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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Fred Waring Jazz Band Broadside, 1923-1932 [167437]2241 - Fred Waring Jazz Band Broadside, 1923-1932 [167437]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
During this period his band was the hottest band in America. Here the broadside is advertising Dick Powell, Ted Haley, Priscilla and Rosemary Lane, an
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Ghirardelli Movie Star Cards (30) [178548]2242 - Ghirardelli Movie Star Cards (30) [178548]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ghirardelli Chocolate 1920s Movie Star trading cards and an assortment of Mailing Cards, also with movie star photos. Stars include Charles Chaplin, N
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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High Chaparral Trading Cards (A lot) [178812]2243 - High Chaparral Trading Cards (A lot) [178812]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Trading cards from the television show "High Chaparral". The show ran from 1967-1971 and was created by David Dortort, who was also respon...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 110.00 - 150.00
Sold to t********n for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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Hollywood Leading Men Postcards (33) [178554]2244 - Hollywood Leading Men Postcards (33) [178554]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Leading men postcards, including Clark Gable, Richard Barthelmess, Warner Baxter, Edmund Lowe and more. Some used, some not. Please see photos for mor
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Hollywood Pinup Collection, 85 [178952]2245 - Hollywood Pinup Collection, 85 [178952]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 85 8x10" Hollywood pinup photos. Mostly unidentified. 2 are Lucille Ball and 1 Virginia Mayo plus many others.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Leading Ladies of the Silents (15) [178556]2246 - Leading Ladies of the Silents (15) [178556]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Leading Ladies' postcards (15). Included are Mary McLaren, Phylis Haver, Bebe Daniels, Madge Kennedy and more. Some used, some not. Please see p...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Lillian Russell Signature & Photos  1911 [172503]2247 - Lillian Russell Signature & Photos 1911 [172503]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Mounted Lillian Russell (1860 or 61-1922) signed letter along with three photos of the actress and singer. The short letter appears to be an inquiry a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (400.00 + 100.00BP) = 500.00
 
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Lobby Cards -The Secret of Convict Lake (2)  1951 [172969]2248 - Lobby Cards -The Secret of Convict Lake (2) 1951 [172969]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two lobby cards 14"x 11" from the 1951 film "The Secret of Convict Lake." The film starred Glenn Ford, Gene Tierney and Ethel Ba...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Lobby Cards from Cowboy Movies (7) [178830]2249 - Lobby Cards from Cowboy Movies (7) [178830]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lobby cards (7) from two different western films. First is from a John Wayne film "Somewhere in Sonora" a 1934 western also featuring Shir...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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Movie Star- Ross Verlag Postcard Portraits [178657]2250 - Movie Star- Ross Verlag Postcard Portraits [178657]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
From the Ross Verlag series of real photo postcards. Lot of 29: Harold Lloyd (several); Richard Talmadge; Charles Farrell; Lon Chaney; Francis X. Bush
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Playboy & Marilyn Monroe Bubblegum Cards (11) [178995]2251 - Playboy & Marilyn Monroe Bubblegum Cards (11) [178995]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Playboy (8) & Marilyn Monroe (3) bubblegum cards in unopened packs. Circa 1990s. Please see photos for more details.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to a*****s for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Sheffer Postcard Kings & Queens Movie Series (75) [178563]2252 - Sheffer Postcard Kings & Queens Movie Series (75) [178563]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Sheffer postcards, featuring the Kings & Queens Movie series (75). All are unused. They feature stars like William S. Hart, Dorothy Gish, Mary M...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Silent Comics & More  Postcards (10) [178559]2253 - Silent Comics & More Postcards (10) [178559]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Postcards featuring Hollywood silent screen actors, highlighting some of the comic geniuses of the time. These include Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, Ch
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Silent Era Actress Postcards (6) [178552]2254 - Silent Era Actress Postcards (6) [178552]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Silent era actress photo postcards(6) including Edith Store, Anita Stewart, Vivian Prescott and more. Some used, some not. Please see photos for more
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Silent Film Actress Portrait Postcards [178656]2255 - Silent Film Actress Portrait Postcards [178656]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of eight real photo portrait postcards of silent film actresses, all done by Evans of L.A. Ruth Roland; Alice Joyce; Viona Dana; Edith Thornton; E
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to t********f for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Silent Stars of Hollywood Postcards (35) [178558]2256 - Silent Stars of Hollywood Postcards (35) [178558]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Postcards showing silent screen stars, including Mack Sennett, Ford Sterling, Pearl White, Mae Marsh and more. Some are used, some are blank. Nice col
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Silent Stars Postcards (17) [178550]2257 - Silent Stars Postcards (17) [178550]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Movie star photo postcards (17). Included are Mary Miles Minter, Constance Talmadge, Norma Talmadge, Blanche Sweet and more. Some are used, some not.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Starlets of the Silent Era (36) [178557]2258 - Starlets of the Silent Era (36) [178557]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Starlets and stars postcards from the early days of Hollywood, including Leatrice Joy, Gloria Swanson, Bebe Daniels, "The It Girl" Clara B...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (950.00 + 237.50BP) = 1,187.50
 
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Theatre and Hollywood Scrapbook Pair [177870]2259 - Theatre and Hollywood Scrapbook Pair [177870]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Pair of large scrap books. 1.) 18x24" about 30 pages, c1889-1897 contains playbills, handbills, and advertising for plays, theatre and musical ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 400.00
Sold to w**********e for (85.00 + 21.25BP) = 106.25
 
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Tom Mix Collection [178893]2260 - Tom Mix Collection [178893]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
7 thick Tom Mix postcards. Some have hanging holes. Wood revolver in original box with hanging end flap and 1 small flap missing, 8.5". Ro...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to d*******f for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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