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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Trade Cards & Other Ephemera - 22  [136091]5183 - Trade Cards & Other Ephemera - 22 [136091]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
An interesting lot that includes pro jewish stamps (Anti-Nazi), tobacco ad cards, ads for Quaker Bread, a small pocket calendar from 1887, Hires Root
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to k******k for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Watchmaker Ephemera Collection  [132662]5184 - Watchmaker Ephemera Collection [132662]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Collection of papers pertaining to watchmakers. Billheads from Louis Miller of Laramie Wyoming; Webb C. Ball Official Standard Railroad Watch. 1906 Il
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
Sold to d*******f for (115.00 + 28.75BP) = 143.75
 
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William J. Perry Secretary of Defense Gift from Brazil  [135056]5185 - William J. Perry Secretary of Defense Gift from Brazil [135056]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Unique! William J. Perry (1927- now 93 years old) was Secretary of Defense under President Clinton (1994-1997). Recipient of the Presidential Medal of
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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World Globe  [131990]5186 - World Globe [131990]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Measures about 18" tall and 11" in diameter with wooden base. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 25.00 | Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Canadian Tourist Brochure Collection  [132602]5187 - Canadian Tourist Brochure Collection [132602]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Vintage tourist pamphlets for Canadian tourist sites. 1914 Atlas of Canada; 5000 facts about Canada, 1928; photo brochure of Vancouver; brochures from
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 150.00
Sold to 6******n for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Cuban Ephemera  [132594]5188 - Cuban Ephemera [132594]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large collection of Cuban trade cards, travel brochures, hotel sticker/labels, a foldout map and History of Cuba published 1897 including a clear and
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to d*******f for (425.00 + 106.25BP) = 531.25
 
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French Map Booklets (4)  [137918]5189 - French Map Booklets (4) [137918]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of four French guidebooks with maps Date: Country (if not USA): France State: City: Provenance: Ken Prag Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to S********O for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Alaska Postcard Collection (100+)  [137755]5190 - Alaska Postcard Collection (100+) [137755]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large group more modern photo cards and new (post 1959 or so chrome). About 100-120 cards in this goup. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Alask
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Lyon's Dam (near Auburn) California Postcards - 2  [136053]5191 - Lyon's Dam (near Auburn) California Postcards - 2 [136053]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two RPC's that are from the same area in California. One is labeled Lyon's Dam and the notes say it's located near Auburn in Placer Coun...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 70.00
Sold to 9***0 for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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RPC's Showing CA State Highway 99  [137057]5192 - RPC's Showing CA State Highway 99 [137057]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The 1920's RPC's image of the Grapevine (State Route 99) from Kern County to Los Angeles County. It was known as the Ridge Route. There'...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Catalina Island - Modern (approx 53 pieces) Post Card Collection  [137982]5193 - Catalina Island - Modern (approx 53 pieces) Post Card Collection [137982]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Avalon & Catalina Island photos & ephemera. Date: c 1920 1980 Country (if not USA): State: California City: Catalina Island Provenance...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Sold to d*******f for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Columbia California Postcard Collection (100+)  [137856]5194 - Columbia California Postcard Collection (100+) [137856]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 100 or more cards c1940-70 Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Columbia Provenance: Ken Prag Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to b*******n for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Columbia, California, Real Photo Postcards- 9  [138918]5195 - Columbia, California, Real Photo Postcards- 9 [138918]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nine RPCs with various buildings and street scenes in Columbia, California. Places include the Old Fire Station (3 different), the D.O. Mills Bank (2
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 80.00
Sold to b*******n for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Feather River Canyon & Plumas Co (west) Post Card Collection  [137974]5196 - Feather River Canyon & Plumas Co (west) Post Card Collection [137974]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Including 7 white border RPCs, showing railroads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, and the Feather River through the Feather River Canyon in western Pluma
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to j*******h for (20.00 + 4.40BP) = 24.40
 
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Fish Camp and Surrounding Area RPC Collection (6)  [137874]5197 - Fish Camp and Surrounding Area RPC Collection (6) [137874]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 6 RPCs, featuring Fish Camp and the Outside Yosemite Area. c1898-1945 Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Fish Camp Prov
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to L******8 for (30.00 + 6.60BP) = 36.60
 
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Huge Hollywood Postcard Lot  [127087]5198 - Huge Hollywood Postcard Lot [127087]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 175 +/- postcards of Movie sets, famous people's homes, Hollywood starlets, actors, famous musicians and more. A great lot for the Hollywo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to y******e for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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La Jolla Postcard Collection  [133666]5199 - La Jolla Postcard Collection [133666]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of about 100 postcards of La Jolla California. The caves of La Jolla, the Beach and Tennis club, the Casa de Manana. About 20 black and white RPC
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*******e for (100.00 + 22.00BP) = 122.00
 
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Long Beach Post Card Collection - Modern  [137960]5200 - Long Beach Post Card Collection - Modern [137960]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
approx 100 modern era cards of various city & interior scenes Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Long Beach Provenance: ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 80.00
Sold to j*******h for (20.00 + 4.40BP) = 24.40
 
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Long Beach - Pike Post Card Collection  [137965]5201 - Long Beach - Pike Post Card Collection [137965]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
22 Long Beach Pike & beach scenes including 2 white border RPCs. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California City: Long Beach Provenanc...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Sold to j*******h for (20.00 + 4.40BP) = 24.40
 
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Long Beach Auditorium Post Card Collection  [137972]5202 - Long Beach Auditorium Post Card Collection [137972]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
18 cards, 3 RPCs, dating from 1906, featuring the Long Beach Auditorium on the Pier, including 2 interior views. Date: Country (if not USA): Stat
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 40.00 | Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
 
 
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