1, March 7th, 2019 (Lots 1000-1534)
*Numismatics (1000-1285)
Books (1000-1006)
Checks (1007-1017)
Coins (1018-1046)
Dies (1048-1105)
Ephemera & Collectibles (1106-1115)
Medals (1116-1155)
So-Called Dollars (1156-1264)
Tokens (1265-1285)
*Bottles (1286-1451)
*Saloon (1452-1461)
*Cowboy (1462-1496)
*Firearms & Weaponry (1497-1523)
*Gaming (1524-1534)

Day 2, March 8th, 2019 (Lots 2000-2686)
*Bargains & Dealer Specials (2000-2113)
Ephemera & Collectibles (2000-2069)
Stock Certificates (2070-2113)
*General Americana (2114-2664)
Advertising & Apparel (2214-2129)
Art (2130-2141)
Books & Directories (2142-2195)
Calendars (2196-2204)
Entertainment Industry (2205-2216)
Ephemera & Collectibles (2217-2499)
Gold Rush (2500-2507)
Political (2512-2522)
Military (2523-2546)
Postal History (2547-2555)
Wells Fargo & Express (2556-2570
Silverware/Flatware/Spoons (2575-2586)
Non-Mining Stock Certificates (2587- 2656)
Misc. incl. Toys, Worlds Fair (2657-2664)
*General Foreign (2665-2686)

Day 3, March 9th, 2019 (Lots 3000-3575)
*Art (3000-3052)
*Native Americana Part I (3053-3575)
Art (3053-3197)
Apparel (3198-3223)
Gloves (3224-3235)
Moccasins (3236-3279)
Accessories (3280-3304)
Jewelry & Trade Beads (3305-3361)
Artifacts (3362-3544)
Pipes (3545-3551)
Dies (3552-3554)
Baby Baskets (3555-3575)

Day 4, March 10th, 2019 (Lots 4000-4731)
*Native Americana Part II (4000-4301)
Pottery (4000-4011)
Baskets (4012-4140)
Dolls (4141-4155)
Books (4156-4170)
Ephemera & Collectibles (4171-4248)
Photographs (4249-4272)
Postcards (4273-4291)
Rugs/Weavings (4292-4301)
*Transportation (4302-4546)
*Railroad (4547-4731)

Day 5, March 11th, 2019 (Lots 5000-5592)
*Minerals (5000-5013)
*Mining (5014-5592)
Artifacts & Assay (5014-5035)
Books (5036-5049)
Ephemera & Collectibles (5050-5113)
Explosives (5114-5123)
Maps (5126-5140)
Mine Lighting (5141-5151)
Signs (5162-5167)
Spoons (5168-5180)
Mining Stocks (5181-5592)

SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size and weight of your purchase. All shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. If additional shipping and handling costs are required, the buyer will be reinvoiced 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 of the package(s). NOTE: Some shipments (of unusual size, dimension, or weight) may require sp...
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Ormsby / Storey County Ephemera Collection  (99520)2360 - Ormsby / Storey County Ephemera Collection (99520)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Collection includes: Brunswick(1), Empire City (2), Carson City (30). Virginia City(3) for a total of 36. Includes 1865 HC Kirk druggist from Vir
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d**********3 for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Pershing County Ephemera Collection  (99527)2361 - Pershing County Ephemera Collection (99527)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Collection includes: Lower Rochester(1), Rye Patch(1), Lovelock(19) for a total of 21. Samples are Nevada Packard Mines (the firm of Frietag &a...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Framed Pyramid Lake Duststorm Print by William Moore  (87612)2362 - Framed Pyramid Lake Duststorm Print by William Moore (87612)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Framed and signed William Moore print of a duststorm at Pyramid Lake, NV. Inscribed on lower mat. 66/700. Print 11x23", frame 19x30". Da...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Ayer Ranch Ephemera  (59806)2363 - Ayer Ranch Ephemera (59806)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A group of antiques from the Jerome Ayer ranch in Reno, which was located on Alameda, now North Wells. This group of antiques appears to date from the
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Harold's Club or Bust License Plate Topper  (99809)2364 - Harold's Club or Bust License Plate Topper (99809)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
On his twenty-fifth birthday, February 23, 1935, Harold Smith Sr. opened a tiny gambling club in Reno, Nevada. He had come to “the biggest little city
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to L*****8 for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Reno, NV City Centennial Poster  (60806)2365 - Reno, NV City Centennial Poster (60806)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Reno, NV Centennial poster. Approx 21" x 22". 3 horses in front of Reno skyline and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Small tack holes in 4 corners...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 25.00 | Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Sparks Harrell Ranching Empire Billheads  (99414)2366 - Sparks Harrell Ranching Empire Billheads (99414)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three. 1) A rare San Jacinto datelined billhead for the Sparks Harrell company, Dated 1907. 2) A nice horse pictorial billhead from James Bain
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to p********6 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Bullets Dug Near Stagecoach, NV (10)  (89315)2367 - Bullets Dug Near Stagecoach, NV (10) (89315)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
10 dug bullets at Emigrant Trail near Stagecoach, NV. 4 balls, 6 conical. Date: City/County: Stagecoach State: Nevada
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Sold to f********d for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Two Nevada Pamphlets: Fort Carlin and Sutro vs Bank of California  (99383)2368 - Two Nevada Pamphlets: Fort Carlin and Sutro vs Bank of California (99383)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Fort Carlin! Ever Heard of It? Official executive document from December 11, 1874. It is a proposal for a bill from William W. Belknap to the House
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 150.00
Sold to L****5 for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Surveyor's Field Plat Book with Interesting Locations  (99470)2369 - Surveyor's Field Plat Book with Interesting Locations (99470)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early! c1910. One of the most important, and yet least recognized, group of people in the formation of Nevada were the surveyors. But the surveyor we
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to c*****n for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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The Daily Times with Virginia City, NV Fire Story  (100031)2370 - The Daily Times with Virginia City, NV Fire Story (100031)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Daily Times of San Bernardino, CA with follow up on Virginia City, NV fire. Poor condition, sold as is Date: 1870 City/County: Virginia City St
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 40.00 | Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Territorial Location Claim with Hand-Drawn Map  (99437)2371 - Territorial Location Claim with Hand-Drawn Map (99437)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This survey done by county surveyor E. L. Mason is a description of a plot of land made for E. W. Keyes. This 145.52 acre survey starts from corner of
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 40.00 | Estimate : 80.00 - 200.00
 
 
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The Savage Mine and the Eyeless Fish  (99366)2372 - The Savage Mine and the Eyeless Fish (99366)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This 1876 letter is sent from Mr. Vanderbilt of the Fort Edward Institution and he wants to know about the eyeless fish found at 127 degrees in the de
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to u********y.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Eugene Griswold c1890 Purchasing Ledger  (99641)2373 - Eugene Griswold c1890 Purchasing Ledger (99641)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Eugene Griswold owned a mercantile store at the height of Wadsworth. These pages represent a booming business just before the Southern Pacific moved a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 250.00
Sold to M***b for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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Washoe County Ephemera Collection  (99790)2374 - Washoe County Ephemera Collection (99790)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This collection includes: Pyramid (1), Verdi (1), White's Canon (1), Wadsworth (3) and Reno (62) for a total of 68 pieces. A sample includes Pyr...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 260.00 - 500.00
Sold to B*********g for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Weepah Mill Panoramas (Hugh Shamberger)  (99747)2375 - Weepah Mill Panoramas (Hugh Shamberger) (99747)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
c1935. 10 x 3". Lot of three. All have notes from Jim Perkins. Photos by Frank Horton. Horton also worked at Diamondfield and Unionville. 1) 25...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d******r for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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White Pine County Ephemera Collection  (99664)2376 - White Pine County Ephemera Collection (99664)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Collection includes: Tybo(1), Tippett(1), Ruth(1), Seligman(1), McGill(1), Ely(2) for a total of 7. They are an 1873 Streitberger groceries, Tipp
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 120.00
 
 
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George Nixon Signed Memos (4)  (89972)2377 - George Nixon Signed Memos (4) (89972)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare, 4 First National Bank of Winemucca, NV memos signed by George Nixon. Nixon was an important Nevada banker, businessman and mining figure. H
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 120.00 | Estimate : 240.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Antique Metallic Embroidered Kimono  (76642)2378 - Antique Metallic Embroidered Kimono (76642)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Chinese silk kimono is heavily hand embroidered with metallic threads. The dragon designs are exquisite and incredibly intricate. The borders of
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 900.00
 
 
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Barbed Wire  (89513)2379 - Barbed Wire (89513)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Here it comes, straight out of the western frontier, the real deal. The wire that won the west. 19 3/4" long, and well used and weathered. Pate...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 25.00 | Estimate : 50.00 - 75.00
 
 
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