Magic of the American West lauded at PBA Galleries, June 30

Edward S. Curtis, ‘Geronimo – Apache,’ est. $20,000-$30,000

BERKELEY, Calif. – PBA Galleries will conduct a Platinum Auction of Elite Americana & Rare Maps on Thursday, June 30. The sale comprises a selection of 96 valuable examples of historical Americana, including much on Mexico, from printed books and manuscripts to cartography and striking pictorial views, with ephemeral material, broadsides, archives and photographs. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Among the major book lots is Pencil Sketches of Montana by A.E. Mathews, with 31 lithographed plates. This copy was once owned by Ross Deegan, cattle baron and vigilante and a founding member of the Montana Stock Association. The book is signed by Deegan, and comes with photographs of him and related ephemera. It is estimated at $50,000-$80,000.

Another standout book in the June 30 lineup is a first edition of the official account of Lewis & Clark’s expedition across the North American continent. Dated from 1914, with two volumes, it is one of the most important works in the annals of United States history. Its estimate is $25,000-$35,000.

A.E. Mathews, ‘Pencil Sketches of Montana,’ est. $50,000-$80,000

One photography item that deserves particular attention is Geronimo – Apache, a photogravure on Japan vellum by Edward S. Curtis. It appears as Plate 2 in Portfolio I of his monumental work The North American Indian, and it is one of the most desirable of Curtis’ portraits of Native Americans, taken when Geronimo was 76 years old. It carries an estimate of $20,000-$30,000.

Important manuscript letter signed by California Governor Jose Figueroa, est. $40,000-$60,000

A highlight of the manuscripts section is a letter signed by Jose Figueroa as governor of California to the secretary of justice in Mexico City. Dated July 20, 1834, it reveals details of an attempted coup against Figueroa and requests the president order the arrest and expulsion of the conspirators. The letter is estimated at $40,000-$60,000.

The second section of the sale presents maps, prints and views. One lot deserving of mention is a chart of the Pacific Ocean by Johannes Van Keulen, Pascaertvande Zuyd Zee, circa 1689-1695. It encompasses the land mass of North America and most of South America, with California depicted as a large island. It has an estimate of $6,000-$9,000.

For more information about upcoming sales, to schedule a Zoom preview or phone bidding for a future auction, please contact PBA Galleries at 415-989-2665 or pba@pbagalleries.com.

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/