Reno, NV, USA, August 9, 2024 -- Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC has held numerous monster four-day auctions in the past, but they’ve clearly raised the bar for the upcoming American Treasures of the Past auction planned for August 22nd thru 25th, online and live in the Reno gallery located at 3555 Airway Drive (Suite #308), starting promptly at 8 am Pacific time all four auction days.

A whopping 2,151 lots are slated to come up for bid, in categories that include Native American jewelry, coins and currency, turquoise and raw Western gems, high-quality bronzes and Western oils from the Tahoe/Reno Western Art collection, Art Nouveau post cards, Levi Strauss and miners’ pants, antique Western bottles, Western antiquities and Chinese Eastern watercolors.

Day 1, on Thursday, August 22nd, will feature 537 lots of general Americans billheads and maps, railroadiana, transportation, antique bottles, silverwares, sports memorabilia, medals and tokens.

The bottles category will be led by a beautiful example of an exceedingly rare and popular Western whiskey, the Thos. Taylor (Virginia City, Nev.), produced circa the 1860s and, as an applied top whiskey bottle, it is the only one from Nevada. It has an estimate of $8,000-$14,000. Also offered will be a new California soda discovery, a circa 1856-1858 Bordwell & Co. green pontiled soda bottle, produced in Oraville, Calif. The bottle is expected to bring $5,000-$10,000.

Day 2, on Friday, August 23rd, will contain a world-class collection of original vintage Art Nouveau postcards, cowboy collectibles, militaria, postal history (to include Wells Fargo & Express), and philatelic (covers/USA and worldwide, stamps/USA and zeppelin / Hindenberg).

The collection of Art Nouveau postcards includes a group of 38 postcards from the famous French poster artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939). The circa 1899-1900 postcards will be sold individually and are part of Mucha’s 4th series, first published in the literary journal Le Mois. Each image depicts one of the months of the year, showing a lady in appropriate seasonal dress.

Day 3, on Saturday, August 24th, will be especially busy, with 536 lots of art, Native Americana (to include jewelry), mining (to include turquoise and raw Western gems) and miners’ old pants.

An amazing collection of high-quality bronzes and Western oils from the Tahoe/Reno Western Art Collection is sure to ignite bidding wars. The world-class and stunning works will be led by a stunning, detailed bright and vibrant depiction of Indians on the trail, possibly an unfinished painting by the renowned Western artist CM Russell, circa 1912-1914 (est. $100,000-$200,000).

The bronzes group will be highlighted by a 1982 collaboration between the artists Gil Melton and Buckeye Blake, titled Faded Romance (9/12). The work, considered a masterpiece, measures 16 inches tall by 64 inches in length and depicts a stagecoach and a team of horses. It would be the true prize of any museum exhibit and weighs in at about 300 pounds (est. $20,000-$50,000).

A different genre of artwork will also be offered on Day 3 in the form of a fabulous selection from a private collection of Qin Wei (1911-1936), known in China as a “National Treasure”. Only one of his pieces resides today in an American museum. Twenty-five of Wei’s original watercolor paintings, all from the 1920s-1940s, will be sold, with estimates of $5,000-$15,000.

A major collection of American turquoise in Native American art in jewelry form has been held in the same Midwest family since the 1970s – until now. With more than 300 lots comprising around 1,000 pieces, the collection showcases the work of Zuni and Navajo artists at their finest.

Pieces include a jaw-dropping Zuni bolo by Danny Young, signed on the reverse, with custom silver work by Savage. The bolo, crafted circa 1975, weighs 203 grams and is one of the finest Zuni bolo artisan pieces of its time (est. $7,000-$15,000). Also up for bid is a Navajo squash blossom necklace, Bisbee baby blue turquoise by Nerns with matching ring (est. $2,000-$3,500).

A new discovery from Utah and Idaho of about 15 pair of miners’ pants from the circa 1875-1890 period, many of them makes and models not seen before, will include an unusual pair of blue denim overalls with trim modeled after Levi Strauss (est. $3,000-$20,000). There are no Levis in the auction, but there is a signed (autographed) Levi Strauss check at the Day 3’s end.

There are too many Western antiquities to mention, but one intriguing lot is the half-plate daguerreotype image of 13 gold miners working their gold claim in Hangtown, Calif. (later Placerville, earlier Dry Diggins) during the California Gold Rush. The 4 ½ inch by 5 ½ inch photo is extremely clear and comes in a leather photo case. It should bring $10,000-$15,000.

Day 3 also features a collection of raw gem materials from many Western turquoise mines, all collected prior to 1980 to include samples from the famous No. 8 mine in eastern Nevada. These include a group of rough turquoise pieces, some top grade, weighing a total of three pounds (est. $1,200-$2,000; and a lot of four large turquoise slabs weighing 1.4 pounds (est. $800-$1,400).

Day 4, on Sunday, August 25th, has 544 lots of general Americana feature pieces and numismatics, including ingots, coins and currency.

The American History Collection continues with some of America’s first gold coins, proof coins and great rarities. Star lots include a proof example of the 1897 Liberty Head $20 gold coin, one of only 86 produced (est. $30,000-$100,000); and America’s first gold coin, a 1795 Capped Bust Heraldic Eagle reverse $5 gold piece, an important coin in any collection (est. $45,000-$65,000).

In addition, the Confederate currency collection, begun in the 1960s, is one of the best to hit the market in years. Examples include a CSA T-35 $5 note dated Sept. 2, 1861 Indian Princess, Cr. 271, one of only about 100 known (est. $22,000-$55,000); and a CSA Type 1 $1,000 written dates National Bank Note Company treasury note issued May 27, 1861 (est. $30,000-$45,000).

Online bidding will be provided by iCollector.com, LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Anyone owning a collection that might fit into a Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC auction is encouraged to get in touch. The firm travels throughout the U.S., to see and pick up collections. The company has agents all over America and will travel to inspect most collections.

To learn more about Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC and the upcoming American Treasures of the Past auction planned for August 22nd thru 25th, visit www.holabirdamericana.com. Updates are posted often.

About Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC:
Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC is always seeking new and major collections to bring to market. It prides itself as being a major source for selling Americana at the best prices obtainable, having sold more than any other similar company in the past decade alone. The firm will have its entire sales database online soon, at no cost – nearly 200,000 lots sold since 2014. To consign a single piece or a collection, you may call Fred Holabird at 775-851-1859 or 844-492-2766; or, you can send an e-mail to fredholabird@gmail.com. To learn more visit www.holabirdamericana.com. Updates are posted often.

Assonet, MA, August 7, 2024 -- Bob Adams moved to Assonet in 1974. Almost from Day 1, he began volunteering for various organizations in town as a way to meet people and give back to his new community. Recently, Woodside Dental Care, a dental practice located at 36 South Main Street in Assonet, recognized him for those efforts by making Adams the first recipient of the Gratitude & Grins award.

“Bob is known as the guy who coordinates the fireworks for the local celebration here in town. But he’s done so many more things in town, particularly at St. Bernard’s Church,” said Dr. Derek Cornetta, DDS owner of Woodside Dental Care. “He is a most worthy first winner of our Gratitude & Grins Award.”

Woodside Dental Care created the Gratitude & Grins Award to honor those in the community going above and beyond the call of duty for the town and fellow citizens. Candidates are nominated by fellow citizens.

“I moved to Assonet after getting out of the Navy. I guess it was second nature for me to want to serve and it made perfect sense to serve my new community,” said Adams, a widower, father of three and grandfather of three. “My girlfriend wants me to slow down a little on all my activities. I enjoy it too much and have no intention of stopping.”

In addition to his military service, Adams was employed by Sears Roebuck. Over his 50 years in Assonet, Adams has been active in both the Knights of Columbus and Elks. He’s volunteered at St. Bernard’s Church as a Eucharistic minister and funeral worker, while also performing odd repair jobs at the facility.

For being named winner of the Gratitude & Grins Award, Adams will receive a $50 gift certificate to an area restaurant.

The Gratitude & Grins Award is issued on a quarterly basis. If you know someone who takes out the trash for a neighbor in need, someone who checks in on an elderly friend, someone who runs chores for someone in need, someone who volunteers their time for good causes, you can nominate them for the “Gratitude and Grins” award at https://www.woodsidedental.com/contact-us.html

About Woodside Dental Care:
Woodside Dental Care’s mission is to not only maintain a healthy smile, but to completely change perceptions of dentistry and challenge the idea that going to the dentist is unpleasant.

Woodside offers high quality care, maximum convenience, and the kind of friendly service you’d expect at a small Mom & Pop store. For information, visit the offices at 36 South Main Street, Assonet, MA, via the web at https://www.woodsidedental.com/ or call (508) 452-6302.

Warwick, RI, August 03, 2024 -- Some take pillows for granted. Few know the rich history of pillows. Even fewer know of the modern day breakthrough in pillow design and performance.

The founders of the Spherehead Pillow offer a historic perspective.

They also pose a remedy for back and side sleepers. The round and scooped out, patented Spherehead Pillow offers a unique physical shape and physical benefits. The innovative and patented Spherehead Pillow cradles and supports the head and neck, promotes alignment of the spine, and allows flexibility of sleeping positions.

Pillows, a staple in homes around the world today, have a rich history that spans millennia and crosses numerous cultures. This humble object, essential for a good night's sleep, has evolved significantly in both form and function since its inception.

Ancient Beginnings
The earliest known pillows date back to ancient Mesopotamia around 7,000 BC. Unlike the soft, plush pillows we know today, these were made from stone. Used primarily by the wealthy, these stone pillows were designed to elevate the head, preventing insects from crawling into the ears, mouth, and nose during sleep. Additionally, they were believed to have spiritual significance, offering protection against evil spirits.

Egyptian and Chinese Contributions
In ancient Egypt, pillows were similarly hard, crafted from materials like stone or wood. They were often ornately decorated and placed in tombs to protect the head of the deceased, which was considered the seat of life.

The Chinese, around 1,000 BC, also used hard pillows, made from materials such as jade, porcelain, wood, and bronze. These pillows were not only a symbol of status but were also believed to have health benefits, promoting proper blood circulation and deterring demons from disturbing the sleeper.

Greek and Roman Innovations
The Greeks and Romans were among the first to introduce softer pillows filled with materials like feathers, straw, and reeds. These innovations marked a shift towards prioritizing comfort and support during sleep, a concept that would continue to evolve throughout history.

Middle Ages and the Renaissance
During the Middle Ages in Europe, pillows became less common, particularly among the lower classes, who viewed them as a symbol of luxury and decadence. However, the Renaissance period saw a resurgence in their popularity, with increased attention to comfort and the development of more varied and improved stuffing materials.

Industrial Revolution and Modern Era
The Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements in pillow manufacturing. Mass production techniques allowed pillows to become more widely available and affordable. The introduction of new materials, such as cotton, down, and eventually synthetic fibers, further enhanced the comfort and accessibility of pillows.

Contemporary Innovations
Today, the pillow industry is a multi-billion dollar market, with a vast array of options tailored to individual preferences and needs. Memory foam, latex, and gel-infused pillows are just a few of the innovations designed to provide better support, align the spine, and enhance sleep quality.

The Pillow Fight Continues
From ancient stone headrests to modern ergonomic marvels, the pillow's journey through history reflects humanity's enduring quest for comfort and well-being.

Founder and visionary of Spherehead Pillow, Alizah Josette, a Warwick, RI resident and paralegal, struggled to find an adequate pillow that would allow unrestricted movement but prevent harmful twists and strains of the head and neck muscles. Through her persistence, dedication and numerous prototypes, she unlocked the secret to a soothing night's sleep - a pillow that cradles and supports the head and neck, promotes alignment of the spine, and allows flexibility of sleeping positions.

Round and scooped out, the patented Spherehead Pillow offers a unique physical shape and physical benefits.  Within a week, most users adapt and blossom.

In recognition of its efficacy, chiropractors now refer patients to the Spherehead Pillow.

It is worth noting that the Spherehead pillow does not interfere with any sleep apparatus, such as an eye mask or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Side sleepers appreciate the gentle contour of the Spherehead pillow that rests along the curve of the cheek, ensuring the face is unobstructed.

The Spherehead Pillow retails for $59.99. It is available at the Spherehead Pillow website at https://sphereheadpillow.com/shop-now/ or via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZP9497S.

The company is also partnering with chiropractors and other healthcare professionals to make the pillow readily available.

For more information, visit http://www.SphereheadPillow.com.

Media Contact:
Steven Dubin, PR Works
SDubin@PRWorkZone.com
781-582-1061

Wolcottville, IN, USA, July 31, 2024 -- The third and final auction dedicated to the outstanding majolica collection of Edward Flower (1929-2022) and his wife Marilyn (1930-2017) will be held on Tuesday, August 20th, beginning at 10 am Eastern time, online and live at the Strawser Auction Group gallery located at 200 North Main in Wolcottville, Ind.

The auction catalog in its entirety with all 235 lots has been posted online, at LiveAuctioneers.com. To view click here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/335107_flower-majolica-auction-3/?page=1&sort=lotNumber

“We’re honored that the Flower family has continued this important auction with us,” said Michael Strawser of Strawser Auction Group, which was chosen to handle all three sales. “Ed and Marilyn were longtime customers who had attended our auctions since the mid-1990s.”

The first auction, held on August 23rd of last year, was a huge success. Top lots included two majolica creations by the French artist Charles-Jean Avisseau that sold for a combined $71,340, and a pair of majolica pieces by George Jones that together brought $57,455.

The second auction was just as successful, with top achievers that included a circa 1875 Minton tete-a-tete tea set in the chinoiserie taste and one of only three sets known ($30,750); and a very rare George Jones junk teapot, circa 1875, 8 1/43 inches tall, one of only a few known ($29,520).

As in both prior auctions, the Part 3 sale will feature many of the finest names in all of majolica production: Minton, George Jones, Holdcroft, Wedgwood, Hugo Lonitz, Palissy, Massier, T.C. Brown Westhead Moore & Co., Copelands and others – 223 lots in all. The collection comprises over 600 pieces, each one carefully chosen for its beauty, rarity, condition and value.

A strong candidate for top lot of the auction is an iconic Minton majolica vulture and snake teapot and cover, circa 1874, designed by Henry Hope Crealock, modeled as a vulture fighting a python, the raptor with a pink neck and head battling the struggling green serpent on a rocky base, 10 inches tall (est. $20,000-$25,000).

A rare and important George Jones majolica centerpiece, 14 inches tall, modeled as a giraffe and a stag eating from a tree beneath a large bowl, emerging from a small burrow, all upon a circular earthy ground pedestal base, one of only two known and arguably the most desired George Jones piece, should hammer for $12,000-$15,000.

An iconic circa 1875 George Jones majolica full nest game tureen with a hen and her chicks atop a bed of leaves and ferns as the cover, the base with rabbits in a meadow, and branch handles with oak leaves and acorns, 14 inches long by 9 inches tall, with a repair made to one of the three chicks, is estimated at $12,000-$15,000.

A large, circa 1875 Minton majolica carp tureen, the cover formed as a large carp with a lemon forming the handle, the oval base with a border scattered with weed, is 7 inches in height and 23 inches long. It has a pre-sale estimate of $8,000-$12,000.

An 18 ¾ inch by 16 inch Charles Avisseau majolica Palissy Art of the Earth dish, circa 1865, the oval basin profusely covered in fauna, leaves, lizards, snails, a frog, a large fish and crayfish, plus a pike to the center, should realize $8,000-$12,000.

A monumental circa 1865 Minton majolica Renaissance Revival ever on a stand designed by Hughes Protat and painted by Thomas Kirby, having a panel of hand-painted putti in clouds to the center, with a seated cherub and dolphin on fluted shoulders and an arched handle formed as conjoined serpents supported by cherubs and an entwined serpent above a circular base, should hit $6,000-$9,000. The ewer is 23 inches tall, the stand 19 inches tall. This is the only known painted example.

A Minton majolica neo-classical vase and cover, circa 1865, the fluted 18th century Sevres-style body having three rams’ heads conjoined by draped laurel, with three satyrs around, the domed lid with a putti with pan pipes finial, all on a circular pierced platform base, 30 inches tall and one of only three known examples, with a repair to a cherub neck on the lid, carries a pre-sale estimate of $6,000-$9,000.

A rare Hugo Lonitz majolica figure modeled as a hawk, circa 1880, perched on rocky ground, standing 16 inches tall, is expected to fly away for $6,000-$9,000.

A scarce Medieval Revival Minton majolica triple horn flower stand, modeled as three white hunting horns entwined about a central brown trumpet, the stem molded and applied with fir branches and cones, on a yellow banded circular foot, the horns banded and conjoined by metal chains, 28 ½ inches tall, should hit $4,000-$6,000.

A monumental and rare Minton Conservatory jardiniere, circa 1865, modeled as a three-seated Melusine draped with garlands facing outward against a column of four outfacing herons, their wings supporting a large circular deep bowl wide border of lilies, all upon three scroll feet, is expected to find a new owner for $3,000-$5,000.

A hard-to-find circa 1875 George Jones tortoise cuspidor, formed as a tortoise, the top of the shell forming the cover, 5 inches tall and 10 ½ inches long, with repair to the shell cover, is estimated to fetch $3,000-$4,000. This piece was exhibited in the exhibition ‘Majolica Mania” held 2020-22 at the Bard Graduate Center, New York.

A George Jones majolica Aesthetic Movement java sparrow jardiniere, circa 1875, the body molded with bold leaves and blossoms with large java sparrows all upon plump leaf feet, 14 inches tall and wide, with a leaf repair to the base, should garner $800-$1,200. The piece is pictured in George Jones Ceramics (Cluett, p. 66).

A preview will be held in the Strawser Auction Group gallery in Wolcottville on Monday, August 19th, from 4-6 pm Eastern time. The buyer’s premium for live, in-gallery bidders will be 10 percent (not the usual 15 percent); for online bidders it will be 19 percent (not 24 percent). Strawser Auction Group prides itself on keeping buyers’ premiums low for its many clients. In addition to live and online bidding, phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

Several pieces in the Flower collection were recently part of the renowned Majolica Mania Exhibition that was launched in New York City in the fall of 2021, traveled to the Walters Museum in Baltimore in early 2022 and finished at Stoke on Trent in the UK in fall 2022. Only the finest pieces of majolica made their way to the show.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Flower collection is the fact that the couple didn’t begin collecting majolica until much later in life – Ed at about age 60. Prior to that, Ed collected other things: coins, stamps and books as a youth, then later on American Impressionist oil paintings, early 20th century American prints and netsuke.

After Ed retired, in the early 2000s, the couple attended nearly every majolica auction held by Strawser Auction Group. And it was a certainty that their hands would go up several times at each auction. The couple simply refused to be outbid when they spotted a piece they had to have. They could also be found at every majolica convention – usually a bi-annual event. Also, Ed served for a time on the Board of Directors of the prestigious Majolica International Society.

To learn more about the Strawser Auction Group and the third and final auction dedicated to the majolica collection of Edward Flower (1929-2022) and his wife Marilyn (1930-2017) on Tuesday, August 20th, visit www.strawserauctions.com. To view a flip-booklet for the auction, click here: https://flipbooklets.com/pdfflipbooklets/flower-auction-august-2024#page1

About The Strawser Auction Group:
The Strawser Auction Group is always in the market for quality items for future auctions, especially majolica, Fenton, Pickard, Mt. Washington and R.S. Prussia. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, you may call Michael Strawser at (office): 260-854-2859 or (cell): 260-336-2204; or, you can email him at michael@strawserauctions.com. To learn more about the Strawser Auction Group, please visit www.strawserauctions.com.

Singapore, July 24, 2024 -- Digital Entertainment Asset (DEA), a Singapore-based global Web3 entertainment company and owner of the popular PlayMining GameFi platform, has won the Tokyo Regional Round at "Startup World Cup 2024", one of the world's largest global business pitch contests. Hosted by Pegasus Tech Ventures, the event was held on Friday, July 19, 2024. DEA will represent Japan at the World Finals in San Francisco on October 4, 2024.

Tokyo Preliminary Round Presentation at Startup World Cup 2024

DEA was one of 11 finalists selected from 226 applicants. Co-CEO Yamada presented DEA's participatory social contribution game, "PicTrée - Grid Grab: Capture the Current," as well as a remote-control robotics game.

PicTrée is a free mobile game app developed in partnership with TEPCO Power Grid (TEPCO PG), Japan’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest electric power company, as a crowd-sourcing solution to solve infrastructure maintenance challenges TEPCO was facing. To play the game, teams of players go out into their local neighborhoods to photograph power assets such as power poles and manholes. The teams compete to virtually connect the longest power lines on an in-game map, and players can earn rewards based on their in-game performance.

By sending players out to check on local power assets, PicTrée enables easier initial infrastructure maintenance and improved early detection of abnormalities. DEA’s presentation included footage from a demonstration test conducted in Japan’s Maebashi City from April to June.

DEA is also developing a remote waste sorting game that will act as a potential solution for mitigating global labor imbalances. Players will sort waste by tapping on images on their smartphones or tablets, and the sorted waste is handled by robot arms at a distant factory. This project has been selected for a subsidy program by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), and DEA plans to host an event involving diverse users, similar to an esports event, in November of this year.

About Digital Entertainment Asset:
Digital Entertainment Asset Pte. Ltd. (DEA) is a Singapore-based global Web3 entertainment company founded in August 2018. DEA is a developer of Play-to-Earn (P2E) games—also referred to as Play-and-Earn (P&E) games. DEA also operates the PlayMining gamefi platform, NFT marketplace and ‘Verse’ metaverse project, social issue-solving games such as PicTrée, and DEAPcoin ($DEP)—the first P&E token approved by the Financial Service Agency (FSA) of Japan. The team is headed by two co-CEOs—Naohito Yoshida and Kozo Yamada—who together bring decades of experience in founding successful startups (with 3 IPOs), creating hit video games, producing Web TV programs and displaying a deep understanding of NFT gaming.

About PlayMining:
PlayMining is a GameFi platform with a mission to resolve societal issues through Web3 gaming. The platform features a Gamified Work business model that innovates on GameFi’s Play-and-Earn mechanics—powered by the DEAPcoin ($DEP) token—to help companies address labor shortage demands through crowdsourcing and gamification. The PlayMining platform features an NFT Marketplace paired with an NFT gaming platform with 2.8 million users and a catalog of P&E game titles including JobTribes, Cookin’ Burger, Lucky Farmer and PicTrée, as well as the metaverse project Fujiwara Kamui Verse and the StoneStars AI virtual idol project.

Official Channels:
PlayMining Website: https://playmining.com
PlayMining Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xWeHGdt
PlayMining X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/PlayMining_SG
PlayMining Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayMining/
PlayMining Medium: https://medium.com/playmining-game
PlayMining Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGWmK0RLV4SB_PSXpj2j6dw
PicTrée Website: https://pictree.greenwaygrid.global/en/
DEA Website: https://dea.sg

About Startup World Cup:
Startup World Cup, organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, is one of the world's largest global pitch contests and conferences. Launched in 2017, this year marks its 6th iteration. Regional preliminaries are held in over 75 regions worldwide. Winners of these preliminaries are invited to the World Finals in San Francisco in the fall of 2024 to compete for a grand investment prize of approximately US$1 million. The Startup World Cup offers attractive benefits, including the chance to secure funding from global investors, build networks with companies and prominent individuals, and increase recognition both domestically and globally.