The Sweetheart Express Auction (February 2021)

Auction Details

Greetings Collectors!

The first sale of the 2021 season is upon us as the best sale we’ve had in several years – across the board – in every category. We’ve been fortunate to receive many key collections from around America to offer some of the best material to be sold in years. It is truly a Covid-breaking sale that should have everybody jumping from their seats! In fact, it may be the best cross section of collectibles since the great market crash of 2008. We’ve called this sale “The Sweetheart Express” to commemorate the Valentine’s Day weekend and the Gary Nelson Railroad Collection.

Here’s a look at some of the major categories, with a glimpse at what is in them.

Railroad- the Gary Nelson Railroad Collection, about 600 lots, covering almost every category of railroad collectibles: Model trains; Cast iron trains; Train lanterns; Train signal lights; Train headlights; Train bells; Train ephemera; RR pass collections. This collection contains the very first cast iron train purchased from another major collection.

Arizona history- Rare Vulture Mine gold ingot, c 1911-1914, from an old Wickenburg family; a collection of 19th century Native American photos and documents, including two Apache Scout Medal of Honor winners, 2 letters from famous Earp era lawman Robert Paul, a Copper Queen Mine security force Colt revolver from 1907.

Colorado history- Leadville 19th century photo collection, documents from the miner's strike of 1896-7, spectacular United Mine Workers of America parade banner from the 1903 coal strike, a new discovery silver ingot from Leadville with an engraved mountain scene with a Colorado - famous Rhode Island family tie, choice mining medals and so-called dollars.

Montana history- Stuart MacKenzie’s collection of Montana stocks (all categories), Yellowstone collection, and saloon letters.

Western History – Rare and original tin type of George Custer in original case, and rarities across the board!

Badges etc- fantastic selection from the Lerch collection from California to Colorado; more of the special Presidential Inauguration badge collection, Mare Island, several fire badges, etc

Don Polland western sculpture collection- more than 1000 sculptures of very high quality design and detail from a major southern California collection. Native American themed, some western themed and some civil war, from 4” to three feet! This is the largest collection to be offered publicly!!

The Ken Prag Stocks are incredible- A major part of Ken's collection, this offering is of US businesses other than mining and railroad, plus Oil. It is nothing short of spectacular. Great rarities in every category you can think of, including some rare autographs such as Edison's son, and many important financial figures.

California gold rush- James Marshall autograph, gorgeous gold quartz watch chain and more.

Art- fantastic material across the board- the best we’ve had. David Roberts lithographs (Egypt, and the Holy Land, c1842-44), selections from the Ben-T art collection including a fantastic map from the reign of Peter the Great c 1722, great oils by some of the prominent early twentieth century Russian artists, and more.

Numismatics- great medals including a rare 1862 Lincoln Peace Medal with Osage provenance, California tokens, wood nickels, selections from the Ellsworth collection including the only set of encased large cents with every date, including the rarities!, California gaming token collection, US gold coin “look-alike” counters, so-called dollars and more!!

Firearms: a Copper Queen Mine Colt, several rare Colts with papers, and more.
10.

Auction Schedule

Day 1, February 11th, 2021, Lots 1000-1729
            General Americana (1000-1275)
                        Geo. Sort
                        Jewelry
                        Marbles & Toys
                        Miscellaneous
            Bottles & Saloon (1276-1339)
                        Bottles
                        Saloon, Brewing, & Drug Ephemera
            Mining Collectibles (1340-1431)
            Stocks & Bonds Part I
                        Mining (1432-1729)
 
Day 2, February 12th, 2021, Lots 2000-2729
            Stocks & Bonds Part II
                        Oil (2000-2113)
                        Railroad (2114-2176)
                        Transportation (2177-2246)
                        Miscellaneous (2247-2645)
                                    Agriculture
                                    Banking
                                    Brewing
                                    Industrial
                                    Other
            Firearms, Military, & Political Collectibles (2646-2729)
 
Day 3, February 13th, 2021, Lots 3000-3757
            Railroadiana & Transportation (3000-3559)
                        Model Railroading (3000-3286)
                        Railroad Equipment (3287-3430)          
                        Railroad & Transportation Ephemera (3431-3559)
            Numismatics (3560-3635)
            Tokens (3636-3704)
            Sports (3705-3757)
 
Day 4, February 14th, 2021, Lots 4000-4763
            Art (4000-4137)
            Native Americana (4138-4148)
            Philatelic (4149-4430)
            Bargains & Dealer Specials Part I
                        Stocks & Bonds (4431-4763)
 
Day 5, February 15th, 2021, Lots 5000-5708
            Bargains & Dealer Specials Part II
                        Philatelic (5000-5209)
                        General Americana (5210-5390)
                        Numismatics (5391-5708)
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...