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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Hyatt, John Cuba Documents (3)  1893 [159931]2421 - Hyatt, John Cuba Documents (3) 1893 [159931]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Framed John Hyatt appointment by Walter Q. Gresham, Secretary of State, as American Vice Counsel to Santiago de Cuba, dated September 12, 1893, on his
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 1,500.00
 
 
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Russia Communist Poster, 1976 [177996]2422 - Russia Communist Poster, 1976 [177996]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1976 Russian poster, Proletarians of All Countries Unite. 33x22", small edge tears. Russia
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to G**V for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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England v. France War Bond Document, 1693 [178971]2423 - England v. France War Bond Document, 1693 [178971]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1693 England v. France War receipt for raising money for the war. Paid by a new or higher tax on alcohol. Signed by Henry Gough in lower left, probabl
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to S*******3 for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Regimental Crests 1880-1909 [178485]2424 - Regimental Crests 1880-1909 [178485]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Notebook with Victorian British regimental crests. All date between about 1880 and 1908. These were cut from letterheads, envelopes, etc. Includes cav
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to u********y.. for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Slave Trader, Vernon, William Letters / Inventory Lists (11)  1700s [172237]2425 - Slave Trader, Vernon, William Letters / Inventory Lists (11) 1700s [172237]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This group consists of letters and inventory lists of items received or shipped by merchants William and Samuel Vernon. William Vernon Esq.(1719-18
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 5,000.00
 
 
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War of 1812 Document, 1814 [179057]2426 - War of 1812 Document, 1814 [179057]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1814 Massachusetts document related to the War of 1812 to pay rations, uniforms and arms. 13x8", some foxing and small crease tears. Please ins...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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US Naval Astronomical Expedition 1849- 1852, [179352]2427 - US Naval Astronomical Expedition 1849- 1852, [179352]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
US Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the years 1849, 1850, 1851, 1852, by Lieut. Jay M Gilliss, volume 2, 33rd Congress,
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 1,200.00
 
 
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Army Seargent Proceeds Letter, 1850 [178976]2428 - Army Seargent Proceeds Letter, 1850 [178976]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1850 Army letter regarding the proceeds of Sgt. Samuel Smith of Company A, 5th Regiment infantry, who died at East Passagola(sic) Miss on May 8, 1848.
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Civil War Surgeon Dr. Robert Reid Diary [178833]2429 - Civil War Surgeon Dr. Robert Reid Diary [178833]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This is the journal of Dr. Robert King Reid, son of a protestant minister, who studied at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and came to Califo
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Civil War Senator John Conness Autograph  c1860s [155391]2430 - Civil War Senator John Conness Autograph c1860s [155391]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Cut square autograph, John Conness, Cal. 4 x 5.5" Conness served as a US Senator for California from 1863-69. Before that, he was a member of t...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Civil War Letter, General Long  1862 [178850]2431 - Civil War Letter, General Long 1862 [178850]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1862 letter on Everett House letterhead from General T W J Long regarding sending troops etc. St. Louis Missouri Robert Coelln Collection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Civil War Andersonville Prison Birdseye View Print [164360]2432 - Civil War Andersonville Prison Birdseye View Print [164360]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Birdseye view of infamous Andersonville Prison From the Southeast print mounted on linen backing. Bold colors, slight vertical crease on left side. 17
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 4,000.00
 
 
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Civil War Canteen and Drinking Cup [158589]2433 - Civil War Canteen and Drinking Cup [158589]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This lot holds a civil war canteen and drinking cup. The canteen is complete with cloth strap and original cork top. 8 in. in diameter; good conditio
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,600.00
Sold to d*******f for (425.00 + 106.25BP) = 531.25
 
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Civil War Music Drafted into the Army  1862 [130542]2434 - Civil War Music Drafted into the Army 1862 [130542]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1862 Words and music by Henry C Work', United States, 1862. The publisher is listed as Root and Cady. Important and interesting music. This musi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Civil War Pictorial First Edition [178480]2435 - Civil War Pictorial First Edition [178480]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Huge (24"x 20" Civil War book. Battles of the Civil War by Kurz & Allen. This book is over 2 feet wide and housed in its original arch...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
 
 
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Civil War Prison Book Trio [179321]2436 - Civil War Prison Book Trio [179321]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1867 The Capture, The Prison Pen, and the Escape, Giving a Complete History of Prison Life in the South... by Glazier, 400pp with plate illustrations-
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Civil War-Union Photo w/Black Cook [178974]2437 - Civil War-Union Photo w/Black Cook [178974]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Civil War photo of a Union unit with an African American cook. Photo by Platt, Lakeside and East Toledo, Ohio. Several names on verso in ink with 25c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to k******H for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Civil War Book Trio [174302]2438 - Civil War Book Trio [174302]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Women of the War;Heroism and Self-Sacrifice by Moore-596pp, both boards detaching, some foxing. 1863 Report of the Joint Committee of the Conduct of t
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 400.00
Sold to S*******3 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Ulysses Grant Print, 1864 [179065]2439 - Ulysses Grant Print, 1864 [179065]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1864 print of U S Grant, engraving by J C Buttre, NY. Photograph by Barr & Young. 16.5x13.5". This print has been removed from a frame and ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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US Grant and His Family Print in Old Frame [178959]2440 - US Grant and His Family Print in Old Frame [178959]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1867 print of Grant and His Family by W. Sartain in an old walnut veneer frame with a few small condition issues and old glass. Some spots of margins,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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