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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Territorial Assessment Receipt for WC Ralston in Nevada Mine  1864 [155357]4161 - Territorial Assessment Receipt for WC Ralston in Nevada Mine 1864 [155357]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Assessment receipt from the San Francisco office for the Independent Gold & Silver Mining Company, June 22, 1864. Received of WC Ralston, $1,000...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
 
 
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Atlas of Eureka District, 1883 [176337]4162 - Atlas of Eureka District, 1883 [176337]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1883 USGS Atlas and Geology of Eureka District of Nevada by Arnold Hague. Cover has spine tape. 21.5x17". Eureka Nevada
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to S****2 for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Eureka Mining District Cloth Map, 1882  1882 [171209]4163 - Eureka Mining District Cloth Map, 1882 1882 [171209]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
If you are looking for a Eureka mine you will find it here-From the famous to the forgotten. Eureka itself appears on map. Has to include near 250 min
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
Sold to f*****E for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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Reports on Eureka, NV with Maps (3) [178531]4164 - Reports on Eureka, NV with Maps (3) [178531]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1962 USGS The Eureka Mining District, loaded with maps. 1884 USGS Silver Lead Deposits of Eureka Nevada by Curtis with color plates. 1892 Geology of t
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 200.00 | Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
 
 
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Forman Shaft, Gold Hill, Nevada Mounted Photograph [164651]4165 - Forman Shaft, Gold Hill, Nevada Mounted Photograph [164651]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No. 927. "Foreman[sic.] Shaft, Gold Hill, Nev." No photographer listed. Probably c.1900-10. 5 x 8" photo on 7.75 x 10.75" mount....
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Map of Hyko Silver Mining Co. Properties, 1869, copy [177509]4166 - Map of Hyko Silver Mining Co. Properties, 1869, copy [177509]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
High quality map of the Hyko Silver mining Co. properties at Pahranagat (Hyko), Nevada. "Map of the Illinois, Rio Virgin, Indiana, Chimney, &am...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to j********g for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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Jumbo Mining Check with Elephant Vignette [173368]4167 - Jumbo Mining Check with Elephant Vignette [173368]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Issued 1906 Jumbo Mining check with light green elephant vignette. Mine in the heart of Goldfield district. R7 rarity, probably less than 7 known. Ver
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 6****A for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Manhattan Silver Mining Company Original land patent, 1875 [178905]4168 - Manhattan Silver Mining Company Original land patent, 1875 [178905]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
original land patent for the G. J. Love load owned by the Manhattan Silver Mining Company presented by Alan a Curtis, May 17, 1875. Original patent fo
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Metacom Silver Mining Company of Reese River, first mortgage bond [178906]4169 - Metacom Silver Mining Company of Reese River, first mortgage bond [178906]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Metacom Silver Mining Company of Reese River, first mortgage bond, $500. Incorporated in New York in 1870 correction incorporated in New York in 1867,
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Grub Stake Request Letter  1928 [172978]4170 - Grub Stake Request Letter 1928 [172978]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Handwritten letter from one Charles G. Aldridge of Schurz, Nevada to M.H. Poehlman, requesting help in securing a grubstake of $500 from George Wingfi
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 40.00 | Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
 
 
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Bacon and Trench Mills, c1870s, Stereoviews, Silver City  [173784]4171 - Bacon and Trench Mills, c1870s, Stereoviews, Silver City [173784]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 2 different mills. These mills were in the vicinity of the original discovery site for the Comstock by the Grosh brothers. Both stereoviews are
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,800.00
 
 
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Silver City Territorial Stereoviews  c1864 [171207]4172 - Silver City Territorial Stereoviews c1864 [171207]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two old and historic steroviews. 1) GL Hepburn. Hand written No. 3, Silver City, Nevada. Shows mine in front of city. 2) Handwritten ‘Silver
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 300.00 | Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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Silver City Stereoview, Rare! [173127]4173 - Silver City Stereoview, Rare! [173127]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare c. 1868 Silver City, NV stereoview by G L Hepburn showing buildings and a wood trestle. Some brown toning on both images, please inspect. Silver
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 700.00
 
 
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Mining Claim for the Phoenix Tunnell Co.  1866 [171211]4174 - Mining Claim for the Phoenix Tunnell Co. 1866 [171211]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Located on Pilot Hill, South Twin River Mining District. Dated January 24, 1866. Certified be EC Brearley, Deputy for Daniel Liggett recorder. Two sta
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Geology of the Tonopah Mining District, USGS, 1905 [178436]4175 - Geology of the Tonopah Mining District, USGS, 1905 [178436]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1905 USGS Geology of the Tonopah Mining District by Josiah Spurr. 295pp with index, maps, charts etc. Front cover taped, no spine, both covers detache
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 120.00
Sold to j********g for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Tonopah Mining Broker Accounting Collection, c. 1920's [179188]4176 - Tonopah Mining Broker Accounting Collection, c. 1920's [179188]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 25 envelopes each containing mine accounting and individual costs reported to stockholders in Tonopah Mining district. c. 1920's. Tonopah ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Tonopah Photos and Postcards, 18 [178063]4177 - Tonopah Photos and Postcards, 18 [178063]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
See old Tonopah. 13 postcards-depot, mines, joshua tree, truck pulling a building etc. Photos-horse carriage, burros, women, mines. 3.5x5" to 8...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to v*******l for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Tonopah, Silver Peak, Goldfield Mining Reference Trio [178526]4178 - Tonopah, Silver Peak, Goldfield Mining Reference Trio [178526]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 key mining and geology publications from this important central western Nevada region. 1905 USGS Geology of the Tonopah Mining District, Nevada by S
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to 8***1 for (120.00 + 26.40BP) = 146.40
 
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Mining Covers, Many with Contents, 10 [167830]4179 - Mining Covers, Many with Contents, 10 [167830]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
10 mining covers many with contents, c. 1889-1907, mostly to S R Buford, Virginia City, MT. San Francisco Candle, 2x Coiled Wire Belting, 2x Californi
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Comstock History Library, 10 [179340]4180 - Comstock History Library, 10 [179340]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
10 Comstock history books. Desert Challenge by Lillard, History of Nevada 1881 by Thompson & West, Comstock Mining and Miners by Lord, The Big B...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8***1 for (160.00 + 35.20BP) = 195.20
 
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