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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Darius Kinsey Photos Pac. Northwest (3) [176994]1521 - Darius Kinsey Photos Pac. Northwest (3) [176994]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Darius Kinsey photographs of the Pacific Northwest (3), Kinsey, (1869-1945), was a prominent and prolific photographer, specializing in logging, from
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 125.00 | Estimate : 250.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Thermopolis Large Panorama Photo [150744]1522 - Thermopolis Large Panorama Photo [150744]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Framed large panorama photo of Thermopolis, WY. Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve, 5 mineral springs of separate curvature values on this reserve. Ph
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 400.00 | Estimate : 800.00 - 2,000.00
 
 
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Dawson Yukon Territory Photos (8) 1890s [171406]1523 - Dawson Yukon Territory Photos (8) 1890s [171406]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vintage photos (8) of Dawson, Yukon Territory and the surrounding area. There are birds eye views as well as flora and fauna and a moose or two. Photo
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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British Columbia Glass Negative Collection [179017]1524 - British Columbia Glass Negative Collection [179017]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a journey told through a few hundred glass negatives during the late 19th to early 20th century. Places visited in this journey include Port E
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 5,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to w**********e for (1,500.00 + 375.00BP) = 1,875.00
 
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Rocky Mountains of Canada Photo Album, Parliament Crows NEst Post Cards 1900-06 [170535]1525 - Rocky Mountains of Canada Photo Album, Parliament Crows NEst Post Cards 1900-06 [170535]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 7. 1. A series of Twenty-Four Vandyck Photogravures, Soft cover edition( heavy cardboard) by Byron Harmon. All photos are B/W photos except
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 250.00 - 300.00
Sold to w**********e for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Vintage Photos of Egypt [168793]1526 - Vintage Photos of Egypt [168793]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
18 vintage black and white 8 x 10 inch photographs of ancient sites along the Nile: Karnak, Church of Coptic, the fourteen columns of Ramses II, Cairo
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to w**********e for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Vintage Photos of Spain & Germany [168796]1527 - Vintage Photos of Spain & Germany [168796]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Eight vintage photos: four Spain: two colorized of Granada, two black and white of Granada and Madrid, all about 6 x 9 inches. Four Germany: all black
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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CDV Albert Grant British Politician 1870s-80s [178783]1528 - CDV Albert Grant British Politician 1870s-80s [178783]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A cartes-de-visite depicting Albert Grant Esq. Grant lived from 1831 – 1899. Born Abraham Gottheimer, Baron Grant was in the nobility of Ital
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 25.00 | Estimate : 50.00 - 80.00
 
 
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Francis Frith London Photos (10) 1890s [171400]1529 - Francis Frith London Photos (10) 1890s [171400]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Francis Frith photos (10) from the 1890s , showing Parliament, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and more. Francis Frith had been a founder membe
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
 
 
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American Humor Stereoviews, 200, & Viewers [179067]1530 - American Humor Stereoviews, 200, & Viewers [179067]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Take a trip through time with these views and viewer. About 200 American humor stereoviews and a wooden viewer. See photos.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Politically Incorrect Black American Stereoviews (3) [145716]1531 - Politically Incorrect Black American Stereoviews (3) [145716]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three stereoviews by C.H. Graves taken in 1901 depicting Black Americans in condescending terms. Group includes three black men at the table, "...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 300.00
 
 
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CDV of Captain with a Badge [178171]1532 - CDV of Captain with a Badge [178171]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This CdV is of a Captain, "45" on his hat and badge. On the back "Andrew Pennell" written in Ink. Pencilled "Chicago"....
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 120.00 - 250.00
Sold to p****5 for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Coal Mining Stereoview Cards 1900-15 (13) [178678]1533 - Coal Mining Stereoview Cards 1900-15 (13) [178678]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A collection of 13 stereoview cards related to coal mining in Pennsylvania, c1900-15. Publisher is Keystone View Company, with one photographed by H.C
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Gentleman & Horse Tintype or Ambrotype c1850s [175963]1534 - Gentleman & Horse Tintype or Ambrotype c1850s [175963]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
c. 1850's tintype or Ambrotype of a gentleman and his horse. Appears to be American and in a half case, 3.75x4.5". Robert Coelln Colle...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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H.C. Hamaker Studio Card & 2 Tintypes -Cowboys  [178167]1535 - H.C. Hamaker Studio Card & 2 Tintypes -Cowboys [178167]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
There is a studio card of a cowboy from the studio of H.C. Hamaker of Prescott, Arizona. Our hombre is wearing new chaps, a gun belt with two Smith ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to o*******9 for (1,000.00 + 250.00BP) = 1,250.00
 
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Historical Women Photo Collection, 6 [175965]1536 - Historical Women Photo Collection, 6 [175965]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
6 historical women photos including CDV's. 3 women in bathing suit with back American Tobacco advertising, 4x2.5". Ada Isaacs Menken by Sar...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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PA & OH Steel/Iron Mills Stereoviews c1905-15 (19) [178679]1537 - PA & OH Steel/Iron Mills Stereoviews c1905-15 (19) [178679]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A collection of 19 stereoviews, 17 different, related to the steel and iron mill industry in Pennsylvania and Ohio, c1905-15. All are published by Ke
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*********m for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Texas Jack & Wife Stereo Card   [178170]1538 - Texas Jack & Wife Stereo Card [178170]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
From the The Scouts of The Prairie Stage Play This studio card made to promote the stage play "Scouts of the Prairie" about 1873 with Tex...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to k******H for (475.00 + 118.75BP) = 593.75
 
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Texas Jack CdV c.1870s [178168]1539 - Texas Jack CdV c.1870s [178168]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This CdV is of Texas Jack; born John Baker Omohundro and originally from Virginia. He went west after the Civil War and drove cattle out of Texas. Hen
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to k******H for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Tintype Trio [179329]1540 - Tintype Trio [179329]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 tintypes. Amusing group of 4 men in uniforms with a skull and crossbones flag, 3.5x2.5". 2 ladies portraits-3.25x1.9", 2x1.5".
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to d*******f for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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