Nevada, Churchill County through Eureka County

NEVADA - Churchill County through Eureka County

CHURCHILL

918. Churchill. Desert. Lake View G&S MC. Nevada Territorial. Cert. #41. Incorporated in 1863. Issued to J. V. B. Perry for 10 shares in 1864, uncancelled. Signed by president G. A. King and secretary W. E. T. Deal. Vignette of hunting dogs overcoming a buck. Small vignette of dog guarding safe in bottom center. 25¢ Power of Attorney Rev. stamp at left. Black print and faint purple underprint on crème paper. Commercial Print, printers. 5 1/2” x 10 1/4”, vf, three creases where folded; edged a bit worn. The desert district was also known as White Plains. Perry was the U. S. Marshall in Virginia City. He also bought stock in the Virginia G&SMC, described in this catalog. The Lake View was not listed as a prospect or mine. Very attractive. Est. $700-1100

919. Churchill. Desert. Virginia G&SMC. Nevada Territorial. Cert. #3. Incorporated in 1864. Issued to Z.V.B. Perry for 25 shares in 1864, uncancelled. Signed by president C. P. Johnson and secretary W. W. Conzell. Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle on American Flag. Black border on crème paper. Printed by Commercial Print, Virginia. 25¢ certificate stamp at left. 4” x 9 1/4”, xf. Datelined Virginia City, N.T. The Desert district is also known as the White Plains district. A five stamp mill was built there about 1863, but was unsuccessful, perhaps because of the isolation and lack of water. This company was not listed by Stretch. The bEst. mine was the Desert Queen, which was worked through 1885. The only recorded production was about $25,000. Most of the White Plains companies were from the east coast. Perry was the U. S. Marshall in Virginia City. The early “lawless” days of VC are not well written up, but Perry must have had his hands full. Johnson was the city engineer and surveyor in VC. Coryell did not list his occupation. [ref: 1863 NT directory; Stretch 1866, Lincoln] Est. $700-1000
920. Churchill. East Gate. East Gate Mining Claim Certified Location Notice in the East Gate District, 4.5 miles south of the East Gate Ranch owned by George Williams., April 1906, signed by Baker & Williams. Mines at Eastgate were located early. There was a post office there by 1881 called Ellsworth. Includes original blueline of claim map. [ref: Carlson] Est $50-100

921. Churchill. Fairview. Fairview Eagles’ Nest Mining & Leasing Co. Inc. in WY, 1907. Cert.#367, issued to S. A Hendrickson for 1000 shares in 1907. 1907. Signed by vp Jas. R. Davis (Diamondfield Jack Davis) and sec. Alexander Russell. Torn at right fold, about 3/4 down certificate, repaired by tape on front and back. Small piece missing from lower right corner and lower left corner. Two small holes from staple at upper left. Uncancelled. 11 x 8. Fine. This company produced about $6000 in 1909. Today, Fairview is on part of the Nevada bombing range for the Federal Government and is off limits. Diamondfield Jack Davis was a true western gunmen. He was wrongfully convicted of killing two sheepherders in southern Idaho and sentenced to hang on four separate occasions from 1897-1902. The case became famous, with a remarkable tangled web of evidence, witnesses, and political agendas. Witnesses backing up Davis’ claim that he couldn’t have been at the murder site disappeared. Two “ladies of the night” who supposedly heard Davis confess disappeared. Other witnesses were paid by Idaho politicians to disappear. Court transcripts were edited to completely change the meaning of witness statements. It took five years of intense legal battles to achieve a pardon. He never got a “not guilty” verdict in spite of overwhelming evidence in his favor and confessions of the real killers. Jack Davis was born in 1870. By the time he reached 20, he was working in western mines. Davis received his nickname about 1890. As a teenager, he dreamed of the diamond mines in South Africa, and when he heard rumors of diamond fields in Idaho, he was off. After a few years unsuccessful as a prospector, he turned to the cattle business, and became a “cowpuncher.” The other cattlemen said he could not stop talking about diamonds, so the name “old Diamondfield’ or “Diamondfield Jack” took hold. Davis was a tough cowboy in the field, developing an understanding of open range cattle running. He was hired by John Sparks, later governor of Nevada, to protect his herds from thieves and troublemakers at a time when there was a range war between the sheepherders and cattlemen who were competing for open grazing lands in northern Nevada and southern Idaho. Davis thus became a hired gunman. In 1897 Davis was arrested, tried, and sentenced to hang for the murder of two sheep men in southern Idaho. The fact that he was never near the site did not sway the legal process. His fate seemed never ending - he was sentenced to hang on four separate occasions for the crime he couldn’t have committed. Davis was considered a “disagreeable cowboy.” His reputation as a cattle gunslinger and feistiness convicted him. Finally, with Davis’ (first) execution at less than a month away, the superintendent of one of the cattle companies, a highly respected citizen, came forward with the tale of the death of the two sheepherders. In spite of all this, Davis was re-sentenced to hang. The day before the hanging, he got a stay of execution. Foreman of the jury said “if Davis wasn’t guilty, he had done enough and ought to be hanged on general principal.” Idaho politicians were determined to get Davis, regardless of the truth. Meanwhile, the other two who had confessed were tried and judged “not guilty” because of self-defense. They kept Davis in jail anyway, determined to have a lynching. In Dec 1902, he was pardoned. The sheepherders still railed against the pardon, still wanting Davis dead on general principal. Gov. John Sparks of Nevada had testified on Davis’ behalf. Once the pardon was made, Davis was off to Nevada for prospecting. He left his cattle days behind him forever. In Tonopah, he persuaded Wingfield and Ford to grubstake him. Nixon also lent him money. Davis staked a number of good claims right away. His claims just east of Goldfield soon became important, and a mining camp sprang up bearing his name “Diamondfield.” Jack followed the leads of his friends Wingfield, Oddie and Nixon and formed speculative mining companies, which soon made money for his backers. Davis and Wingfield were even president and vice president of the Diamondfield Triangle property. The Diamondfield Bullfrog had a similar management with Tasker Oddie as president and Diamondfield Jack the vice president. Davis continued with his flair for guns, and many tales are told of his Goldfield work when the union troubles occurred. The local papers called him a “walking arsenal” and the “most notorious gunman in camp.” Jack never lost faith in the Daisy, and in later years threatened to build a new mill. (Ref: Grover) Est. $100-200

922. Churchill. Fairview. Fairview Golden Boulder MC. Cert.#2742. Incorporated in Nevada. Unissued, unsigned and uncancelled. Vignette of gild gold ore above masthead. Brown border. Printed by Utah Litho Co. This was not one of the producing mines at Fairview. 8” x 10”. Xf. Est. $20-40

923. Churchill. Fairview. Fairview Silver King MC. Cert.#625. Incorporated in -south Dakota in 1906. Issued to S.G. McMullin for 500 shares in 1907. Uncancelled. Green border and red print on yellow paper. Gilt underprint and red seal. No vignette, but very fancy masthead, and an overall attractive piece. 6 1/2” x 9 1/2”. Xf. Fairview was a small mining district in a remote area of west central Nevada, today just off Highway 50. It was so remote that the US Gov’t decided to use it and the surrounding area for a bombing and training range, placing the district off-limits to civilians. The district produced millions in silver, but no modern exploration could be done to determine open pit potential. This mining company was instrumental in getting water to Fairview, which had none. This is the prettiest Fairview certificate ever in our possession. (Shamburger, 1973). Est. $25-75
924. Churchill. Fairview. Fairview-Aztec MC. Cert.#1165. Incorporated in Wyoming in 1906. Issued to Wm.H. Faust for 100 shares in 1912. Uncancelled. Signed by president H.B. Snid and secretary James Rice. Brown border, no vignette. Printed by Goes. 8” x 10 3/4”. Just east of Fallon lies the Townsite of Fairview, which drew people by its rich silver ore. Like so many other Nevada mining towns, Fairview boomed for moments of its existence, and vanished by 1917. Wingfield and Nixon sparked the beginning with the purchase of several claims in 1906. Throughout its stint, production seemed to ebb and flow, with its most profitable era being that between 1912-1917. During this time, along with Wonder, Fairfield was one of the largest producing camps in Churchill County. (Ref: Paher, 1970, p.96). Xf. Est. $25-75

925. Churchill. Fairview. Nevada Hills Mining Co Annual Report, 1913. The company was incorporated in 1906 with George Wingfield sitting at the helm. By 1917, the company had exhausted the ore in the Fairview property including Eagle vein and Nevada Hills vein. The company was very profitable is now looking for other property. The report is in extremely fine condition. Est. $25-50

926. Churchill. Fallon Community Hotel Co. Lot of 3 unissued certificates as contracts for stock, 192x. 10 1/2 x 4. No vignette, simple black border. Est $25-50

927. Churchill. Fallon. Desert View Development Co. Cert.#178. Incorporated in Nevada in 1926. Issued to N.H. Schmeis for 1000 shares in 1929. Uncancelled. Signed by president Schmeis and secretary L.H. Bingham. Vignette of train cars loaded with ore bags leaving mill. Brown border. Printed by Goes. This company was probably in the business of building houses in the Fallon area. Xf. Est. $10-25

928. Churchill. Fallon. Southern Pacific Framed Ephemera from the Fallon Depot, 1910. Lot of 14 pcs. All of these framed pieces hung on the walls of the depot in Fallon after it became a restaurant and today it is a store. Eleven of the framed items are documents from Fallon, Rawhide, Wonder, Goldfield and Reno. These documents represent the Chicago & NW RR, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rwy, Southern Pacific Steamship Lines Co. and Baltimore & Ohio Rwy, to name just a few. 1) Churchill Hotel Letterhead written to the freight agent at Fallon, datelined Fallon, 1908, signed by C. D. Rankin. 2) Wonder Lumber Co Letterhead datelined Fallon, 1909, to F. L. Yetter, Agent, signed by C. P Reed. 3) Two telegrams dated 1910, 1911. 4) People’s Store Letterhead, datelined Reno, 1910, manuscript letter to the Fallon Agent regarding a missing payment, signed by Geo. F. Tranter, vice-president of the store. 5) Manuscript letter to F. L. Yetter, datelined Rawhide, 1909, regarding a case of shoes that was not sent to Denver, there are four sheets underneath that are not visible and we are not sure what they are. 6) Southern Pacific Co Letterhead, datelined New York, letter is badly affected by water staining at upper right, typing is faded, signed by E. H. Patton. 7) Baltimore & Ohio RR Letterhead, datelined San Francisco, 1910, sent to F. L. Yetter, signed by H. C. Piculell of Pacific Coast, glass of frame is missing. 8) Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific RR, etc, Letterhead, datelined St. Louis, 1909, signed by M. H. Rudoph. 9) Chicago & North Western RR Letterhead, datelined Chicago, 1909, at bottom at check boxes for information requested. 10) Dr. T. F. Richardson, State Veterinarian of Nevada Letterhead, datelined Goldfield, 1909, signed by T. F. Richardson. 11) Manuscript Letter to F. L. Yetter, datelined Wonder, 1911, signed by J. W. Phelps. 12) Photograph Reprint of three woman and several men standing next to a derailed engine that is very mangled. 13) Photograph Reprint of rail yard at Hazen, Nev. 14) Photograph Reprint of Engine No. 201 at the Fallon Depot. Nine are matted in 11” x 14”frames, three are contained in 8” x 10” frames (2 matted) and the photos are matted in 12 1/4” x 16” frames. All frames are oak, and each has four screw holes. Est. $100-200

929. Churchill. La Plata. Silver Lode MC. Cert.#219. Incorporated in New York. Issued to Benji T. Sealey for 350 shares in 1866. Signed by president J. Trumbull Smith and secretary W.C. Robinson. The central vignette features two men in underground mining scene. Other vignette of three men underground, with two men lowering and raising ore buckets at left, and small vignette of miner leaning on pick in lower right. Black border. Mayer & Co., printers. The most active district in Churchill at the time was La Plata, with a population of 150, which also served as the county set from 1864-1868. This successful camp attracted enough capital to build a $125,000 mill by the Silver Wave Co., but lacked sufficient ore to make money. Another company is sited as having erected another mine and mill at Averill at the same time, suspected to be this company. US certificate stamp at right. 6 3/4” x 11 1/2”. Est. $300-600

930. Churchill. Rochester. Rochester Photographs, c. 1910. Lot of 17 pcs. Most are 3 x 5, but several are larger. The pictures show scenes of trucks and autos on dirt roads , some of them getting stuck, or dumping ore. One photo is of the Lovelock Garage. One of the best photos has the caption “Ore Trucks That Haul form the Codd Lease, Rochester, Nev.” Photographed and signed by N. E. Johnson. All the photos were once in an album that appears to have gotten wet at some point. The photos are wrinkled. Some are attached to the album sheets. Fine. Est. $150-300
931. Churchill. Rye Patch. Rye Patch Mine Correspondence Collection, c. 1875-1882. Most of the correspondences involve James Borland who was mine superintendent at the Rye Patch Mine. The collection contains about 50 pieces regarding the mine at its business affairs. Contains some details on production and milling. The mine was apparently next to the Paradise Vallet Mining Co and was involved in a suit with them. There are specific discussions on assessment work and claim jumping including various other topics. Outstanding archive with good detail of the business. Very fine. Est. $800-1200

932. Churchill. Southern Pacific Company Freight Bill. Datelines Churchill, Nev. Dec. 22,1913. Includes original envelope, with 2 cent stamp. 5 1/4” x 8 1/4”. The eastern rerouting of the Rail enabled the development of Hazen, the northern terminus of the S.P. Nevada & California Rwy. S.P. acted as a main rail for shipment to and from Churchill mining camps. Vf. Est. $25-50

933. Churchill. Table Mountain. American Nickel Co. Incorporated in South Dakota in 1902, cert. #1740, issued 1905 to F.E. Searle, signed by vp John Leighton and sec. D.J. Noyes. Green border, bald eagle and underground mining scene. Printer – ABN. The nearby town was Boyer, at the heart of the district. It was named after Alva Boyer who hauled several wagons of copper ore to Sacramento in 1861. Lincoln states that Hearst had his first mining experience here, but this cannot be true, since he was an original investor in both the Chollar and Gould & Curry mines in Virginia City in early 1860. The nickel deposit was discovered by George Lovelock in 1882. (Ref: Lincoln, Willden et al, Ingalls) 8 x 11. Uncancelled. XF. Est. $35-75.

934. Churchill. Wonder. Blue Jay Wonder MC. Inc. in SD, 1907. Cert #318, issued to S.G. McMullins for 375 shares in 1907. Signed by president W.A. Stevens and sec. Roger Curkeening (sp?). Vignette at top left of a blue jay. Blue border and safety print, and underprint. “Mines in Wonder District, Nevada” printed on certificate below masthead. Printer – Republic Bank Note. Folds. Uncancelled. XF. Stevens founded the Wonder Water Co. Stevens had come to Wonder from nearby Fairview. He sold water for 10 cents per gallon, but apparently sold out and left the camp by 1907. This company suffered along with Stevens then. The financial panic of 1907 forced many mining companies, whether legitimate or not, to close. This very attractive certificate is notable because of the prominent blue jay vignette. It is considered one of the classic western stocks. Est. $300-600

935. Churchill. Wonder. Wonder Silver Star MC. Cert.#172. Incorporated in South Dakota in 1906. Issued to S. A. Hendrickson for 1000 shares in 1907. Uncancelled. Signed by president A.D. Myers and secretary Hagan. Two small vignettes of underground mining scenes flank the central vignette of a mill on a river’s edge. Black border. Printed by Goes. 5 1/4”x 9 3/4”. From 1912 to 1916, Wonder was one of the largest producing mining camps within the county, along with Fairview, turning out almost half of the county’s total production. Vf. Est. $25-75

936. Churchill. Wonder. Wonder Stray Horse MC. Cert.#24. Incorporated in South Dakota in 1907. Issued to Wm. A Farish for 100 shares in 1907. Signed by president A.D. Myers. Brown border, no vignette. No printer noted. 5” x 9 3/4”. Xf. Tom J. Stroud made the first discovery at Wonder in march 1906. He called his first claim the lost claim, which later became part of the stray horse group. Bu the name wonder didn’t get used until the Nevada wonder claim was staked. The local prospectors liked the name and it stuck. Stroud was a Colorado prospector, and like others, had been working his was north from Fairview. Alva D. Myers, the president, was considered “the Father of Goldfield” since he had staked some of the very first and richest of the claims at goldfield and had made a veritable fortune from them. Obviously, he expected to do it again at wonder. Please see the A. D. Myers ledger in the Goldfield section for more info on Myers, a major player in Nevada Mining History. [ref: Zanjani, Shamburger] Est. $75-150

CLARK

937. Clark. Goodsprings. Argentena Mining Co Payroll, 1928. Lot of 7 pages. The mine was paying about $400 a month while idle and about $525 a month with 6 employees while mining. Tears and chips along edges. Very fine. Est. $25-50

938. Clark. Las Vegas. Las Vegas, Nev, 1906 Postmark and Photoposcard. The photocard is of a woman standing behind a hedge. Addressed to San Gabriel, Los Angeles Co. Very fine. Est. $25-50
939. Clark. Las Vegas. Nevada Power Co. Lot of 4. Cert.#1908, VC3629, P2958, PM605. Incorporated in Nevada in 1929. 150 shares issued to unknown shareholder in 1972; Calmont & Co. for 100 shares in 1967; G.H. Walker & Co., Inc. for 100 shares in 1972; Waltson & Co., Inc. for 1000 shares in 1972. Printed signatures. Vignette of female allegorical figure hovering over a house, holding a bolt of electricity. Blue, brown, purple and olive green borders. Cancelled by hole punches at sides. 7 3/4”x 11 1/2”. Printed by the American Bank Note Co. Xf. Est. $25-75

940. Clark. Las Vegas. Thermo-Cell Corp.-Las Vegas, NV. Cert.#26. Incorporated in Nevada. Issued to Nevada Agency & Trust Co. for 5000 shares in 1944. Cancelled. Signed by president Allen T. Stone and secretary Geo. A. Whittaker. Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle perched atop stars and stripes. Black border, and gilt seal and underprint. Printed by Goes. 8 1/4” x 10 1/2”. Vf, black ink writing across top margin, and two hole punches at left. 19 2, 3, 5, 10, 25, 50cent stamps on reverse. Est. $20-40

941. Clark. Yellow Pine. Alcove MC. Inc. in NV, 1917. Cert. #99, issued to R.H. Atwood for 22000 shares in 1917. Signed by pres. W.S. Bohannon and sec. J.J. Hassell. Vignette of torch, brown border and seal with brown safety print. “Principal Office, Yellow Pine Mining District, Clark County, Nevada” printed on certificate. Printer – Geos. 11 x 8. Uncancelled. Folds, small tears at folds, fine. Not in Vanderburg. Yellow Pine was known for its silver and platinum production, a rarity in Nevada. Est $25-50

942. Clark. Yellow Pine. Oro Amigo Platino MC. Cert.#1694. Incorporated in Nevada in 1914. Issued to Herman Smith for 1000 shares in 1929. Uncancelled. Signed by president E. Kennedy and secretary N.G. Camath. Vignette of men in underground mining scene. Gilt border and underprint. Printed by Goes. The Oro Amigo owned four claims at the mouth of Keystone Wash. They only produced one car load of ore in 1917, which was copper rich. There were about 1500 feet of underground workings in 1925. The mine had reported platinum, and the district was one of the few legitimate platinum producers in the state. Goodsprings was fruitful in its precious and base metal production. 8 1/4” x 10 1/2”. Xf. Est. $25-50

943. Clark. Yellow Pine. Yellow Pine MC. Cert.#6068. Incorporated in Nevada in 1901. Issued to Vinton Freedley for 100 shares in 1922. Uncancelled. Signed by vice-president C.W. Kent and secretary Chusko Barns. One central vignette of men in underground mining scene, 6 others throughout border. Black border, gilt seal. Printed by Goes. 8 1/4” x 10 1/2”. Fine, several tears at left. In 1901, the Yellow Pine MC merged several properties, but production was low due to ore transport by wagon. The hauls were too long, resulting in an inefficient system. But when the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake RR was completed, production increased immensely. This enabled increased, large-scale production for the Yellow Pine. At the time of issuance, mining in Yellow Pine remained largely dormant, until the mid 1920’s, when gold ore became predominant in mine production. Est. $25-50

DOUGLAS

944. Douglas & Lyon. Buckskin. Buckskin Mining District Claim Map, 1907. 24 x 28 unfolded, 5 x 7 folded. Published by Goodale, Koerner Engineering Co, Buckskin, Nev. Printer - Denver Engraving Co. Softbound pocket size. The edges of the cover are worn by wear. One inch piece missing from lower left corner of cover. Minor staining on cover. Map has small tears along folds. More dramatic tears along left side of map with paper acidified and stained dark. Very fine. Est. $100-300

945. Douglas. Gardnerville. Waterloo Hotel and Saloon Letterhead, 1906. Written to State Bank & Trust, Carson City regarding a payment. Signed by Henry W. F. Luhrs. Datelined Gardnerville, Nev, 1906. This is a member of the Luhrs family of Sacramento who were major liquor distributors. Small tear at bottom center. Rare. Very fine. Est. $25-75

946. Douglas. Minden. Minden Co-Op Creamery Milk Canister. 25” in height, 13” in diameter at base and 11” in diameter at the top. Embossed: MINDEN CO OP CRY/MINDEN NEV // G S / X Z X / REG CA. Has white paint (or something very like paint) on its surface except where embossing is. Two handles near top for carrying it. Circa 1920-1940. Est. $75-100
947. Douglas. Minden. Minden School District No. 1, Library School Fund. Lot of 9 warrant receipts for the county treasurer. All unissued, unsigned. 3 yellow, 3 blue and 3 tan. 3 1/2” x 7”. Black border. Printed in the office of the Record-Courier. Xf. Est. $10-25

948. Douglas. Sheridan. I. Cohn & Co Billhead, 1892. Datelined Sheridan, Nev. The receipt is for a deposit in the Bullion & Exchange Bank for the sum of $150. Tear hole at center left. Edges have chips along left edge. Black print at top. Fine. Est. $25-50

949. Douglas. Young’s. Osceola G&SMC, Nos. 1 & 2. Inc. in NV, 1864. Cert. #25, issued to E. Smith for 10 shares in 1864. Signed by pres. J. Van Ness Young and sec. M. Saramkin. Vignette at the top of mine site in the foothills, the artist’s name, Loomis, in lower right corner of this vignette; another vignette at left of Indian. Black border and print with red safety print. “Young’s District, Douglas County” printed on certificate. Datelined Young’s Bridge. Printer – Towne & Bacon. Uncancelled. 10 x 5. This certificate is missing several good-sized chunks from the margin at top, on the right side and along the bottom (most of the lower margin is missing). The 25 cent revenue stamp at the left has been moved from its original place on the certificate and is now covering up most of a 1” hole in the certificate. Stained. Trimmed tight at left edge. Poor. Tape repairs to reverse. Young, 1826-1912, was born in New York and moved to Michigan in 1836. He lived in Rass Lake until 1860, at which time he moved to Nevada for the Comstock silver rush. In 1868, he moved to San Luis Obispo. Young’s Crossing was on the East Walker River near the Nevada-California border. He also had a house there and charged a toll, which would have affected any miners in the Silver Mountain region coming to Nevada. The district is not mentioned in Stretch. It is probably related to the Eagle district later called Gardnerville, or Genoa district, both of which were active in the early 1860’s. Rare. Est. $150-300

ELKO

950. Elko. Carlin. Newmont Mining Corp. Cert.#F124731. Incorporated in Delaware in 1921. Issued to John Richardson, Trustee of the Laura E. Wiggins Trust, for 16 shares in 1966. Printed signatures. Vignette of a spread-winged bald eagle atop a rocky cliff, flanked by two male figures. Historically, this is the most important gold company in eastern Nevada, with an average annual production, from 1988-1998, of 1.5 million ounces on the Carlin Trend. Purple border on white paper. Printed by the American Bank Note Co. 8” x 12”. Newmont is one of the remaining power houses in domestic mining. The are just behind the giant Barrick Goldstrike in terms of production. Their field offices dot the western states. Xf, cancelled by hole punches at left and right. Est. $20-40

951. Elko. Cornucopia. Wells, Fargo & Co Letterhead, 1875. Manuscript letter written to Gen’l Baggage Agent of V. + T. R. R. from Frank Barber datelined Cornucopia, Nev., 1875. The letter is written because it seems that Mr. Barber has lost his claim check to pick up the trunk. He lost his tag while cutting wood near Bull Run in White Rock Canon. Mr. Barber lists the contents of the trunk as the following: 1 bluish frock coat nearly new; 1 pr. Fine black pants; 1 fine vest like pants; 1 pr. coarsen pants changeable colors; a vest to match; 4 fine white shirts; a large number of letters addressed to Frank Barber, DeWitt, Ill.; 1 copy of By Laws of Mt. Pleasant Lodge #126, Palmer City, Ill (I.O.O.F); some photographs, etc. He claims that his “name is stenciled on the end of the trunk in large letters”. Small tears at top edge along folds. Pin holes and stains at upper left corner. Very fine. Est. $100-200

952. Elko. Dolly Varden. Victoria Copper Mining Co. Incorporated in New Jersey 1883. Issued to Joshua B. Fitch for 1200 shares, cert #77, in 1883. Signed by George J. Wiggan president and A. C. Carmen president. Vignette at upper right of three miners underground. Black border with fancy masthead. Uncancelled. Printer - Theo-Leonhardt, Phila. 7 x 11. Copper was first discovered in the Dolly Varden district in 1872. The ore was smelted at the Mexican furnace. The mines closed a few years later with no substantial new work until 1905 when gold was found within the copper veins. The district remained productive until 1912. (Hill, USGS Bull 648, 1916). Mint condition. Est. $250-500

953. Elko. Elko. First National Bank Check Collection, 1907-1920’s. Lot 50+ pcs. Many of the older checks, 1909-10, about 20 pcs, are on white paper with a small vignette at upper left with “Certificate of Deposit, Not Subject to Check”. Printer - Union Litho, SF. 4 x 9. Another 20 or so pieces are around the same dates and into the 1910’s, but do not have the vignette. The other 40 or so checks are from the 1920’s, are on yellow paper and are dividend or cashier checks. Printer - Carlisle & Co, Reno. 3.5 x 8.5. All very fine. Est. $100-200
954. Elko. Elko. First National Bank of Elko. Cert.#218. Unissued, uncancelled. Incorporated in Nevada. No printers noted. Vignette of a spread-winged bald eagle atop stars and stripes shield. Black border on white paper. Xf. 7 1/4” x 10 3/4”. Est. $25-50

955. Elko. Elko. Elko & White Pine Transportation Co. (Stage Coach line). Two pieces from the Elko & White Pine Transportation Co. A) 2.5 x 4” pass from 1896 in the identical style of a railroad pass signed by B. F. Miller, dated 1896. The card shows the company officers – A. C. Cleveland president , J.B. Williamson vice president, W.N. McGill secretary, and B.F. Miller general manager. The date of 1896 is in large numerals as underprint in the center of the card. This is pass No. 19. The second piece is a 29mm brass trade token E. & W. P. T. Co./ 1896// GF/ 50c/ supplies. Uncleaned and dirty. Stage coach passes and tokens from Nevada and the west in general are very rare. I don’t think there is another stage token from either California or Nevada, but there are auto stage tokens, which are rare. The route used by the Elko-White Pine T. Co. paralleled the Elko-Hamilton stage road. The route got its start in 1868 when Len Wines & Co. and Hill Beachy ran competing stage lines from the White Pine district (Hamilton and Treasure City) to Elko. When they started up, Jackson wrote in Treasure Hill that it was mostly an exodus, as prospectors were leaving in droves without success. The railroad at Elko had just been completed and the route was the most beneficial for travelers. With the demise of Treasure Hill, the stage route went into general disrepair, probably from lack of use and erosion. Cleveland’s company rekindled the route when new mining interests began to reassess the Hamilton-Treasure Hill region and mining began once again. British investors had been keen on Treasure Hill since the 1860’s and were again active. Their investments had resulted in a perseverance and mining success at Treasure Hill that many American mining men had to learn a lesson from. The Company lasted through about 1897. Est. $500-1000

956. Elko. Gold Circle. Eastern Star MC. Cert.#379. Incorporated in Nevada in 1911. Issued to Mrs. John Reinmiller and secretary Andrew Stinson and secretary Jonathan Payne. Labeled “Treasury Stock” above masthead. Profile of capped female in upper left. Black border with gilt underprint and seal. Printed by Goes. 5 1/2” x 10”. Xf. The promoters lavishly endorsed the company, claiming that “ ‘This quartz is heavily mineralized, much of it carrying values from $500 to several thousand dollars per ton… As the mine stands today, there are fully 20,000 tons of ore developed on the three levels and awaiting extraction. As nearly as cam be estimated this ore will average not less than $30 per ton.’ ” But by 1914, two years after the issue of this certificate, the mine closed down. It was announced that the owners were preparing for next years large operations, implying that the closure would be temporary. But by 1915, no word of development or activity had been reported. In 1915, the company got caught up in the Thousand Member Gold Mining Association scandal,. This supposedly crooked organization was founded to acquire control of gold mines in Colorado and Nevada, for which participation would be highly rewarded. Of course, the Eastern Star denied any relationship to the “nauseous” company. (Ref: Weed, 1916, pp.461-62; 1918, p.1074). Est. $25-75

957. Elko. Gold Circle. Midas M&MC. Cert.#36. Incorporated in Delaware in 1904. Issued to Robert Berry for 1000 shares in 1904. Signed by president W.T. Estberg and secretary W. E. Bryce. Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle atop stars and stripes shield. Rust border. Wm. E. MurphySons, printers. 8 1/4” x 11 1/2”. Vf, minor tears at folds. This company is not from the famous camp of Midas Nevada because it was not discovered until 1907. Est. $50-100

958. Elko. Gold Creek. Gold Creek Postmark. Lot of 2 pieces. 1908 & 1910 on a U. S. P. O. D. Registered Package. Sent to Eureka. Envelope is 5 x 10. Rare. Very fine. Est. $100-250

959. Elko. Jarbidge. Bluster Cons. Gold-Silver MC. Cert.#730. Incorporated in Nevada in 1911. Issued to Frank Benan for 10000 shares in 1924. Signed by president T.B. Beadle and secretary Geo. Winkler. Black border with orange underprint and seal. No vignette. No printer noted. 8 3/4” x 10 3/4”. With 16 claims over 320 acres, the Bluster produced over $85,000 by the end of 1923, although the company’s record production was made in 1914. But after extensive remodeling, the company folded in mid-1925. (Ref: Weed, 1924, p.1290; 1926, p.1132). Est. $25-75

960. Elko. Jarbidge. Jarbidge Buster MC. Cert.#307. Incorporated in Nevada in 1910. Issued to F.L. Middleton for 6650 shares in 1915. Signed by president C. J. Nelson and secretary Middleton. Vignette of men working hydraulic drill in underground mining scene. Brown border. No printer noted. 8 1/4” x 10 3/4”. Vf, folds. Est. $25-75
961. Elko. Palisade. Letter from E.M. Baum of the Palisade Hotel, in Palisade, Nevada. The letter is regarding the tax amount due of a Mr. John. 1895. 10” x 8”. Xf, some foxing and a 1/4” tear at top edge. Est. $20-40

962. Elko. Skelton. A. Hankins/ Skelton,/ Nev.// GF/ 12¢/ IT. Skelton- in Elko County on Smith Creek, 32 miles south of Elko- was a city of changing names. A former ranch and mines shipping point, Skelton was first known as Mound Valley, then Skelton, then Hylton, before it vanished into a ghost town. Hankins’, along with Crane, ran the saloon in its Skelton days (1914). The saloon was later bought by Hylton and Hanna, two local merchants. (Ref: Nevada State Directories). C.1910-1913. Rd, br, 21mm, xf. Est. $100-200

963. Elko. Tuscarora. Melrose &SMC. Cert. #121. Incorporated in 1878. Issued to Samuel M. Mears for 200 shares in 1878, uncancelled. Signed by president P.L. Weaver and secretary Samuel M. Mears. Fancy black print on tan paper. Printed by A.J. Leary, S.F. 4 1/4” x 9 1/2”, xf, crease down center from fold, otherwise crisp. Very Rare. This is one of the early mining companies at Tuscarora. It is not listed in Burchard, nor as a producing mine or company. Placer gold was discovered near here in 1867. The first ore shipments were in 1875 from the Young America. In 1878, the production from local mines was more than $1 million, and the town had 3,000 inhabitants. The Melrose was never more than a prospect to our knowledge. Weaver was the agent for the Hazard Powder Co. in SF. [ref: 1875 SF Dir., Granger et al; The Geology and Mineral res. or Elko Co…., 1957] Est. $200-400

964. Elko. Wells. Ashtray “Stolen From 4-Way Bar…” Wells, NV. Enamel picture of “pin-up girl” in the center bowl, entitled French Dressing. Red and yellow. Tin, rusted in spots, paint wearing away in spots. Square. 4” x 4”. Est. $25-50

965. Elko. Wells. Seals for cargo, c1900, probably for bullion boxes, from R.V. Wixom, Wells, NV. 4” x 1/2”. Wells was served by the Western Pacific and the Southern Pacific Railroads, as well as the southern terminal of the Idaho Falls-Wells Branch of the Union Pacific RR. Humboldt Wells was the station for the CP RR. The Wells post office was established 1869. Unable to find Wixon in our directories. (Ref: Nevada Place Names, 1974, p243.) Est. $20-40

ESMERALDA

Due to the overwhelming amount of material we have for this county, we have decided to save the material for the Part 2 catalog as we feel we can display the lots more effectively than we could have in this catalog. See the introduction at the beginning of this catalog, for more information of the Part 2 sale. We apologize to the collectors who look forward to Esmeralda County material and we think it will be worth the wait!

EUREKA

966. Eureka. Diamond. Diamond “C” MC. Cert.#22. Incorporated in Nevada in 1912. Issued to Thomas Merrigan for 1000 shares in 1912. Signed by president A. B. Cousin and secretary Geo. Reid. Brown border, no vignette. Labeled “Promotion Stock” at right margin. 3 1/2” x 8”. Xf. The name Diamond probably came from the valley, Diamond Valley, in which it lies. It, in turn, was probably named either for its tremendous saline efflorescence or from glittering glow resonating from the quartz crystals found there. They were called “California Diamonds”, hence, the name. (Ref: Carlson, 1974, p.97). Est. $15-30

967. Eureka. Eureka District. Eureka-Croesus Mining Co. Prospectus, 1920. Softbound with black cover with Silver printed at an angle near top. 13 pages. The company owned 17 claims which include the Ruby-Dunderburg mines. By 1923, the company was amalgamated with the Eureka Smelting & Mining Co. (Mines Handbook, 1926) Extremely fine. Est. $25-75

968. Eureka. Eureka. Boston & Eureka MC. Cert.#46. Incorporated in Maine in 1880. Issued to Perry Brigham for 900 shares in 1881. Uncancelled. Signed by president Seri Newcomb and secretary Geo. R. Taber. Black border and fancy black print. J.F. Buffords Sons, printers. 5 3/4” x 10 1/2”. Vf, some foxing around the edges. Like the Omega mine featured in this sale, we could find no trace of this company. Obviously this was a public issue; floating their stock to take advantage of the tremendous silver production of the Richmond and Eureka mines. Est. $150-300
969. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka & Elko County Hunting Licenses, c. 1930-35. Lot of 3 pcs. Two hunters licenses from Eureka County. Both are unissued— one with a brown border and the other with a blue border on light blue paper. The third is an issued deer hunting license tag, noting the licenseee’s residence, and the time of day he killed the deer. He got a four point at Cat Creek in Elko County. The first two are xf and 3” x 8 1/2” (including attached record),and the last is fine, quite well used, but in good condition, 3” x 4 3/4”. Est. $25-50

970. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka & Palisade Railroad Co. Expense Bills. Lot of 5 pcs. All are dated 1887. Dateline Eureka. Most of the bills deal with furniture freight. All are extremely fine. Est. $75-150

971. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka & Palisade Railway Co, Expense Bills, 1887-1904. Lot of 5 pcs. Expense bills for freight delivered to Eureka. The merchandise includes blasting caps, ore sax (sic), produce and lumber. 4.5 x 7. Very fine. Est. $50-75

972. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka Billhead Collection, 1880-1885. Lot of 13 pcs. R. Sadler & Co, Agents for the California Powder Works, Vulcan & Giant Powder (5), 1880-1885; Cassidy & Skillman, Eureka Daily & Weekly Sentinel (3), 1880-1882; Western Union Telegraph Co, 1885; Eureka & California Lumber Co, 1884; R. Crossan, Dealer in Grains, 1885; Trembly & Loh, 1884; J. W. Lambert, General Merchandisers, 1884. Very fine. Est. $75-150

973. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka Cons. MC. Cert.#24298. Incorporated in 1870. Issued to Katherine A. Smith for 5 shares in 1879. Signed by president F. Locan and secretary N.N. Taylor. Black border and print, with no vignette. Printed by Waldstein. Once noted as “the best paying mine in the world,” the Eureka Cons. Was one of the most significant silver producing mines in central Nevada. In 1872, Taylor sent an outline of the mine’s years success to the Commissioner for Mining Statistics, which resulted in major interest in company stock. In 1873 $4 million in silver bullion was recorded, a rate that continued for the next ten or more years. 4” x 8 1/2”. Small ink blotch at bottom border, and a bit wrinkled, but otherwise in very fine condition. Est. $150-300

974. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka Lodge, No 22, I.O.O.F. Checks, 1887. Lot of 30 pcs. Eureka Lodge printed in black along left edge. Datelined Eureka, Eureka County, Nevada. Signed by P. H. Hjul treasurer, F. E. Alexander as N.G and F. G. Roney as R. S. Printer - Eureka Standard Print. Very fine. Est. $150-300

975. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka Queen MC. Cert.#246. Incorporated in Nevada in 1920. Unissued. Vignette of mining operations, with train cars loaded with ore in foreground. Brown border. Xf. 5 1/2” x 10”. Est. $10-15

976. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka Smelting Co. Cert.#8334. Incorporated in Nevada. Issued to John Truax for 100 shares in 1925. Uncancelled. Signed by vice-president F.L. Tanner and secretary C. Hentschel. Green border, no vignette. Printed by Perrin & Co. Eureka Smelting may have taken over the Richmond mine and mill. Its purpose was to control the transportation, smelting and mining operations of the Eureka and tributary districts. In 1925, the company’s plans were zealous, with the hopes of reviving the then receding district. (Ref: Weed, 1924, pp.1340, 1341). Xf. 7 1/2” x 11 3/4”. Est. $25-50

977. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka Tunnel Cons. MC. Lot of 2. Cert.#752, 136. Incorporated in 1884. One is issued to R. Sadler for 17,420 shares in 1887. Red Cancelled at right. Signed by secretary John Pardy. Sadler was the president and bearer, but failed to sign as either president, or as the issuee. The other certificate is unissued. With beginnings in Virginia City, and after settling in Hamilton (part of the White Pine Rush), Sadler was elected Governor of Nevada in 1894 under the Silver Party. Both Xf, but both missing a piece out of the top right corner. 4” x 9 1/2”. Est. $50-100

978. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka Tunnel Consolidated MC. Incorporated in 1884. Cert. #38, issued to H. Miller, Trustee for 50 shares in 1884. Signed by president R. Sadler and vice president John Pardy. Black border and print on yellow paper. 9 x 4 Galloway - printer. Two lines drawn through president’s signature may indicate this certificate is cancelled. Trimmed tight at left edge. Extremely fine. Sadler was Governor of Nevada, started in Virginia City, went to Hamilton with the White Pine Rush in 1869. Elected Governor in 1894 under the Silver Party. This company produced over $200,000 in silver. (Ref: Myles. C&C. Molinelli) Est. $100-200
979. No Lot.

980. Eureka. Eureka. Golden Rule Claim Map, c. 1905-10. Lot of 3 pcs. Two copies of this map. The first is unaltered with the claims of the Golden Rule highlighted in pinkish red color. The second map has been altered by a geologist placing the rock formations as they are expressed at the surface. From this second map, a cross section was developed that shows the same formations and underground workings. The cross section is drawn in pencil. Above ground topography is drawn in an ornate style showing the mountains and location of mills, headframes and other buildings. Having done many cross sections myself, the attention to detail for the topography is exquisite (Vernon). The sub-surface geologic interpretation is rather simplistic, but the artist nature of the cross section makes up for this. Printed plan view maps were drawn by T. J. Read as noted on the maps. The cross section does not have an attribution. Wonderful set. Extremely fine. Est. $150-300

981. Eureka. Eureka. Golden Rule Claim Map, c. 1910. Drawn by T. J. Read, Supt of Eureka Con & Dept. U. S. Surveyor. 8 x 15. Printer - Empire Lith & Engr. NY. Right corners have slight creases and folds. Very fine. Est. $50-100

982. Eureka. Eureka. Hjul’s Bazar Broadside, general store and more!, c.1910. “Keeps on hand almost everything in the Household Line.” The store is advertising for the holidays. Vf, lower right corner missing. 12” x 8 1/2”. Est. $25-50

983. Eureka. Eureka. Northwestern Cons. MC. Cert.#A2. Incorporated in Nevada in 1878. Issued to R.A. Broy for 2000 shares in 1908. Uncancelled. Signed by president W.E. Griffin and secretary John Pardy. Black border and print. 4” x 9 1/2”. Xf. No trace of the company was found in any of our sources, but this time we do have a story on the principals. W. E. Griffin was the Eureka Wells Fargo agent and an insurance salesman in Eureka. He was also a banker at one time. Both Pardy and Broy were also locals. Est. $25-50

984. Eureka. Eureka. Omega MC. Cert.#13. Incorporated in 1879. Issued to T.J. Hay, Tr. for 100 shares in 1879. Signed by Geo. McMullin as president and T.J. Hay as secretary. No vignette, but fancy black print and border. Printed by A.J. Leary. 4” x 9 1/4”. Vf, creases. Not listed in Roberts or Mollenelli, Burchard 1880-1882, or Becker. Evidently a small scale mine or prospect in Eureka. Didn’t leave much of a trace. Rare certificate. Est. $150-300

985. Eureka. Eureka. Phenix SMC. Cert.#3067. Incorporated in California 1871. Issued 1878 to W. Crandall for 20 shares. Signed by A. Forbes as president and Jas. Bole as secretary. 5” x 9”. Very fancy masthead incorporating a bird (phoenix). Not on Browne’s list of early producers. In 1871 they reported $35,000 sales in bullion, with a total mined product of $71,000, but levied assessments in 1872-3. When this mine and certificate first came out, the Phenix was in Lander County. In 1873, part of Lander became Eureka; thus the certificate reads “Lander Co.”. The Phenix is on Ruby Hill, next to the Carson mine and Marcellina. The mine produced at least $156,000 in silver over its life. (Ref: Abbe, Carlson, C&C, Raymond 1872, 1874, Browne 1868). Xf. Est. $175-300

986. Eureka. Eureka. Richmond Mining Co. of Nevada, incorporated in 1873, issued 1905 to J. Hoegh for 1 share, signed by H. C. McTerney as president and J. Hoegh as secretary. Certificate No. 12. Uncancelled. Mint. Vignette of Indian at left and mill scene at center. Green background. 5 x 9”. Printed by Bancroft & Co., SF. Datelined Eureka. Green background, Indian at left. 5 x 8. Extremely fine. This was the second largest producer in Eureka, at over $15 million. Molinelli states that this company was owned by an English company. It was reported to be the most profitable English financed mine in America. In later Est $100-200

987. Eureka. Eureka. RNG Check on Paxton & Co., 1879. Datelines Eureka, NV. Signed by C.L. Broy. Centerfold. Black print on crème paper. 3” x 7 1/2”. Xf. Est. $10-20

988. Eureka. Eureka. Southern Pacific Co. Freight Bill, 1898-99. Lot of 2 pcs. These are freight bills for cyanide shipped to the Eureka Cyanide Plant. The Southern Pacific Co Sunset Route was transported aboard the El Paso (1898) and the Excelsior (1899) than to Mound House via the V & T RR. Tears along fold creases. 8.5 x 14. Fine to very fine. Est. $50-100
989. Eureka. Eureka. W. H. Stowell, Druggist Prescriptions, 1891. Lot of 2 pcs. The dated piece has the printing at left edge which is “W. H. Stowell Druggist and Assayer. The second sheet is not dated and has the printing at the top which is “Take This To W. H. Stowell, Druggist, Eureka, Nev.” This second piece has staining along the left ed and is missing a small piece at upper left. The first piece is missing a small chip at bottom left edge and there is a small punch hold at center. Very fine. Est. $25-50

990. Eureka. Prospect Mountain. Eureka & Excelsior Consolidated GMC. Cert.#774. Incorporated in Illinois. Issued to E.M. Sloan for 1000 shares in 1889. Signed by president R.C. Kerns and secretary C.H. Smith. Vignette of bird’s eye view of mining operations. Green border on tan paper. Printed by A. Gast Bank Note Co. 10” x 11 1/4”. Vf, small tears at folds. These mines were located on Prospect Mountain near Eureka, Nevada. The name of the company is a play on the Eureka Consolidated, one of the richest silver mines in central Nevada. Since a lot of the lead mines were based in Illinois, and the Eureka mines produced lead as a by-product, undoubtedly some of the Illinois financiers decided to add this silver mine to their coffers. It was never a great producer. (Ref: Weed). Est. $75-150

991. Eureka. Prospect Mtn. Ruby Hill Tunnel & MC. Cert.#395. Incorporated in 1882. Issued to G.A. Corinke for 400 shares in 1885. Cancelled. Signed by president John Macinlay and secretary B.H. McEwen. Small vignette of California state seal in upper right. Located at Prospect Mountain. Red Sold for Cash…at left. 4” x 9”. Printed by Bancroft. Vf, small tear at upper edge. Est. $100-200

992. Eureka. Ruby Hill. J. W. Lambert General Merchandise Billhead. Datelined Ruby Hill, Nevada, 1883. 7 “ x 8 1/2”. Xf. Est. $25-50

993. Eureka. Secret Canyon. British Mining & Milling Ltd Contract with John Potter, 1879. Handwritten seven pages on legal size blue paper, wax seal, corporate seal, signed by Chariman of the company J. G. Fairhauer. This document transfers (sells) all of Potter’s mining claims and water rights to the British M&MC Ltd., including the Monroe and Robert Emmett which are both located in the Secret Canyon district. He also relinquished part ownership in the Conolly, Dunderburg and Silver King on Prospect Mountain and others. Mills sites, wood, mercury were also sold. The British M&MC was listed by C. Spence (1999) as operating the Conolly mine in 1874 and 1879, possibly continuously. He did not show them as paying a divident but his data is incomplete. Burchard (1880) lists the Conolly as a producing mine, having produced 172.5 tons of ore during the third quarter of 1880 and 89 tons in the fourth quarter worth $1400. Molenelli did not list the Conolly. John Potter was also the manager of the British Consolidated MC which operated the Imperial mine at Eureka. It was a good producer in 1877, he reported. Potter also managed the Maryland mine for the British Mining & Milling Co. This mine was located in the Silverado district, 10 miles southeast of Eureka. It was discovered by White Pine (Hamilton) Mines in 1869. Extremely fine. Est. $100-200

994. Eureka. Tenabo. Tenabo Cons. MC. Cert.#615. Incorporated in Nevada in 1925. Issued to Millie Adams for 1000 shares in 1927. Signed by president (?) and secretary L.F. Nelson. Vignette of man working hydraulic drill in underground mining scene. Black border, gilt underprint and seal. No printer noted. 8 1/2” x 10 1/2”. Tenabo Cons. was at Tenabo, 25 miles southeast of Battle Mountain. An extensive exploration program revealed about $200,000 in ore in the ground around the time this certificate was issued. They were unable to continue production, possibly due to metallurgical problems. The company owned the Tenabo and Gold Quartz mines. (Ref: C&C, Rand & Sturgis, 1931). Est. $25-50