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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Music of the Gold Rush Era & San Francisco Songster 1849-1939, Rare [173760]2221 - Music of the Gold Rush Era & San Francisco Songster 1849-1939, Rare [173760]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 very rare volumes, printed by Works Progress Administration. Music of the Gold Rush Era, 212pp and A San Francisco Songster 1849-1939 208pp. Calif
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (700.00 + 175.00BP) = 875.00
 
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Buck Jones Photo & Rubber Band Repeater [178836]2222 - Buck Jones Photo & Rubber Band Repeater [178836]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Buck Jones & Louise Brooks' framed publicity photo. It shows her holding one of his toy rubber band repeater, which were given as premiums t...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to b*******n for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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NBC and Fox Prop Leather Belt Pair [178570]2223 - NBC and Fox Prop Leather Belt Pair [178570]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 Hollywood props leather belts. Studded belt with points and some jewels removed, 28", stamped NBC prop on back. Size 34 black leather with 7 ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Essanay Studios Actor Postcards (7) [178555]2224 - Essanay Studios Actor Postcards (7) [178555]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Postcards (7) featuring Essanay Studios leading men, Douglas Fairbanks, Herbert Rawlinson, Gilbert M. Anderson and more. All have been written on. Ple
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 40.00 | Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
 
 
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Postcards Featuring Universal Stars [178546]2225 - Postcards Featuring Universal Stars [178546]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Postcards highlighting Universal Studio contract players. Included are actresses Rosemary They, Ella Hall, Florence Reed and original Keystone cop Fo
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Lillian Russell Cabinet Cards (5)  1800s-1900s [173344]2226 - Lillian Russell Cabinet Cards (5) 1800s-1900s [173344]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five beautiful cabinet cards of actress and singer Lillian Russell, with one being autographed with just her first name. Cards measure 4.5"x 6....
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 700.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
 
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Des Moines Grand Ole Opry Lobby Card [178605]2227 - Des Moines Grand Ole Opry Lobby Card [178605]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Blue and red lobby card at KRNT Theater New Year's Day show in unknown year. Featuring Ernest Tubbs, Normas Jean, Porter Wagoner, Jak Greene, Wi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Pinup Pirate Girl Calendar from 1935 [178702]2228 - Pinup Pirate Girl Calendar from 1935 [178702]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A pinup pirate girl calendar from Glendale Watch and Clock Hospital in Everett, Mass., c1935. Inscribed with slogan, "We Buy Old Gold." 15...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 120.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Montana Dance Broadsides (4) [178383]2229 - Montana Dance Broadsides (4) [178383]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four 9"x 12" broadsides, advertising Saturday a night dance at the Windham Community Hall in Windham Montana. Two are stamped Mar. 22, as ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Movie Star Playing Cards (53) [178564]2230 - Movie Star Playing Cards (53) [178564]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Movie star playing cards from Sheffer card company of Cincinnati. There are 53 cards in the deck(Charlie Chaplin as the Joker). Other stars featured i
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Actors From the 1920s Postcards (55) [178561]2231 - Actors From the 1920s Postcards (55) [178561]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Early film star postcards (55). These are stars from the early 1920s, not exactly household names, like Paul Panzer, Grace Cunard, Leo White, Cleo Mad
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Billy The Kid Wanted Poster, Movie Prop [178606]2232 - Billy The Kid Wanted Poster, Movie Prop [178606]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a movie prop from the 1970 John Wayne film, Chisum. Wanted, Billy The Kid for $1200 reward. Includes a 2007 letter of origin on Universal Stud
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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Child Star Postcards (8) [178553]2233 - Child Star Postcards (8) [178553]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Child star postcards included Freddie Bartholomew, Mildred Harris (Mrs. Charlie Chaplin) and kidnapping victim Willie Whitka, among others. Some mused
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Comics of the Silent Era Postcards (15) [178560]2234 - Comics of the Silent Era Postcards (15) [178560]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Postcards showing comic actors for the silent days of film, featuring Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Ben Turpin and more. Some are used, some are not
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Cowboy Star Postcards (About 35) [178547]2235 - Cowboy Star Postcards (About 35) [178547]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Postcards (35) featuring cowboy stars of the silent era, including blue tinted cards from Exhibit Supply Company. Cards include Buck Jones, Bill Cody
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 180.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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Cowboy Stars Postcards (25) [178562]2236 - Cowboy Stars Postcards (25) [178562]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Postcards featuring cowboy stars of the silent era, including William S. Hart, Ken "Tex" Maynard, Tom Mix, Hoot Gibson, William Farnum, Ha...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Favorite Negro Spirituals by Hampton Institute Quartet [179198]2237 - Favorite Negro Spirituals by Hampton Institute Quartet [179198]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare set of 5x 9.75" discs, not marked for speed, appears to be 78 rpm. 1 disc is cracked, the other 4 are visually graded and consistent looki...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to J*******1 for (425.00 + 106.25BP) = 531.25
 
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Film Actress Postcards [178655]2238 - Film Actress Postcards [178655]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 24 black and white real photo postcards of female movie stars from the early age of screen. Brigitte Helm; Debra Paget; Greta Garbo; Florence
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (475.00 + 118.75BP) = 593.75
 
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Film Stars Homes Postcards (25) [178551]2239 - Film Stars Homes Postcards (25) [178551]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Celebrity homes & and scene postcards, including Mary Pickford's Home, Charlie Chaplin Studios, Rudolph Valentino, Bebe Daniels and more. So...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 120.00 - 180.00
Sold to d*******f for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Framed Hollywood Fantasy  [178992]2240 - Framed Hollywood Fantasy [178992]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A nice framed peace of Hollywood make believe. It is supposed to be a signed salute to "Talkies." Signatures don't appear to be legit...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to p********n for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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