Hangin’ Up the Hat: Holabird Western Americana Announces Retirement
After decades of bringing rare Western Americana to the auction block, founder Fred Holabird bids farewell with a final slate of sales.
After close to a thousand auctions and millions of collectibles sold, the auction house Holabird Western Americana is closing. “It is time for me to retire while I still have some gas in the tank and hopefully the wheels can stay on,” said Holabird founder Fred Holabird in a press release.
Fred got his start in auctions in 1984 after working for years as a geologist in the mining industry. He proved to be the perfect fit, as he has a strong passion for historical research and a deep knowledge of American Western culture. “I found, discovered, and sold lots of stuff no one had ever thought about collecting, or even knew existed,” Fred explains. “These things led to discovering great stories about elements of history that few had thought of. That led to catalogs… then books… then more catalogs… then auctions.” After managing Holabird-Kagin Americana from 2006 to 2014, Holabird launched Holabird Western Americana in 2012, supported by a dedicated team in Reno, Nevada. “We built a great company. We’ve had a great team over the years. I don’t call them employees, because we really are a true team—one part doesn’t work without the other.”
Going from mail-in auctions to Internet shows to crafting Holabird’s specially designed digital timing system, the company has changed with the times while staying true to its mission to service burgeoning collectors in need of Western Americana rarities. Many finds, particularly mining, gold rush, and numismatic collectibles, have been sold through what Holabird calls “average Joe” auctions that offer items at low minimum lot prices, especially when compared to many larger auction houses. Although the company mastered online sales, there were also many lively in-house auctions, which Fred himself auctioneered. “Our bidders have really enjoyed watching Fred on the podium; he tells great stories and has a captivating presence,” says Holabird’s Barbara Wilson. “Many of our bidders have expressed that he will be sorely missed.”
Fred plans to continue his passion for historic research in Western Americana during his retirement through writing. For anyone who has read the company’s engaging press releases, which are written by Fred himself, his new venture is sure to be successful.
The company’s final calendar will include a live auction on August 9–11, a timed sale in September, a live event in October, and possibly another timed sale to follow. More information about Holabird Western Americana can be found on the website.
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