Sizzling Summer Western Americana Auction (August 2021)

Auction Details

Welcome to our August 2021 sale, the "Sizzling Summer Western Americana Auction!"

Our August sale is full of “hot stuff” across the board, and features some of the best collections in their genre offered publicly in a long time.

*The “California” Collection of Native American Jewelry*
The California Native American jewelry collection includes nearly 400 lots of fine, artistic silver and turquoise jewelry from a major collection.

The group of Native American jewelry presented by Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC, is from the collection of a long time California collector. Collecting over several decades, the collection features some incredible pieces—the main part of the collection is represented by bolos from Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. There are also necklaces, bracelets, rings, belt buckles, and brooches. Much of this jewelry collection is “museum worthy art.”

The Zuni people are famous for their inlay—both mosaic inlay and channel inlay. The Zuni petit-point and needlepoint work in stones is just as well-known. The collection focuses on pieces from c1940s-60s. Some Zuni artists represented are: Dan Simplicio, Leo Poblano, Lambert Homer Sr., the Edaakies, Frank Vacit, Dexter Cellicion, Myra Tucson, Elliot Qualo, Annie Quam Gasper, Alonzo and Helen Hustito, Velma Lesansee, Horace Ilue, and many others. Most of the jewelry made before 1970 was not hallmarked. We have named the artists of each piece whenever possible, however, some are “attributed to,” and others we were unable to identify.

Many of the artists are presented in the books by Toshio Sei, published by Schiffer. Toshio Sei began collecting Zuni jewelry in 1993 and has written several books on the various forms of Zuni jewelry. Besides presenting the artists, he has done much research and gives detailed analyses that explain connections of artists and styles, thus giving us history and meanings for the pieces of jewelry. A number of the pieces offered here are illustrated in his books.

The “California” collection also includes jewelry from the Navajo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, and the Hopi. You will find amazing pieces of jewelry from all of these Native people and will have a difficult decision deciding on those to choose for your own collections!

For Western bolo tie collectors, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with the largest sale of its kind ever held.

*The Western Collections*
We received two major collections containing outstanding items--both for their visual appeal and historical importance.

The first centers around Arizona and Colorado ephemera (19th century photos and documents) related to major mining camps, supplemented by gorgeous oil paintings of Native American and Western scenes by Douglas Rosa. One of our favorites from this collection is a framed photo of Tombstone prostitute “Amelia” (in classic prostitute attire) with her business license.

The second Western collection includes incredible military items (highlighted below), rare Western postcards, and a fantastic library including rare firearms references.

*Militaria*
This section is phenomenal, highlighted by George Armstrong Custer’s holster and gun belt, which is accompanied by a long history. Added to this is a major collection related to the Mexican War and Pancho Villa, including a photo-diary by Arizona photographer Walter Horne. Of great interest will be the associated collections from the Prag Collection and others, rounding out a phenomenal section on the Civil War, Spanish American War, and both World Wars.

For the Firearm collector is a large library of historical books on guns, hunting and related, with some of the all-time key references. These complement a large collection of rare books. Exploration researchers will love the Arctic Exploration library and other early works on Western exploration.

*Ken Prag Collection*
Wow! There are three distinct parts of his collection in this sale: ephemera, postcards, and stocks.

First and foremost, most or all of the material is from his unsorted acquisitions for decades. We found amazing items here. Like the Bodie & Bridgeport Telegraph archive with a message about a failed robbery of the SF mint right after the earthquake!

There is a wealth of paper ephemera, particularly from California. The postcards (over 500 lots) are stunning, and among the best offered so far, with exceptionally rare views in both RPC and printed format. Large collections include California (incl. Tahoe and Yosemite) and Hawaii. Nearly every lot has great cards, and you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Pioneer cards? Hundreds of them. One of the sections we had the most fun with is the gaming section--postcards with a gaming or playing card theme. This collection is now in about 20 lots, comprised of hundreds of cards.

*Numismatics*
A large offering of foreign and US coins, medals, counters, and other exonumia. Includes a C. Bechtler Dollar; Carson City Mint morgans; a fantasy Wells Fargo & Co. Express, Goldfield Iron Strongbox; and a large selection of California and Western tokens and Good For mirrors (ex. Ron Lerch Collection).

*Other Highlights*
Stocks and Bonds: Another fantastic selection from
perhaps a dozen collections. Features rare Arizona pieces and foreign mining stocks from the Prag Collection.

Railroadiana: Another great batch of railroad passes from an incredible Western collection we have been selling over the past year and a half. Also, a rare Colorado railroad section, and a collection of Virginia & Truckee Railroad ephemera from the Prag Collection.


Auction Schedule

Day 1, Thursday, August 5th, 2021, Lots 1000-1605
*General Americana (Lots 1000-1605)
Geographic Sort (1000-1251)
World’s Fair & Expositions (1252-1286)
Gaming (1287-1311)
Bottles & Saloon (1312-1342)
Marbles & Toys (1343-1365)
Jewelry (1366-1421)
Clothing (1422-1452)
Music (1453-1465)
Miscellaneous incl. Photos, Furnishings, Ephemera (1466-1605)

Day 2, Friday, August 6th, 2021, Lots 2000-2596
*Transportation (2000-2153)
Railroad (2000-2119)
Aviation & Automobile (2120-2153)
*Philatelic (2154-2596)
Stamps & Covers (2154-2175)
Postcards (2176-2596)

Day 3, Saturday, August 7th, 2021, Lots 3000-3606
*Native Americana (3000-3387)
Jewelry (3000-3271)
Artifacts, Art, Baskets, Pottery (3272-3315)
Ephemera incl. Rare Photographs, Postcards, & Books (3316-3387)
*Military incl. Custer and Pancho Villa Collections (3388-3514)
Chronologically Sorted (Civil War, Spanish American, WWI, WWII, etc)
*Political (3515-3535)
*Firearms feat. Firearms & Weaponry Historical Books (3536-3606)

Day 4, Sunday, August 8th, 2021, Lots 4000-4606
*Cowboy & Western (4000-4040)
*Art (4041-4105)
*Mining (4106-4189)
*Stocks & Bonds (4190-4310)
*Numismatics (4311-4505)
*Tokens (4506-4606)

Day 5, Monday, August 9th, 2021, Lots 5000-5583
*General Books (5000-5072)
*Bargains & Dealer Specials (5073-5583)
General Americana (5073-5189)
Philatelic (5190-5408)
Stocks & Bonds (5409-5479)
Numismatics incl. Dies, Coins, Counters, & Tokens (5480-5583)
SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. Shipping and handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing as it is based on the size and weight of your purchase. Additional shipping and handling costs, if required, will be re-invoiced for the balance due. Items are not shipped until the invoice is completely paid. Many buyers purchase a number of lots. Every effort will be made to include all lots in a single shipping charge calculated to cover the weight and size.SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size a...
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Los Angeles Trolley Ephemera  [135679]5083 - Los Angeles Trolley Ephemera [135679]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large lot of photos and papers pertaining to the Los Angeles Trolley lines of the early 20th century. Souvenir photos fromthe Triangle Trolley and the
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (350.00 + 87.50BP) = 437.50
 
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Disneyland Ephemera from the 1950s  [132607]5084 - Disneyland Ephemera from the 1950s [132607]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five pieces of Disneyland history: Monsanto's "Adventure thru Inner Space"; "Salute to Disneyland" presented by the Parks &a...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 150.00
Sold to D*****6 for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Richmond Mine Assay Reports [58951]5085 - Richmond Mine Assay Reports [58951]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 Selby Smelting and Lead Co. smelting reports from 1990 on a Placerville, CA mine. Gold and silver found. Date: Country (if not USA): State:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to m********s.. for (10.00 + 2.50BP) = 12.50
 
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Early San Diego Revenue Bank Check  [135911]5086 - Early San Diego Revenue Bank Check [135911]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is a check issued by The Commercial Bank of San Diego for a little over $600. Issued to Western Union. It's dated October 9, 1879. It has a...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to i******s for (45.00 + 9.90BP) = 54.90
 
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San Diego Ephemera Collection  [135677]5087 - San Diego Ephemera Collection [135677]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Over 40 pieces from San Diego. 1897 copy of the San Diego Union; postcard brochures; Hotel Coronado photos and ephemera; Hotel U.S. Grant ephemera. Pa
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to b*******e for (110.00 + 24.20BP) = 134.20
 
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San Diego Pamphlet Collection  [135238]5088 - San Diego Pamphlet Collection [135238]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 18 brochures promoting San Diego: Coronado Tent City (1927); San Diego by Motor Stage; U.S. Grant Hotel; The Maryland Hotel; Pickwick Stages (
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to P******y for (200.00 + 44.00BP) = 244.00
 
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Hermann Sons of San Francisco Masquerade Ball Programs  [135619]5089 - Hermann Sons of San Francisco Masquerade Ball Programs [135619]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two programs for "Grand Entertainment, Masquerade Ball at Dreamland Auditorium" for 1931 & 1933.The Dreamland Auditorium would later b...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 30.00 - 50.00
Sold to y******e for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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San Francisco Bay Area Ephemera Collection  [135218]5090 - San Francisco Bay Area Ephemera Collection [135218]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Diverse lot of ephemera from the San Francisco Bay Area: 1934 Amateur Boxing Program; Earthquake and Fire photographs; Spanish American news for ship
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 160.00 - 250.00
Sold to k******e for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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Harbors, Ports and Ferries of San Francisco  [136862]5091 - Harbors, Ports and Ferries of San Francisco [136862]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three items: 1936 report of the Board of State Harbor Commissioners Port of San Francisco; 123 pages, softcover with illustrations. Short Way F
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to b*******n for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Southern California Earthquake Mailers  [135261]5092 - Southern California Earthquake Mailers [135261]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two envelopes full of printed B&W pictures of the damage caused by a 1933 earthquake to Southern California cities such as Long Beach, Huntingto...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to b*******e for (30.00 + 6.60BP) = 36.60
 
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Stanford University Ephemera  [135217]5093 - Stanford University Ephemera [135217]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two ticket stubs from the Big Game (Cal/Stanford) 1934 & 1955; Class of 1905 Senior Week brochure; 1928 real photo post card folio mailed from P...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (45.00 + 11.25BP) = 56.25
 
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Soft Drink Ad & Receipt  [135912]5094 - Soft Drink Ad & Receipt [135912]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two pieces of soft drink ephemera. Included is a receipt from the 1930's made out by the Stockton branch of the Coca Cola Bottling Company. The ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to d*******f for (15.00 + 3.75BP) = 18.75
 
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Camp Curry Vintage Menus (1930s-1940s) Artwork by Gunnar Widforss  [132571]5095 - Camp Curry Vintage Menus (1930s-1940s) Artwork by Gunnar Widforss [132571]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of seventy beautiful menus from Yosemite each with a picture of scenes from the Park. Most are from Camp Curry, breakfast, lunch or dinner. The pi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to L******8 for (450.00 + 99.00BP) = 549.00
 
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Antique Trade Card Collection  [132589]5096 - Antique Trade Card Collection [132589]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of eight trade cards from small California towns: Lompoc, Woodland, Santa Cruz. And the California Fig Syrup Company of San Francisco offering Nat
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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California State Department of Water Resources Maps (4)  [137632]5097 - California State Department of Water Resources Maps (4) [137632]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Maps for the South Coastal Basin Investigation, 1934 – PLATE A: San Fer- nando & San Gabriel Valleys & Adjacent Areas (mostly L.A Co....
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 40.00 - 80.00
Sold to b***5 for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Early California Tourist Road Maps (2)  [137631]5098 - Early California Tourist Road Maps (2) [137631]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Pacific Map Co’s 1921, 2-sided road map – Side one shows the entire state with Yosemite N.P. highlighted on it’s own [x=
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to L******8 for (110.00 + 24.20BP) = 134.20
 
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Pacific Electric Railway Ephemera Collection  [132578]5099 - Pacific Electric Railway Ephemera Collection [132578]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Time tables, tickets, brochures commemorating their 50th Anniversary (1902-1952); 1904 invoice for construction materials. Owned by Henry Huntington,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Golden, Colorado Souvenir Letter Card  [135293]5100 - Golden, Colorado Souvenir Letter Card [135293]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unused Souvenir Letter Card for Golden, Colorado. Published by The Colorado News Company, Denver. Seven B&W printed illustrations of views in an...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to m******0 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Colorado Ephemera Collection  [132635]5101 - Colorado Ephemera Collection [132635]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Over 30 pieces of Colorado history. Fort Collins Public Schools report cards 1899 & 1900; Trestle-Board Directory of the Denver Fire Department...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to m******0 for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Colorado Ephemera Collection  [135084]5102 - Colorado Ephemera Collection [135084]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Over 20 pieces of Colorado history. Bill from the Pinkerton Detective Agency for service during union labor violence; sheriff's deed, postal cov...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
Details...Bookmark