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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Winnemucca Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon Pair [178012]2041 - Winnemucca Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon Pair [178012]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 Winnemucca Sterling spoons with engraved bowls. 5.25-6". Winnemucca Nevada Fred Holabird Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to G*******2 for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Mappin & Webb Fruit & Nut Silver Set 1895 [178481]2042 - Mappin & Webb Fruit & Nut Silver Set 1895 [178481]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Stovall 27: 1895 Mappin & Webb silver fruit and net set. Cased and hallmarked to 1895. This is a 7-piece set in a gadroon pattern. Very light u...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Coronation Loving Cup, 1937, Royal Crown Derby [177623]2043 - Coronation Loving Cup, 1937, Royal Crown Derby [177623]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two-handled, fine bone china loving cup commemorating the 1937 coronation of H.M. King George VI and H.M. Queen Elizabeth. Hallmark on the bottom is f
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 180.00 - 400.00
Sold to b*****a for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Colorado Mercantile Calendar Plates, 5 Different, c. 1909 [174070]2044 - Colorado Mercantile Calendar Plates, 5 Different, c. 1909 [174070]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
5 different Colorado mercantile 1909 calendar plates, 9.25". St. Johns Merc, Fort Lupton, 2x Wilmont & Son, Eads, repaired crack on 1. Hawl...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 350.00
Sold to p****s for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Eastern Colorado Calendar Plate Group, 4 [174071]2045 - Eastern Colorado Calendar Plate Group, 4 [174071]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
4 Eastern Colorado calendar plates. 1912 Andrew Lang, Druggist, Platteville 8.5". City Drug Store, Granada 7", front discoloration. 1911 J...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to p****s for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Trade Card Grab Bag (100) [177773]2046 - Trade Card Grab Bag (100) [177773]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Advertising trade cards of assorted sizes (About 100). These are in assorted sizes, with a variety of themes. They're in nice condition. Please ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
 
 
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Trade Card Scrap Book #2 [153373]2047 - Trade Card Scrap Book #2 [153373]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 50 trade cards including large format, in scrap book form. Children, flowers, garden guide, fertilizer, elephant, bird, White House and more.
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Trade Card Scrapbook [143397]2048 - Trade Card Scrapbook [143397]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Eleven pages, 10 x 15 inches with glued on vintage trade cards, on both sides.
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Trade Cards, 35 [153386]2049 - Trade Cards, 35 [153386]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 35 trade cards. Cloths, sewing machine, elephant, coal, druggist, cotton, shoes and more.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Trade Cards, 45 [153385]2050 - Trade Cards, 45 [153385]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 45 trade cards. Sewing machine, cotton, stove, gelatin, stove polish, boots, shoes, corn starch and more.
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 160.00 | Estimate : 320.00 - 450.00
 
 
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Western Themed Advertising & Trade Cards, 6 [178883]2051 - Western Themed Advertising & Trade Cards, 6 [178883]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
6 Western themed advertising and trade cards. Kickapoo Indian Salve, Clark's O N T Spool Cotton, Putnam Nail, Harold Lloyd, Hitzfeld, Paige Co, ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Lon Megargee A-1 Brewing Advertising Prints (4) [179127]2052 - Lon Megargee A-1 Brewing Advertising Prints (4) [179127]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot includes a group of four framed prints displaying the works of Lon Megargee, a cowboy turned painter from Arizona (1883-1960). Each 34" x 2...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Ad Pieces from Antioch Ca. (16) [176910]2053 - Ad Pieces from Antioch Ca. (16) [176910]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Several example of advertising from the Antioch area of California. Examples include programs from the Teachers' Institute, dated 1891, a busine...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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San Diego Advertising Mirror  1800s [173957]2054 - San Diego Advertising Mirror 1800s [173957]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ad mirror for an old San Diego business Marston's Dry Goods Department. Mirror measures 2" and is in good condition. Please see photos for ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Mufti Shoe White Cardboard Advertising Sign [179173]2055 - Mufti Shoe White Cardboard Advertising Sign [179173]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Cardboard Mufti White advertising sign with 5 images of a man in a turban making all manners of goods white. Integrated cardboard stand on verso. 34x2
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 130.00 | Estimate : 260.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Columbia Batteries Wood Sign [179292]2056 - Columbia Batteries Wood Sign [179292]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wood sign advertisement for one of the earliest battery companies, Columbia Batteries. They were early pioneers in dry cell and electric car batteries
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Coin Operated Machines Group (40) [168275]2057 - Coin Operated Machines Group (40) [168275]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice illustrated group of about 40 c. 1900-35 coin operated machines items including catalogs, many cutouts-some of which are colorful, and some quack
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Wood Burma Shave Sign [179018]2058 - Wood Burma Shave Sign [179018]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Burma-Shave was an American brand of brushless shaving cream, famous for its advertising gimmick of posting humorous rhyming poems on small sequential
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Cawston Ostrich Farm Advertising Collection [179154]2059 - Cawston Ostrich Farm Advertising Collection [179154]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very difficult to assemble a collection in such great condition: 1) real photo postcard; 2) 1915 medallion; 3) tape measure; 4) match safe; 5) Mirror.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 750.00
Sold to p********n for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Advertising Business Cards, 6 [178739]2060 - Advertising Business Cards, 6 [178739]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
6 mostly color c, 1885-93 advertising business cards from San Francisco and Petaluma. Flowers, wines, Hendricks' Hotel, dry goods, carpet beatin...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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