Wild West Relics Auction April 2024

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location3555 Airway Drive Suite 308, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States In Person PreviewPreview

Auction Details

April, 2024 HWAC Auction -Another Potential Million Dollar Sale of Rare Americana!
-Fred Holabird

Welcome everybody to our next live auction. Th sale closely follows a timed auction two weeks ago that saw a lot of action, with some good rarities as well as some great buys!
As we plow through the start of 2024, we find ourselves moving the rare collectibles into our live sales, while moving the rare lesser expensive items to the timed sales, which are getting more and more popular by the month.

April is no exception, as 2300 lots are up for grabs, again featuring many one of a kind discoveries and great rarities. When I write these introductions to the sales, it gets harder and harder to know where to start and how to structure the essay because of the sheer huge variety of collectible genres present in our sales. We easily offer at least 60 different categories!!

So this time, lets start with some of my favorite “discoveries,” which is impossible for me to place in my relative order of “wow!” effect. Top ten? Impossible! How about the top 20? ??

1. The Robert Matheson, Arizona Territory letter archive, c1883-1886, that discusses an Apache mine camp massacre, the “Bisbee massacre” and subsequent hangings. In more than 100 pp of letters, we get from the writer a very clear picture of the difficulties of life on the Arizona/Sonora mining frontier. See the Mining section.
2. Dr. Timothy Wilcox Arizona Territory (especially Ft. Huachuca) photograph archive, c 1860-1894. (see photography, antiquarian). Wilcox was an Army physician assigned to many of the western forts, particularly Ft. Huachuca and Ft. Niobrara. The photo archive has in excess of 350 original photos in one album alone, nearly all taken by Wilcox. He also traveled to Alaska and forts on the east coast before being assigned to Cuba for the Spanish-American War.
3. Goldwater Store Posse, Yuma/Tucson Photograph. Robert Paul was sent to Yuma to arrest one of the Goldwater Bros. for fraud. A large posse was sent, and the original mounted photo is a stunner. c1880.
4. Robert Paul ALS regarding a stagecoach robbery and murder. The sheriff made famous from the days of the Earps.
5. Famous Western artist Frederick Remington original c1903 prints. A remarkable discovery of original prints sold out of Remington’s own gallery with his gallery card still attached.
6. Barry & Patten embossed San Francisco whiskey bottle. This is the very first western whiskey merchant to place his product in an embossed bottle. They are exceptionally rare. This is a “crown jewel” for any western whiskey collector.
7. Frank Abadie, Eureka, Nevada knife edge coffin flask with full original label. Unquestionably one of the very top Nevada whiskey bottles of all time, and unique.
8. Maps. The map section is so darned good (spread between a map, antiquarian and mining sections) that I can’t pick just one. So I’ll pick the early “California as an Island” map. I know – some of you think California is an island anyway! This map has insets with it that make map reading from the 1700s exciting.. But the sections also contain rare Gold Rush period maps from two major collections.
9. Fort Weisport, c1756 map in which Ben Franklin was involved.
10. Boston Baseball Team stock certificates, 19teens. Stocks issued to and signed by the founders of the Boston baseball club (176376, etc)
11. Austin, Nevada Sack of Flour, Sanitary Commission autographed and signed petition of donations, original document for this very famous western mining charity event that made history. This document was thought lost to history. (169387)
12. Circa 1660 Ecumenical Farce, “Il Capitole del Frati” was banned by the Church before it was completed. This is a full edition, and may be the only full or complete piece known. Handwritten by the author.
13. Mining stock signed by famous California author Bret Harte. (136540). Author of “Luck of Roaring Camp” and other tales, Harte was a near contemporary of Sam Clemens in the California gold camps.
14. Fraser River Gold Rush glass negative collection (179017). A large collection of photographs, probably unpublished, of one or more trips from Vancouver north by steamer to the mining camps of the Fraser River region. The high quality images show the store sign fronts that allows for the identification.
15. Inventor of the Electric Car, Fritchie, 1903, archive. An incredible discovery of his personal papers and photographs. Exceptionally appropriate as the world finally moves toward electric cars, albeit 120 years later.
16. Hayden Survey, 9 Volumes. This remarkable multi-year expedition along parts of the American/Canadian border is well recorded and very rare. (178878)
17. Truckee Basin Directory, 1883. A great Tahoe rarity.
18. Giant Green Fluorite, (149346). One of the many outstanding mineral specimens in the sale, and a very colorful one!
19. Spectacular very dark blue turquoise squash blossom necklace (Navajo). This is the very deep blue color that was so popular in the 1980s and doesn’t seem to have been found in turquoise mines since then.
20. Virgina & Truckee Railroad Lantern. A near-mint example is among about 50 different railroad lamps (and more railroad china!). Be sure and watch for our next two sales (including timed), as we will be selling two of the best railroad pass collections ever offered at auction- the “Ron Lerch” and “Western Railroad” collections.

That’s quite a list! But its all here, with tons more great items, spread over four days – this time on a pair of successive weekend days so you don’t have to be troubled by auctions while at work.

We are always on the lookout for major collections! Please call us. 775 851-1859 or our toll free number 844 492-2766

DAY 1 - Sat, Apr 6 Lots 1000-1563
Art (1001-1098)
Jewelry (1099-1130)
Native Americana (1131-1271)
Maps (1272-1337) also see mining on day 5
World's Fair/Expositions (1338-1344)
Books (1345-1451)
Autographs (1452-1454)
Photographs (1456-1558)
Wilcox, Photo archive, c1860-1910
Tools (1559-1563)

DAY 2 - Sun, Apr 7 Lots 2000-2580
3d Collectibles (2000-2013)
Clocks (2014-2020)
Musical (2021-2022)
Furnishings (2023-2025)
Clothing (2026-2027)
Collectibles & Flatware (2028-2045)
Advertising (2046-2067)
General Store (2068-2084)
Bottles (2085-2166)
Saloon (2167-2181)
Gaming (2183-2190)
Tobacianna (2191-2199)
Cowboy (2200-2219)
Entertainment (2220-2263)
Circus, Toys. sports (2264-2295)
Transportation/Railroad (2296-2396)
Political (2397-2422)
Military (2423-2460)
Firearms & Weaponry (2461-2527)
General Ephemera (2528-2580)

DAY 3 - Sat, Apr 13 Lots 3000-3517
Stocks & Bonds (3001-3517)
Banking (3001-3024)
Mining (3025-3296)
Industry & Oil (3297-3366)
Railroad & Transportation (3367-3427)
Other (3428-3517)

DAY 4 - Sun, Apr 14 Lots 4000-4666
Minerals (4001-4032)
Mining (4033-4226)
Artifacts (4033-4041)
Ephemera (4042-4220)
Scales (4221-4225)
Numismatics (4226-4409)
Tokens (4410-4431)
Philatelic (4432-4566)
Stamps (4432-4458)
Covers (4458-4474)
WF/Express (4475-4519)
Postcards (4520-4566)
This auction will be split into 2 weekends. Please don't ask for your invoice until all sessions are completed. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

Shipping is billed separately. Pay your auction invoice early as purchases are packed in the order payments are received. Pick-up must be scheduled 24 hours in advance when you receive your shipping preference email after the auction. Invoices will go out immediately after all sessions the auction end.

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Rare Alaskan Tour Book 1894 [171393]1321 - Rare Alaskan Tour Book 1894 [171393]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Alaska tour book from 1894. It's called Raymond's Vacation Excursions. It's a 128-page softcover book that measures 6"x 5" and...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to k********a.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Alpine State Highway Booklet, Very Rare! [171338]1322 - Alpine State Highway Booklet, Very Rare! [171338]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare Alpine State Highway booklet, 14pp with foldout 12x8.5" map with crease tears. Photo of Silver Mt. on cover. Verso and small map wate...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to L******8 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Los Angeles Tour Books (7) [178568]1323 - Los Angeles Tour Books (7) [178568]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Tour books and pamphlets of the "City of Angels" Los Angeles, California. These publications cover the area from the early 20th century, u...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
 
 
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San Francisco 1870s Souvenir Picture Book [178824]1324 - San Francisco 1870s Souvenir Picture Book [178824]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
San Francisco souvenir booklet showing sketches of many San Francisco locations in the 1870s, including the Bank of California, Clff House and various
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (600.00 + 150.00BP) = 750.00
 
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San Francisco Souvenir Book by Hartwell & Mitchell, 1894 [178891]1325 - San Francisco Souvenir Book by Hartwell & Mitchell, 1894 [178891]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hardcover 1894 San Francisco souvenir book by Hartwell & Mitchell. Hotels, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park etc. 6x8.5". San Francisco Californi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Rose Parade Ephemera Collection [178930]1326 - Rose Parade Ephemera Collection [178930]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rose Parade assortment. Patches, felt pennants, hat, collector pins, book, photos, postcards etc. From the collection of a parade volunteer. South Pas
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Yosemite National Park Rare Booklet Trio [175005]1327 - Yosemite National Park Rare Booklet Trio [175005]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 rare Yosemite National Park booklets. Songs of Camp and Trail as Sung in Yosemite National Park, with etchings, undated. Two Weeks in The Yosemite a
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Calif Tourist Guides & Attraction Brochures & Maps c1960-2000 [173472]1328 - Calif Tourist Guides & Attraction Brochures & Maps c1960-2000 [173472]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Covers lodging, food, tours, etc. ~ 300 pieces of material, 60's thru 90's ~ Indexed alphabetically by County and stored in 9 ¼"w ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 125.00 | Estimate : 250.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Pre-1906 San Francisco Picture Album [178815]1329 - Pre-1906 San Francisco Picture Album [178815]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A photo album of San Francisco. It measures 5"x 7" and is in almost mint condition. The photos indicate that it is from the period prior t...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Early Yosemite Photo Album [178835]1330 - Early Yosemite Photo Album [178835]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early Yosemite National Park photo album, published by The Albertype Company of Brooklyn, New York. There are 24 pages with 6"x 8" sepia t...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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Early 20th Century Viewbook-Yosemite Valley [178676]1331 - Early 20th Century Viewbook-Yosemite Valley [178676]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A rare viewbook titled, "An Album of California Views," "Yosemite Valley," featuring six high quality photos by Putnam & Val...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to L******8 for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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Denver Souvenir Booklet Trio [178892]1332 - Denver Souvenir Booklet Trio [178892]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fancy green hardcover binding with gilt, detached from body. Brown compliments of Rhodes Ranch Egg sepia tone views. Light green hardcover by Chain, H
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Colorado Photography Book Trio [176315]1333 - Colorado Photography Book Trio [176315]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of three Colorado photography books, all in excellent condition: "Colorado on Glass - Colorado's First Half Century As Seen by the Ca...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Pueblo Booklet Trio [178885]1334 - Pueblo Booklet Trio [178885]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Red, Pueblo and Vicinity Illustrated, blue 1890 Souvenir of Pueblo, Pueblo 1880-1955. First 2 have some cover fade. Pueblo Colorado Robert Coelln
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Hawaiian Tourist Ephemera (12) [178540]1335 - Hawaiian Tourist Ephemera (12) [178540]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hawaiian brochures, ship menus and stationary (12) make up this lot. Menue from the S.S. Lurline in May of 1950.There's also a menu from The Hot...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to k*****f for (160.00 + 35.20BP) = 195.20
 
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Alhambra Hot Springs Broadside [172790]1336 - Alhambra Hot Springs Broadside [172790]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
On the Great Northern Railway between Butte and Helena was the Alhambra Hot Springs offering vapor, mud and private plunge baths inside the Hotel. M.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Hamilton, OH 1913 Flood Souvenir Book [178865]1337 - Hamilton, OH 1913 Flood Souvenir Book [178865]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1913 Flood Souvenir, views of Hamilton, Ohio during and after the disastrous flood of March, 1913. Cover has tattered edges. Hamilton Ohio
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Art of Treasure Island [179049]1338 - Art of Treasure Island [179049]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Hardcover, 1939, 185 pages. The Art of Treasure Island by Eugen Neuhaus. First hand impressions of the Architecture, sculpture, landscape design, colo
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Pan-Pacific Expo SF Stereoviews (9) & Booklet 1915 [178687]1339 - Pan-Pacific Expo SF Stereoviews (9) & Booklet 1915 [178687]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 10 includes nine stereoviews and a souvenir photo booklet from four expositions and fairs including: the World's Fair in Chicago, c1894; ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Panama Pacific & Lewis & Clark Exposition Ribbons [178477]1340 - Panama Pacific & Lewis & Clark Exposition Ribbons [178477]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of thirteen ribbons from West Coast Expositions: two from the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland: Idaho "Gem of the Mou...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
Details...Bookmark