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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Faux Gold Nugget Necklace [179030]1121 - Faux Gold Nugget Necklace [179030]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nugget looking gold piece (12 x 15 mm) on a 15 inch gold chain, 14 carat. Total weight 6.4 grams.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
 
 
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Double Hear Belt Buckle by Montana Silversmiths [178572]1122 - Double Hear Belt Buckle by Montana Silversmiths [178572]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Stamped brown leather belt with double heart Sterling silver plated buckle by Montana Silversmiths. Buckle 2.5x3.5", it's a beauty! Belt 30...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Belt Buckle, Oval with "L", German Silver [177884]1123 - Belt Buckle, Oval with "L", German Silver [177884]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Oval "L" belt buckle, marked on reverse Montana Silversmiths/German Silver/Columbus Mont. Perfect for Larry, Lou etc. 2.6x3.6". Mon...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Wade's Silver Shop Silver Dollar Belt Buckle [178770]1124 - Wade's Silver Shop Silver Dollar Belt Buckle [178770]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wade's Silver Shop created this three coin sterling silver belt buckle, it's still in the original box. An 1884 and a 1887-O Morgan, and a ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Belt Buckle Trio [177876]1125 - Belt Buckle Trio [177876]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 rectangular belt buckles. Diablo Mfg. horse 2.5x3.5", bucking bronc by Linardo? 3x2"-bent bar on back and not silver, 2x3.5" with m...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Belt Buckle Trio [177878]1126 - Belt Buckle Trio [177878]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Saddle by Chambers 1.3x2.6", horse collar by Alpaca, Mexico 3.25x2.3", Horse head by Comstock Silver Smiths 2.25x3.25"
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to w**********e for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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Leather Belt with Silver Plate Conchos [178589]1127 - Leather Belt with Silver Plate Conchos [178589]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Woven leather belt with sliver plate hardware and 5 conchos. Belt is 32" long, stamped 28 which is likely the waist size.
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Belt Buckle, Oval with "D" [177881]1128 - Belt Buckle, Oval with "D" [177881]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Oval likely silver plate belt Buckle with D on front. Crumrine, Reno NV mark and sticker on reverse. Perfect for David, Don, Doug etc. 2.5x3.25".
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 130.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*******i for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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Jewelry Assortment & Fisher Space Pen (4) [172275]1129 - Jewelry Assortment & Fisher Space Pen (4) [172275]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Includes a Fisher Space Pen, an Isabella Chinese leather strap man's watch, cufflinks & studs with military jet design and an unidentified ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to w**********e for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Watches: Pocket & Wrist (50) [179039]1130 - Watches: Pocket & Wrist (50) [179039]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Over 50 watches. Lots of fun for little money. Pocket watches, wrist watches, a few ladies watches. All brands: Seiko, Benrus, Elgin, Waltham, Rolex f
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 500.00 - 600.00
Sold to m**********d for (425.00 + 106.25BP) = 531.25
 
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Native American Artist Books [168893]1131 - Native American Artist Books [168893]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of five books about Indian artists: "John Running: Honor Dance," "Indian Artists at Work," "Bill Reid" ; "Ind...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 60.00 - 120.00
Sold to d********s.. for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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R C Gorman Signed Poster Pair [178038]1132 - R C Gorman Signed Poster Pair [178038]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 posters signed by the famous New Mexico artist, R C Gorman. 1995 La Roja 27x31", La Noche 31x27". New Mexico Gary Bracken Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Eskimo Village Illustration on Silk by A.I Keller [177789]1133 - Eskimo Village Illustration on Silk by A.I Keller [177789]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is an drawing by one time New York Herald illustrator, Arthur Ignatius Keller (1867-1924). I can't find the title of the work, but is done ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Hopi Maiden, Norma Andraud, Signed, Numbered [156094]1134 - Hopi Maiden, Norma Andraud, Signed, Numbered [156094]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Print #25/60 Well-preserved, contemporary, framed portrait of a Native American woman. This famous print by renowned Native American Artist, Norma A
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 10,000.00
 
 
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Tustennuggee Emathla(Jim Boy) Print, 1836 [179064]1135 - Tustennuggee Emathla(Jim Boy) Print, 1836 [179064]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1836 Tustennuggee Emathla print mounted on cardboard. "Tustenuggee was a Creek born around 1793 near the Tallapoosa River. He was also referred...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Navajo Sheepherder Print by Frederic Remington [177790]1136 - Navajo Sheepherder Print by Frederic Remington [177790]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a steel engraved print on silk by western artist Frederic Remington (1861-1909). It measures 11"x 14", has some light staining tha...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to b*********7 for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
 
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Bev Doolittle Prints: Sacred Circle & Prayer for the Wild Things [139916]1137 - Bev Doolittle Prints: Sacred Circle & Prayer for the Wild Things [139916]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two separate Bev Dolittle prints: 1) Sacred Circle by Bev Doolittle, a fine-art lithograph released in 1991 with 40,192 signed and consecutively numbe
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to d*******f for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Vic Runnels Original Lakota Watercolor [170700]1138 - Vic Runnels Original Lakota Watercolor [170700]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
An original watercolor by renowned Lakota artist Vic Runnels. It is a village scene with very vibrant and sharp colors. Piece measures 18"x 24&...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 800.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to M********r for (425.00 + 106.25BP) = 531.25
 
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Lakota Art by Thom Little Moon 1992 [170703]1139 - Lakota Art by Thom Little Moon 1992 [170703]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Painting of ceremonial dancing Lakota warrior by Thom Little Moon in 1992. Piece is framed on canvas board and measures 28"x 22" and has o...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Runnel's American Indian Lithographs (3) [170699]1140 - Runnel's American Indian Lithographs (3) [170699]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Water color prints (3) that measure 25"x 18" and feature the art of Vic Runnels, Lakota artist who passed in 2017 at the age of 81. He wa...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 900.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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