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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Mercury Crockery Flasks (3) [173120]4041 - Mercury Crockery Flasks (3) [173120]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three mercury crocks (flasks), 3", 6" and 7" tall, all with brown glaze from below the shoulder to the top. c 1920-1945
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to j*****1 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Mexico Mining Company Reports; 1909, 1924, 1931 [146088]4042 - Mexico Mining Company Reports; 1909, 1924, 1931 [146088]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four reports from various mining companies in Mexico. A) Reports of Mining Engineers on the Mulatos Mines Belonging to the Rey Del Oro Mining Company
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 130.00 | Estimate : 260.00 - 800.00
 
 
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Skagway Mounted Photos, 1899 (8) [179115]4043 - Skagway Mounted Photos, 1899 (8) [179115]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Eight mounted photos of Skagway and surrounds, including several different birds-eye views. The photos are all mini-panorama photos, 2" x 6 3/4...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 6*****b for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Alaska Gold Rush books, Rickard, Lynch [173719]4044 - Alaska Gold Rush books, Rickard, Lynch [173719]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2 book relating to Alaska and the gold rush, including: 1. Through the Yukon and Alaska, by T.G. Rickard, 1909. Neil Publishing Company. 2. Thr
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Matheson Letters, 1883-1886, "Bisbee Massacre" and Apache Attacks [178874]4045 - Matheson Letters, 1883-1886, "Bisbee Massacre" and Apache Attacks [178874]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Robert Matheson Papers, Tombstone, Arizona Territory, 1883-1887 Fred N. Holabird, copyright 2024 Twenty three hand written letters consisting of
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (9,750.00 + 2,437.50BP) = 12,187.50
 
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New La Paz Gold Mining Prospectus,1916 [178884]4046 - New La Paz Gold Mining Prospectus,1916 [178884]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
24 pp. Double-page map center & a few facsimiles of documents. 9x3", wrapper with raised gilt lettering. The mining property was in southwe...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to S****2 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Copper Deposits Clifton-Morenci AZ Book & PC's [176992]4047 - Copper Deposits Clifton-Morenci AZ Book & PC's [176992]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"The Copper Deposits of the Clifton-Morenci District, AZ," U.S.G.S. Professional Paper No. 43, by Waldemar Lindgren, 1905 - Profusely illu...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 250.00
Sold to j********g for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Telegraph Cons. Mine Prospectus w/Foldout Map [173275]4048 - Telegraph Cons. Mine Prospectus w/Foldout Map [173275]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
c. 1880 7pp prospectus and foldout map for Telegraph Cons. Mining Co. of Pioneer District, Pinal County, Arizona. They owned several mining properties
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 900.00
 
 
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Twin Buttes Mining & Smelting & Railroad Lot [173277]4049 - Twin Buttes Mining & Smelting & Railroad Lot [173277]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 25 documents from Twin Buttes Mining & Smelting and Railroad companies, c. 1903-16. Billheads, quit-claims, time check, indentures etc.&qu...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to r*****r for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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Arizona Bureau of Mines Geological Series (3) [173499]4050 - Arizona Bureau of Mines Geological Series (3) [173499]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
"Arizona Lode Gold Mines & Gold Mining", Bulletin 137, Vol. 5, No. 6, August 15, 1934, Publ. by University of Arizona Geologic map of ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Arizona Mining Stereoviews from three companies (4) [168257]4051 - Arizona Mining Stereoviews from three companies (4) [168257]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
A stereoview of (1) "Mining Camp. Arizona" of the "American Series" publishers marked on side borders, buff colored mount front ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
 
 
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Stereoview of a Silver Mining Camp Quijotoa Arizona by Griffith & Griffith c.1903-1905 [168268]4052 - Stereoview of a Silver Mining Camp Quijotoa Arizona by Griffith & Griffith c.1903-1905 [168268]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This stereoview is marked "Griffith & Griffith, Phila., U.S.A." on the left edge, with "foreign and American Views" right ed...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Stereoview Where Copper is King Clifton, AZ by Woodward & Woodward c.1903 [168252]4053 - Stereoview Where Copper is King Clifton, AZ by Woodward & Woodward c.1903 [168252]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This stereoview is by photographers Woodward & Woodward on a grey curved mount, c. 1903, marked "Woodward & Woodward Publishers New Yor...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8***1 for (80.00 + 17.60BP) = 97.60
 
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Time Book for Sierra County Mine [178834]4054 - Time Book for Sierra County Mine [178834]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Time book for the Sixteen to One Mine in Alleghany (Sierra County), California. The start date is February 28, 1931 and the ending date is November 15
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to D*****h for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Calaveras County Mine Equipment Business Card [178258]4055 - Calaveras County Mine Equipment Business Card [178258]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Business card for Angels Iron Works of Angels Camp, California, with a branch in Jamestown in Tuolumne County. The card measures 3"x 5"and...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 120.00
Sold to A*****0 for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Densmore Consolidated Gold Mining Co. Assay Ephemera  1901-1903 [166986]4056 - Densmore Consolidated Gold Mining Co. Assay Ephemera 1901-1903 [166986]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 6. The Densmore Mine contains 59 acres extending southeastward from Stanislaus River up the steep east slope of the canyon to the
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to C*****r for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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Gut of Grass Valley Blueprint Mine Map [160747]4057 - Gut of Grass Valley Blueprint Mine Map [160747]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very nice blueprint on linen map of a cross section of the gut of Grass Valley gold mines including Empire. Shows key gold veins. By Fred Miller, 1913
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 350.00 | Estimate : 700.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Bald Mt. Cons. Gold Mining Prospectus [177713]4058 - Bald Mt. Cons. Gold Mining Prospectus [177713]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Undated Bald Mountain Cons Gold prospectus. Vertical creases, possibly original creases from printer? 7.75x3.75" folded. Jann Garvis Estate. La...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to j*****6 for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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La Porte Mining Docs, Lot of 11 [175296]4059 - La Porte Mining Docs, Lot of 11 [175296]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
11x La Porte Mining Documents, including pictures, postcards and Bald Mountain Stock Certificates: 1) Photograph, B&W, by Schubert Photo, La Por...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 900.00
 
 
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B&W Bell View Mine Photographs [175651]4060 - B&W Bell View Mine Photographs [175651]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
7x Black & White Bell View Mine Photographs: 1) Photograph by G.H. Schubert Photography, "2319 Bellevue Mine near La Porte, Cal.", att...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 120.00 | Estimate : 240.00 - 400.00
 
 
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