37-star American Flag topped Rush to the Rockies sale at Holabird
American flag with 37 stars, made sometime in 1867 upon the admission of Nebraska as a state, $10,625
RENO, Nev. – An American flag with 37 stars and in very good condition, made sometime in 1867 upon the admission of Nebraska as a state, sold for $10,625 at a huge four-day Rush to the Rockies auction held August 25-28 by Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC.
The 37-star flag is rare, as a 38-star flag was introduced to celebrate the 1877 Centennial, with Colorado added later in the year. The flag sold by Holabird measured 48 by 90in and had hand-sewn stars. The flag company logo patch was sewn near a bottom grommet. It followed no known 37-star pattern; the “Great Star” pattern became official in July 1867.
Archive from the Mormon polygamist Peter Johnson, $4,750
Other lots in the sale that posted strong prices include a pictorial archive from the Mormon polygamist Peter Johnson, consisting of three framed portrait charcoal sketches of Mormons imprisoned for polygamy (including Johnson), plus a fourth mammoth plate photo of the building of the Temple in Salt Lake, Utah, also framed, all from Box Elder County in Utah and with dates ranging from the 1870s to the 1890s. The archive changed hands for $4,750.
Circa-1880s E. Schneider candle box, $5,002
An original circa-1880s box with about 30 original candles from E. Schneider & Company earned $5,002. The candles would have been used by miners to light underground mines; a red label on the box read, “Original / Stearic Wax / Candles / Trade Mark / E. Schneider & Co.”
Collection of around 90 Paleo points, aka arrowheads, $8,750
Paleo points, aka arrowheads, proved to be popular with collectors. A collection of around 90 points that included a wide variety of shapes and materials, including porphyrite rock, one large knife and one drill, in three display cases, realized $8,750. In addition, a great collection of more than 40 Archaic Period stone knives finished at $2,375.
Circa-1895 Thos. R. Hiebler whiskey flask, $4,125
Antique bottles were also a hit with bidders. A two-town whiskey flask from around 1895 for Thos. R. Heibler, misspelled on the bottle as “Hiebler” (“Pure Old Sour Mash / Whiskey / Thos. R. Hiebler / Montrose & Ouray / Colo.”), rose to $4,125.
Circa-1898-1908 Vota & DeHeines pocket whiskey flask, $4,375
In addition, a circa-1898-1908 Vota & DeHeines pocket whiskey flask, light purple with black lettering and a ground top with a metal cap, went to a determined bidder for $4,375. Johnnie DeHeines and Ludwig Vota were co-owners of the County Club saloon in Silverton, Colorado.
Ancient Roman Sestarius coin showing Galba, $6,037
Ancient Roman coins found their way into the list of Day 4 top earners. Examples include a Sestarius of Galba coin in gorgeous EF condition, which showed a legend encircled by an oak wreath on the reverse. It sold for $6,037. Galba served as Roman emperor for just seven months (68-69 AD), having previously been governor of Spain for eight years.
Group of 12 Caesars silver coins, $5,878
Another coin lot that triumphed was a group of 12 Caesars silver coins, all in about fine to fine condition. The group included an elephant denarius of Caesar celebrating his victory over the Gauls and an August denarius celebrating his grandsons’ coming of age. The group earned $5,878.
Ancient Roman Aureus coin showing Nero, $4,500
The final coin highlight was an Aureus of Nero that showed Jupiter seated on the reverse, which realized $4,500. Nero (54-68 AD) persecuted Christians and famously executed Peter and Paul, who later become saints.
To consign a single piece or a collection to Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC, you may call Fred Holabird at 775-851-1859 or 844-492-2766; or, you can email fredholabird@gmail.com. To learn more about Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC, please visit www.holabirdamericana.com.
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