CALIFORNIA - Lassen County through Oakdale

LASSEN

 

318.        Lassen.  Beckwith (Beckwourth).  Boca & Loyalton Railroad Co. Expense Bill Collection, 1903.  Lot of 50+ pcs.  Expense bills for freight that was transported to and from both the Beckwith and Taylorsville Stations.  The name Beckwith is derived from the first settler in the Sierra Valley whose name was actually Beckwourth.  He was unable to write or spell so there are many variations of his name (Gudde, 1949).  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

319.        Lassen.  Geologic Atlas of the United States, Lassen Peak Folio, 1895.  18” x 22”.  Includes detailed geological description in text, topographic map, geologic map, and several large format illustrations and photographs of the geologic features of the Lassen Peak area.  J. W. Powell was in charge of the USGS during this time period and the geologic work was performed by J. S. Diller.  Lower right corner is creased.  Extremely fine.  Est. $75-150

320.        Lassen.  Lassen County Document Collection, 1887-1902.  Lot of 24 pcs.  Includes the following.  Four issues of the Advocate Supplement, Susanville, 1887.  One of these contains an article the day after the worst fire since 1869 to afflict the Comstock Mines.  A fire broke out below the 1300 ft level of the Gould & Curry.  A Southern Pacific Co Broadside, 1897, indicating freight tariff charges, from Janesville.  Several billheads from Susanville, Janesville, Amedee and Johnstonville.  Condition of individual documents varies from poor to extremely fine.  Est. $150-300

LOS ANGELES

 

321.        Los Angeles & San Diego.  Panorama; A Picture History of Southern California, 1953 by W. W. Robinson.  Inscribed on inside “ To Horace Adams from W. Herbert Allen”.  Allen was the president of the Title Insurance and Trust Company which was also the sponsor of this softbound book.  This book offers a quick history of Southern California with many photographs and lithographs.  There is a wonderful section titled “Then and Now” which shows photographs or drawings before (18xx) and now (1950’s).  One of these shows an old wooden plank road (see Southern States for a stock certificate of a company that built roads just like this one) in dilapidation replaced today with a modern highway.  There is even a photo of surfers.  Cover and binding in good shape.  Pages not numbered, ~150.  Extremely fine.  Est. $250-350
322.        Los Angeles(?).  Los Angeles(?).  Southern California Beach Picnic and Dice Game Photos, c. 1915.  Lot of 15 pcs.  These appear to be photopostcards adhered to photo album pages.  The scenes show a family enjoying the beach playing a dice game which appears to have some gambling involved.  They are also shown walking on rocks near the water’s edge.  A few of the photo postcards(?) show scenes of mountains that may be the San Bernardino Mtns or the Big Bear area.  Most are very fine.  Est. $100-200

323.        Los Angeles.  Autograph. Central Pacific Railroad Pass signed by Collis P. Huntington issued to Rev. Henry Ward Beecher and wife. June 1870.  This is a westward trip pass from Union Junction to San Francisco. Beecher (1813-1887) was one of the most conspicuous and publicly outspoken clergymen of his time.  He became licensed to preach in Cincinnati in 1837.  He had ten children.  Over time he became very popular.  He began a crusade to better social conditions, though he “side-stepped” the slavery question.  Beecher became publisher of the Christian Union.  He had a young admirer in Theodore Tilton, who became editor of the Independent, but the two became opposites over differences in religious views.  In 1870, Tilton was fired from the Independent.  “Rumors of gross immoralities on Tilton’s part were afloat, and Beecher, on the advice of Mrs. Beecher, had counseled Mrs. Tilton to separate from him.”  Tilton thus accused Beecher in December 1870, of improper relations with his wife.  This pass was thought to be a trip pass for Beecher to go west and cool off from the affair, which was written about in several sources including Dictionary of American Biography.  While it was issued in June, its use period is unknown at present.  The timing is perfect, thus we suspect it is from just such a trip.  By 1874, Tilton had filed suit against Beecher for adultery, but he was acquitted. The scandal wrecked his career.  Huntington was a partner with Stanford on the Central Pacific Railroad.  Ex. Rare. Est. $1000-2000

323.5      Los Angeles.  Autograph. Central Pacific Railroad Pass Signed by Leland Stanford, 1871 for David Semple, wife and child.  2.5 x 3.5” Blank on reverse.  Mint.  Davis Semple was possibly the son of Robert Semple, a California pioneer.  Leland Stanford was the most important figure in early California financial history.  His group, with Collis P. Huntington, financed the Central Pacific Railroad, the first intercontinental railroad, and others.  Stanford was also active in mining ventures all over the west. His signature is rare on any documents except the Bodie Bluff stock certificate, and very rare on rail passes.  Est. $1500-3000

324.        Los Angeles.  Commercial Bank Checks, 1879-80.  Lot of 4 pcs.  All signed by Lizzie M. Stanway Ex.  The word “GOLD” printed at left edge of checks.  All have blue 2 cent revenue stamps affixed at upper left.  All checks have cancellation punches at center but don’t show the tears.  3 x 7.  Printer - Crocker & Co, SF.  Two of the checks are made out for cash.  One is issued to Thomas Baubury and the other is issued to Geo. S. Safford.  Two of the checks have small pieces missing from the left corners.  The other two are in very fine condition.  Est. $50-100

325.        Los Angeles.  Farmers’ & Merchants’ Bank, Check, 1877.  Issued to “Myself” for $75 payable in silver coin.  Signed by Charles Floyd.  Two cent revenue stamp affixed at left.  The deposit slip is attached along left edge.  3 x 7.  Blue border and ink.  Printer - C. C. Crawford & Co, NY.  Trimmed tight along bottom edge.  Datelined Los Angeles.  Very fine.  Est. $50-100

326.        Los Angeles.  Framed Map of a Portion of Los Angeles County showing the “Abel Stearns Ranches, c1880, La Habra, Los Coyotes, San Juan Cajon, Las Bolsas, La Bolsa Chica.  These were for sale in sections by Edw. F. Northam, San Francisco or the Agency in Los Angeles or Hy. D. Polhemus in Anaheim.  The map shows tracts which were already sold by shading.  The map also includes the Los Angeles & San Pedro RR, Los Palos Verdes, Los Cierritos, Los Alamitos, Paso De San Bartola, La Merced, La Puente, San Jose, San Joaqin, Los Angeles, Wilmington and more.  Some of the properties were located right up against the Santa Ana mountains.  Several paragraphs describe the lands, located 6 miles from the LA & SP RR, framed by the River New San Gabriel, the Santa Ana and the Pacific Ocean, “the famous German Settlement “Anaheim” is on these lands.”  The terms were 1/4 in cash, balance in one, two and three years with interest, payable at the end of each year, at ten percent.  Brown, wood frame, 20 x 21.  The map shows foxing, folds, several small holes at lower right side. Don Abel Stearns as he became known, was a leading American in Southern California for many years.  He moved to California from Salem, Massachusetts where he was born in 1799.  He lived in Mexico for several years and became a naturalized citizen, then moved to Monterey and finally on to Los Angeles.  He devoted himself to the interests of the area and Californians, in general.  Stearns sent the first gold from California’s soil to the US Mint.  Stearns was a member of the convention that drafted the constitution of 1849, representing Los Angeles district, later he was to become an assemblyman, supervisor and councilman.  Stearns was one of the largest landowners in California.  When he died in 1871 he left a large estate to his widow.  (Ref: Los Angeles and Environs, Vol. 3, p913-15, 1915.)  Est. $300-600

327.        Los Angeles.  Archive of 50 glass plate negatives and/or slides, dating from 1905 and 1927. The majority are southern California locations, such as Pasadena, Baldwin Ranch, Los Angeles. Other areas included are the Coronado Hotel in San Diego (4), Catalina Island (5), desert and mining related (5), and a wide variety of others. Only 9 of the views are from 1927 and are hand colored. The rest appear to date from approximately 1905. Only two are cracked, the rest are perfect. All are in a custom wood box with hinged top with a few notes from an owner in 1958. The slides are 3.25 x 4” each. Most have Albert D. Handy’s name along an edge, but this photographer does not show up in Mautz.  A partial inventory: Raymond Hotel-Pasadena, West Lake Park-Los Angeles, Saint Mary’s Sanatorium, Hotel Del Coronado, shot of John Muir, bird’s eye views of several So Cal towns, rabbit roundup, miner with gold pan, Mt. Lowe Railroad, San Francisco (pre-quake), stagecoach on mountain road, San Diego mission, the Baldwin Ranch, adobe ruins.  Est $1000-1500

328.        Los Angeles.  Los Angeles and Environs, 3-volume complete set, illustrated, 1915.  By. J.M. Guinn.  Published by Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA.  Vol. 1 is Historical and vols. 2 and 3 are Biographical.  Each is hardbound with leather and red fabric.  Binding is good, but the spines are well worn with scuffs and some tears.  9 x 12.  Each volume is approximately 1000 pages and include illustrations of people and places.  Great information on early Los Angeles history and popular (or not-so-popular) Los Angeles personalities.  Est. $200-300

329.        Los Angeles.  Los Angeles City Oil Field Map, c. 1900-10.  Map showing oil wells, tanks and pumping stations for the city of Los Angeles with named streets.  Map is in blue line with attribution in red ink.  Extremely fine.  Est. $50-100

330.        Los Angeles.  Los Angeles Improvement Co.  Incorporated in 1885.  Issued to J. W. Thompson for 50 shares, cert #24, in 1885.  Signed by Jesse Yarnell president and Edw. A. Ham secretary.  Small vignette at left of a bunch of grapes with leaves attached.  Black border and print on crème paper.  Cancelled by light black lines through signatures and by black pen across certificate.  Printer - Kingsley, Barnes & Co, L.A.  4 x 9.  Paper is bright.  Two fold creases.  Minor foxing along top edge.  Extremely fine.  Est. $75-150

331.        Los Angeles.  Los Angeles Improvement Co.  Issued to Witmer Bros Co for 10 shares, cert #72, in 1902.  Signed by Mary Agnes Lenois president and H. C. Witmer secretary.  Vignette at left of a bunch of grapes and a small vignette at bottom center of a dog’s head.  Black border.  Cancelled.  Printer - Kingsley, Barnes & Co. LA.  4 x 9.  Early signature of a woman officer.  Extremely fine.  Est. $175-300

332.        Los Angeles.  Los Angeles Improvement Co., incorp. in California 1885, issued 1885 to Ralph Rogers for 100 shares, cert #15, signed by Jesse Jameile as president and Ed A. Hahn as secretary. Printed by Kingsley et al, Los Angeles. 4 x 9”, cancelled in manuscript across face. Est. $150-250

333.        Los Angeles.  Los Angeles Police Department, 1914, Souvenir Album.  104 pps.  Compiled by J. G. Dresen.  Illustrated with portraits of the chiefs, sergeants, and patrolmen.  Water stain effects first 10 pages or so.  Cover edges a little rough from wear.  Softbound.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

334.        Los Angeles.  Los Angeles Steamship Co and California Navigation & Improvement Co Pass Cards, 1922 & 1919, respectively.  The first card is blue print on blue paper, #734, issued Mr. L. T. Shamp, signed by R. Countryman.  The second card has black print on crème paper, #78, issued to Herbert Gaytes.  Extremely fine.  2.5 x 4.  Est. $100-200

335.        Los Angeles.  Los Angeles.  Newhall Petroleum Co.  Incorporated in California 1876.  Issued to John Whitney for 50 shares, in 1876.  Signed by H. McPherson president and Geo Riggs secretary.  Vignette at top center of several oil tanks with many barrels on ground with buildings at side.  Vignette at lower left corner of a barrel with California Petroleum Oil on it.  Uncancelled.  Printer - A. L. Bancroft, SF.  The first oil production in Los Angeles appears to be by A. Pico, who made oil from oil springs in Pico Canyon (now Newhall) in the 1840’s for the San Fernando mission. Someone may have also used the oil at the Brea pits about that time, but little record remains.  In 1856 the first company began to work the Brea area for refined oil.  The San Fernando oil and Mining district was organized in 1865.  It is not known if this area took in the Newhall fields.  The Newhall fields were thus among the first producing wells in California, if not the first.  By 1880, they were the most important fields in the state, and by 1877, Pico’s refinery in Newhall was processing other companies oil (Hanks, 4th Report of the State Mineralogist, 1884).  This is virtually the only early California oil certificate that has more than one certificate known, and may be the only obtainable cert.  We have seen less than ten early certs in 20 years.  Trimmed a little tight at right edge.  Extremely fine.  Est. $400-800
336.        Los Angeles.  Pasadena.  Hotel Green Silver Spoon, c.1910.  Four inch stem with soup style bow.  No engraving on front side.  Hotel Green engraved on reverse near top of stem.  The Hotel Green is located in Pasadena and was one of the top hotels on the west coast.  Slightly tarnished.  Very fine.  Est. $25-75

337.        Los Angeles.  Pasadena.  Pasadena Area Postcard Collection.  Lot of 22 pcs.  Some are photopostcards, some are color and some are lithographs.  Very fine.  Est. $25-50

338.        Los Angeles.  Police Relief Association, 1911, Annual Souvenir.  At least 125 pages, not paginated.  9 x 12.  Edited by Frank Jeness.  Edges of covers rough by wear.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

339.        Los Angeles.  Santa Monica.  J. Paul Getty Signature, 1946.  His bold signature is in blue on the signature line of his personal check.  3.5 x 7.  Fold crease at center.  Cancelled by hole punches forming “Paid”.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

340.        Los Angeles.  Soledad.  Occidental Copper Mining Co.  Incorporated in 1863.  Issued to M. Goodman for 50 shares, cert #48, in 1863.  Signed by John Johnson president and Edw. Barry secretary.  Vignette of a sailer sitting on a dock with an anchor next to him and overlooking the a ship at sea.  Black border and print.  Ledges, Baxter, Mary-Delphia, Santa Clara, North America, San Fernando, N. B. Johnson, Homestead printed on certificate at left edge.  Soledad District, Los Angeles Co, Cal printed at bottom edge.  Printer - Angew & Deffebach, SF.  8 x 10.  The company probably had a prospect at Soledad Pass.  By 1870, only a “single mine” was being worked by 30-40 men of the Eureka MC with $50,000 in production that same year.  (Browne, 1868).  Max Goodman was an importer of dry goods in partnership with his brother in SF.  Ed Barry was a mineralogist in SF.  John Johnson was listed as a merchant in the SF Directory of 1862.  Johnson was also involved with the Occidental Copper MC of Del Norte County, Cal.  The certificates for this company are completely different than the one offered here but were issued at the same time (Filer I Catalog, pg 73).  The Occidental mine was considered a good producer in the early 1860’s and the copper deposits were well defined.  (Bledsoe, 1881).  Great Piece.  Onion skin paper.  Minor wrinkling along edges.  Extremely fine.  Est. $750-1000

341.        Los Angeles.  Trade Tokens, Group of 4, etc.  a)tag  for Citizens National Trust and Savings Bank  b)Fernando Valley Mill and Supply, Van Nuys c) Becker Bros, Los Ang & san Diego w/o al center.  D) Santa Monica transit token.  Est $25-50

MADERA

 

342.        Madera(?).  California-Nevada Exploration Co.  Cert.#344.  Incorporated in California in 1910.  Issued to George Dransfield for 100 shares in 1911.  Signed by President Welkie Garrison and secretary L.A. Hoffman.  Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle perched atop dome.  Green border.  Printed by Goes.  Xf.  9” x 12”.  We could find no reference to this company among our resources.  May possibly be a resurrection attempt of the California-Nevada Copper Co. that was failing about this time.  That company, organized in 1906 in Maine, had offices in California and had a G. B. Garrison on the board who may be a relative of W. P. Garrison.  The Copper Co. had a mine at Daulton in Madera County, CA. and at Juneau, Alaska.  Est. $25-75

343.        Madera.  Minarets.  Minarets Mining Co.  Cert.#74.  Incorporated in California in 1916.  Issued to Leonard Harris for 500 share sin 1917.  Signed by President F. J. Eddy and Secretary A. Whitson.  Cancelled by rubber stamp through Presidents signature.  Vignette of man atop prominent outcrop among conifer trees.  Black border with gold underprint and seal.  8-1/2 x10-1/2   No printer noted.  The property consisted of 485 acres and was developed by a main working tunnel.  The ore consisted of veins of silver, lead and zinc minerals.  In 1930 the company was dormant but reportedly applying for a patent on its property.  (ref. Weed, 1925; Rand & Sturgis, 1931).   The name was given to the area by the famous California geologist J. D. Whitney in the early 1860’s while studying Yosemite.  Portion of torn receipt adhering to left edge, tears at folds, minor yellowing at edges.  Very fine.  Est. $25-50
MARIN

 

344.        Marin.  Richmond & San Rafael Ferry & Transportation Co Pass Card, 1919.  Issued to Herbert Gaytes.  Signed Chas Van Damme president.  Pass #79.  Black ink on yellow paper.  Red ink underprint of the company logo.  2.5 x 4.  Extremely fine.  Est. $50-100

MARIPOSA

 

345.        Mariposa.  (Yosemite).  Camp Curry Badge, c. 1930, featuring the California State seal.  Brass, pin back missing, nicely toned, 33mm.  AU.  Est. $50-100

346.        Mariposa.  Coulterville.  Merced Gold Mining Co Documents, 1894-1896.  Lot of 6 pcs.  There are two assay sheets from the Merced GMC, 1894 & 1896.  One is for the Potosi and Malvina Veins with a $6.80/ton assay.  The second is for the Nelson Shaft with $7.23/ton.  There is an agreement with Mr. White to construct a stamp mill on the property.  There are two letters written to Capt. Thomas Couch, who must be the financial backer of the company, informing him about advancements at the mine.  Very fine.  Est. $50-100

347.        Mariposa.  Hite’s Cove.  South Hite Gold Mining Co.  Incorporated in California 1881.  Issued to Paul W. Latham for 100 shares, cert #1217, in 1881.  signed by S. D. Osborne vice president and J. F. Towle asst secretary.  Vignette at top center of several miners working underground.  Black border and print on crème paper.  Uncancelled.  Printer - Maverick & Wissinger, NY.  6 x 10.  John R. Hite discovered gold here in 1862.  The South Hite mine was next to the Hite mine, 16 miles northeast of Mariposa.  It was heavily prospected, but little mining was done through 1882.  A 500 ft shaft was sunk, and levels driven every 100 ft, but no appreciable ore was found.  This was often the case in the sophisticated prospecting of the nineteenth century.  Public companies raised significant capital to do work on mines next to or near good gold producing mines in the hope of finding a continuation of the rich ores on their property.  But it was still a gamble and at the time this certificate was issued through at least 1888, no production was made.  (Gudde, California Gold Camps, p. 157; 8th Report of the State Mineralogist, 1888, CDMG, p. 344.)   Minor smudge and wrinkle upper right corner and top edge.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

347.5      Mariposa.  Hite’s Cove.  South Hite GMC.  Inc. in CA, 1881.  Cert #1062, issued to Clinton O. Field for 100 shares in 1881.  Signed by Vice-President S. D. Osborne and asst. Secretary J. F. Towle.  Vignette top center of 5 miners working underground.  Black border on vanilla paper.  6-1/4 x 10.  “Location Works: Hites Cove, Cal.  Location Principal Office: San Francisco, Cal” printed on certificate.  Printer – Maverick & Wissinger, NY.  See above lot for story.  Minor smudge and wrinkle upper right corner and top edge.  Uncancelled.  Extremely fine.  Est. $150-300

348.        Mariposa.  Mariposa.  Quartz Reduction Co.  Issued to Francis Lewis Bodenham for 1 share, cert # not noted, in 1856.  Signed by Jm. Mitchell and F. Clive directors and Wm. J. Brau secretary.  No vignette.  Black print.  Certificate is typical European style for that time period.  This company was formed to obtain the Agua Fria Mining Co of the Mariposa Estate.  It also appears to be another early milling company (MRWRM, 1868).  Trimmed tight at left edge.  Extremely fine.  Est. $300-500

349.        Mariposa.  Mariposa.  Wells, Fargo & Co Commission Envelopes, 1899 & 1900.  Both have a vignette of steam train pulling away from a Wells, Fargo depot.  The 1900 piece has a tear at the upper right corner.  Very fine.  Est. $150-250

350.        Mariposa.  Mt. Diablo.  Recreation Map of the National Forest, Mt. Diablo Meridian, 1916 and Camulos Quad Topographic Map, 1912.  The National Forest map indicates, in red ink, the good camping ground, location and type of game (deer, quail, bear, grouse) and scenic areas.  Fresno is at the bottom of this map and Las Mariposa is at the upper left on the map.  On the reverse are guidelines of how to avoid forest fires and forest safety.  (As an outdoorsman myself, this map is pretty cool.  vp) 40 x 50.  The topographic sheet has a scale of 1:125000 and shows the San Fernando, Simi Valley and areas just north.  Shows the shoreline south of these areas.  20-x 32.  Tears along fold creases.  Fine.  Est. $25-75
351.        Mariposa.  Yosemite.  Yosemite Valley Railroad Broadside. 1941. 8 x 10”, red and black on crème.  ”Summer Train Service to Yosemite…” Vignette of Yosemite Falls, part of the emblem of the Yosemite Valley Railway. The poster shows the arrival and departures for Yosemite from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Mint. Est. $50-100

352.        Mariposa.  Yosemite.  Yosemite Collectible. Very cute back & white oval photograph of Glacier Point Mountain House on a leather sole “Upon my sole this is the greatest place I know” 2 x 5” with attached mail tag “Greetings from Yosemite Nat’l Park” mailed to Burbank, circa 1923 with 2 a155 stamps. Excellent condition.  Est. $50-75

MERCED

 

353.        Merced.  Merced Parafine Oil.  Inc. in CA, 1914.  Issued to George Christian for 6750 shares in 1914.  Signed by pres. W.E. Lilly and asst. sec. M.E. Lemler.  Small vignette at upper left of bald eagle on a cliff overlooking the ocean.  Black border, gilt seal and safety print.  Printer – Goes.  10 x 5.  Uncancelled.  The certificate is torn in half along the center, other tears along folds. The company operated out of their office in Los Banos. Two receipts accompany the stock, which was torn down the center. Rare. Est $25-50

MODOC

 

354.        Modoc.  Alturas.  Alturas Billheads & Letterheads, 1896-1906.  Lot of 6 pcs.  The first is letterhead from The New Era, C. W. Anderson & Co, Alturas, Ca., 1897, written to F. H .Johnstone.  The other 5 pieces relate to E. Lauer & Sons, Merchandisers, Alturas.  Two of them are billheads, 1900 and 1906.  Two are letterheads dated 1896 and contain requests for payment on outstanding balances.  The third is a manuscript letter.  Alturas was originally known as Dorris’ Bridge named after Presley Dorris built a bridge across the Pit River.  Presley and his brother Carlos, were ranchers is Little Shasta before they moved to what now known as Modoc County.  In 1876, the name was officially changed by the legislature to Alturas.  Very fine.  Est. $25-50

MONO

 

355.        Mono.  Benton.  Millner Gen’l Merch, billhead and hammer head, c 1885. The billhead reads  “John F. Millner/General Merchandise and Mining Supplies” datelined “Benton, Mono Co., Cal. Oct 31, 1892”.  Millner may have been active in Benton Hot Springs as early as 1868 when silver was discovered on  Blind Springs Hill.  He was involved in mining and in the hardware business and did business in Benton as late as 1892 (the date of this billhead).  Included with the billhead is a  Prospectors Pick Head with “J.F.M.” stamped in it which is Millner’s. It was found on Blind Springs Hill by bottle diggers in the 1970’s, according to the consignor.   Both items are extremely rare.  $150-250

356.        Mono.  Benton.  Mono Weekly Messenger, Mono County Newspaper, Saturday, February 15, 1879. Very Rare.  12 x 20”, folded in half, pulp paper, some stains. The paper has separated along all fold lines but is not missing any pieces. Fragile.  As usual, the paper contains ads from many local Benton businesses including saloons. There is a lengthy article inside on the Endowment mine. Est. $150-300

357.        Mono.  Bodie.  Bodie & Hawthorne Telephone & Telegraph Co.  Incorporated in 1892.  Issued to J. J. Welch for 20 shares, cert #110, in 1904.  Signed by J. S. Cain president and L. E. Bell secretary.  No vignette.  Black border.  Uncancelled.  Printer - H. S. Crocker, SF.  4 x 9.  Datelined Bodie, California.  Six dividend stamps on reverse.  J. S. Cain is famous for his activities in Bodie.  He started and owned the bank in town.  He also operated the Standard Mine.  J. S. Cain was one of the last people to hang on to the dying town of Bodie after all the mining left.  Extremely fine.  Est. $200-400

358.        Mono.  Bodie.  Bodie Real Photopostcard, c. 1910.  Crisp, bright and sharp overview of Bodie with the caption, “Birdseye View of Bodie, Calif, From the Cemetery Hill”.  Extremely fine.  Est. $25-50

359.        Mono.  Bodie.  Bullion & Exchange Bank, Stock Transfer Requests, 1886 & 1894.  Lot of 3 pcs.  Two of the requests are for the sale of shares in the Bodie Consolidated Co., 1886 and 1894.  The other is for the purchase of shares in the Bodie Cons. Co., 1894.  All three have small tears at center.  All are datelined Carson City, Nevada.  Very fine.  Est. $25-50

360.        Mono.  Bodie.  Coded Telegrams of Bodie Area Stocks, 1884.  Lot of 4.  Coded telegrams that have been translated.  The messages refer to selling and buying shares.  All are datelined at Carson, Nev.  All have small hole at center.  Very fine.  Est. $250-400

 

361.        Mono.  Bodie.  Consolidated Pacific Mining Co.  Incorporated in California 1878.  Issued to F. E. Luty for 16,310 shares, cert #4838, in 1887.  Signed by John Henderson president and F. E. Luty secretary.  No vignette.  Black border and print.  Uncancelled.  Printer - Lith Britton, SF.  4 x 10.  The company’s operation was located on the southern slope of Bodie Peak.  It was a good producing mine for about two years.  There was a 500’ shaft and a sizable amount of ore had been outlined by 1881.  (Burchard, 1881, p. 42-43).  Small stain at left of president’s signature.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

362.        Mono.  Bodie.  Sigourney Gold & Silver Mining Co.  Incorporated in 1878.  Issued to William Fawcett for 100 shares, cert #177, in 1878.  Signed by D. Perry president and J. C. Pratt secretary.  Circular vignette at top center of spread winged eagle.  Vignette at left edge of a woman holding a wreath and a flag.  Black border on crème paper.  Uncancelled.  Printer - LeCount Bros, SF.  One assessment stamp on reverse.  Location, Bodie, Mono Co, Cal printed on certificate.  We could find no information regarding this company within our library.  Fold crease at center.  Extremely fine.  Est. $250-500

363.        Mono.  Bodie.  Stewart, A.B., Bodie Billhead, Feb. 1883.  Very rare.  This billhead directly corresponds to the Stewart drug bottle from Bodie.  Stewart also had stores in Virginia City, Gold Hill, Exeter, and Spokane.  Est. $100-300

364.        Mono.  Bodie.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Documents, 1897-98.  Lot of 3 pcs.  All of the documents are Corrections Sheets.  One is for a shipment to Mrs. J. S. Cain via the Bodie Stage.  The second is a shipment to the Standard Cons. MC in Bodie.  The third is destined for Independence.  Very fine.  Est. $75-150

365.        Mono.  Bodie. South Standard MC, incorporated in California, 1877, issued in 1878 to C. A. Schmidt for 50 shares, cert # 373, signed by Wales L. Palmer as president and C.A. Sankey as secretary. Printed by Britton & Rey. Liberty figure with three draped flags incorporated into the masthead. Datelined San Francisco. “Bodie Mining District” printed on certificate.  This company was a take-off on the well-known Standard MC in Bodie, which was a great producer.  Burchard only mentions that it was shut down in 1882.  It was at the south end of the lode, on the “Bruce and Burgess lodes, both of which have been demonstrates to possess great value,” according to the Pacific Coast Mining Review and Stock Ledger, 1878. It was said to be within 300 feet of some of the main workings in Bodie, and, like so many others, was touted as just like the Comstock. Wales Palmer was president of the Golden State and Miners Iron Works. Sanky was a professional mining secretary, both in SF. Rare. This certificate is one of 6 that we received with a statement that it is from the estate of Wm. Wright, aka Dan DeQuille. DeQuille wrote the Big Bonanza, a history of the Comstock Lode, while taking a sabbatical from the Territorial Enterprise. He was encouraged by Sam Clemens to write the history, and indeed worked on the book in the seclusion of Clemens’ home in Hartford, CT. It comes with a statement regarding its origin from one of DeQuille’s relatives. All of these certificates were in “street” name, not DeQuille’s, unfortunately. 4 x 9”.  Uncancelled. (Ref: 1879 SF Dir.) Est $300-500

366.        Mono.  Kern.  Two tokens from Mono and Kern Counties.  1861-Mono County-1961/ (Pic-Bodie Mine)/ Bodie/ Gateway To the Golden West// Mono County Centennial/ (Pic-Courthouse)/ Courthouse/ 1861-1961.  Rd, br, 33mm, Unc; Kern County Centennial Celebration token.  1866-1966, and picture of mine and sunset.  RD, br, 38mm, Unc.  Est. $25-50.
367.        Mono.  Mammoth (City).  Mammoth City Billhead, “George Stevens Dealer in Stoves, Tin and Hardware, Sheet Iron, Tinners’ Supplies, etc” in fancy lettering, dated July 15, 1883.  Mammoth City crossed out and “Bishop Creek” written over it.  Printed by Bodie News Print. Extremely rare.  Mammoth City was the center of the Lake Mining District when it was formed in 1879.  Little documentary evidence survives except two or three of these rare billheads, one of which was shown in Adele Reed’s book Old Mammoth. The town served a mining district that was remote and very much in the shadow of Bodie. In fact, Raymond and Burchard have no reports on Mammoth except one scant report in 1885: “Four men have been working on the old Mammoth mine and have taken out some fine ore. Some work is also being done on the Lisbon mine…”  Est. $100-300

368.        Mono.  Mammoth.  Central Sierra Lakes Real Photopostcards, c. 1910.  Lot of 3 pcs.  The first is a colorized postcard probably of a photo.  The card is printed on woven paper.  The scene is of Lake George, Mammoth Lakes.  Photographed by Stephen Willard, Palm Springs.  The other two cards are photopostcards of lake views with the Sierras as a backdrop.  The craggy nature resembles the central part of the range near and north of the Mt. Whitney area.  The names of the lakes were not readily found.  One is of Silver Lake at Carson Camp.  The other is of Twin Lakes from Bona Vista facing Tamarack Lodge.  These photos were taken by Frasher’s Fotos.  All unused.  Extremely fine.  Est. $25-50

369.        Mono.  Masonic.  Masonic Townsite, c1902, Original hand drawn pen & ink map, Mono County, California.  Surveyed and drawn by M.P. Hayes, Jr.  Showing lots, streets, townships, etc.  The townsite is fully within the Masonic Gulch Mining claim, which I assume was patented.  Bearings of the claim boundaries and streets are shown.  Undated, circa 1905 – 1907 when Masonic first boomed.  Measures 32” x 24” and is professionally framed with acid free backing and UV protective glass.  The Masonic district was founded in the 1860’s by miners from Monoville. It is about 1.5 miles west of the Nevada boundary.  About 1902  the Pittsburgh Liberty mine opened and raised a ruckus that resulted in a small scale mining boom that lasted for about ten years, though mining continued through WWII.  Billeb in Mining Camp Days, claimed there were three townsites in Masonic Gulch, each about one half mile apart. That may have been what resulted from this attempt at an organized townsite, but the prices of lots may have precluded development, as well as only having a few properties actually in production.  As a pen & ink map, it is a unique product of the engineer. Est. $500-1000

370.        Mono.  Tioga Consolidated Mining Co. Documents, 1879 & 1882.  The 1879 piece is a coded and deciphered telegram to purchase 100 shares in the Tioga Cons MC for $5.75 and two other companies.  The second piece is a letter to the Carson City Savings Bank with assessments on shares from the San Francisco office of the Tioga Cons. MC.  The telegram has a one inch tear at the right edge and other minor wear marks affecting that edge.  The letter is very fine.  Est. $25-50

371.        Mono.  Various.  Mono County report of the State Mineralogist 1888. 49pp pamphlet which never had a cover detailing the mining activity in Mono during the year written by California Geologist H. Whiting. This paper was published as part of the Eighth Annual Report of the State Mineralogist edited by Wm Irelan, and is usually quoted by us as such. This was a pre-print for those only interested in Mono County. It covers the Dogtown, Bodie, Benton, Lake, Tioga, Homer, Mono Diggins, Jordan, Keith, and Patterson Mining Districts, with an emphasis on the Bodie District with tables of the output of the major mines in Bodie for the years 1877-88.  Generally very fine. Est. $100-150

372.        Mono/Alpine.  Sierra Nevada.  Sierra Nevada Lakes Photographs, c. 1930.  Lot of 7 pcs.  The locations of the lakes is unknown, but most are appear to be alpine.  Some of the photos have tears and chips missing.  No photographer noted.  Mostly photos are in fine condition.  Average size is 7 x 12.  Great photos! Est. $25-50

373.        Mono-Inyo.  Bodie-Bishop.  Railroad Way Bills, 1898.  Lot of 3 pcs.  One of the way bills is for the Standard Cons. MC (Bodie); one is for Bishop and the third is for Lundy.  All of the cards are missing pieces from one or more of their corners.  4 x 9.  Fine.  Est. $50-150

MONTEREY

 

374.        Monterey.  Stone Canyon.  Jack Edison/ Stone Canyon// GF/ 25¢/ IT.  Rd, br.  Vf, dark spots.  25mm.  There are three different tokens from this tiny town.  Stone Canyon had a post office 1900-1932 but is not listed in Gudde, 1949.  Rare.  Est. $100-200
NAPA

 

375.        Napa.  Napa.  Napa & Sonoma Wine Co.  Incorporated in 1872.  Unissued, uncancelled.  Vignette of two female allegorical figures to left; small vignette of a dog guarding a safe.  Black print.  No printers noted.  5 1/2” x 10”.  The company began with Jacob Beringer, one of the founders of Beringer Bros. Winery.  Arriving in California in 1869, Beringer began working as a winery foreman for Charles Krug.  During his eight year stint with Krug, Jacob was able to put away a small amount of change with which he would purchase the acreage for his own winery, Los Hermanos, in 1877.   Xf.  Est. $200-400

376.        Napa.  Wine Country.  California Wine Labels, 1930’s-1960’s.  Lot of 200+ pcs.  All are in mint condition and unused.  There are about 200- 300 labels and more than 100 different styles and companies.  Far too many to even begin to list.  Est. $100-300

377.        Napa.  Winery Related Documents, 1885, 189x & 1934.  Lot of 3 pcs.  The oldest piece is a typewritten marketing letter fro James Llado, Importer of Spanish Hand Cut Corks, 1885.  The English is little choppy either from poor usage of the language or on purpose to sound foreign and exotic.  The second piece is just the second page of a manuscript letter written in Italian.  The letter head shows a wine cask at upper left with the words “Repairing Neatly Done” and is from J. Kucich, Cooper, Manufacturers of Wine Casks, Barrels and Kegs.  The third piece is a program from the St. Helena Vintage Festival, 1934.  On the eleven pages is outlined the timeline for the festival, which was ‘revived after 13 years.’  Very fine.  Est. $100-200

NEVADA

 

378.        Nevada.  Banner.  Western Mines Consolidated Inc.  Prospectus.  Incorporated in 1926 after acquiring the properties of the obsolete Banner Consolidated Mines Co.  The company had high hopes for success after endorsement by Dr. Waldemar Lindgren in 1928.  Rather, financial troubles ensued and the properties were awarded by the court to New England Consolidated Mines.  A cross-section laid out perpendicular to the known veins of the district shows shafts and tunnels.  Extremely fine.  Est. $50-100

379.        Nevada.  Boca.  A. MacIntosh, successor to Boca Mill Co, Boca Station, Billhead.  Datelined Boca, 1881 to the Savage Mining Co for milled lumber.  Extremely fine.  Est. $50-100

380.        Nevada.  Cold Spring Gravel MC.  Inc. in 1870.  Cert #10, issued to Charles Klingenspar for 100 shares in 1876.  Signed by pres. H. J. Soare and sec. J.G. Rolfe.  Although somewhat crude, two nice vignettes of sluicing and hydraulic mining.  Black border and print.  Datelined Nevada City.  Printer – not noted.  10 x 5.  Uncancelled.  Trimmed tight at left edge. Lower right corner missing.  Minor discoloration at edges.  Extremely fine.  The Cold Spring mine is an underground mine that had 2200’ of tunnels in 1917. They were mining a fossil river bed covered by 450’ of rhyolite and andesite. Mac Boyle reported in 1918 in Mines and Mineral Resources of Nevada County that the several operators who mined there were thought to have made a profit.  Est $150-300

381.        Nevada.  Donner.  Donner Lake Photopostcards.  Lot of 2 pcs.  One is postmarked, and datelined 1904.  On the address side of the card is printed in brown, “Private Mailing Card, Authorized by Act of Congress, 1898”.  Printed by W. M. Buckhalter, Truckee, Cal.  The second card shows an early car traveling on a very snowy road with Donner Lake in the background.  The caption reads “Winter Donner Summit Hiway U.S. 40”.  Postmarked Truckee, Calif, 1948.  Extremely fine.  Est. $25-50

382.        Nevada.  Floriston.  Floriston Photopostcard and Postmark, 1906.  Photo of a mill located in a valley with snow on the ground.  Floriston, Cal, Huey written at bottom right.  Addressed to Miss Ella Collinson, 604 W. 4th st, Reno, Nev.  Very fine.  Est. $50-100
383.        Nevada.  French Corral.  Kate Hayes Mining Co Receipts, 1891.  Lot of 6 pcs.  Payment receipts for various services and merchandise, including water use, machine work by a foundry man, tools and explosives, charcoal, freight and cost of lumber, etc.  Extremely fine.  Est. $50-100

384.        Nevada.  Gold Run.  Gold Run Real Photopostcard, co 1910.  Hydraulic mining at Gold Run.  This location can be easily seen as the bluffs next to I-80 at Gold Run.  Clear and crisp.  Unused.  Very fine.  Est. $25-50

385.        Nevada.  Grass Valley.  Grass Valley Bank Medal.  Nevada/County Bank/Grass Valley/And/Nevada City/California/M. K. Co./S. F.//Souvenir/(pic-bank building)/1917.  Rd, br, 36 mm.  Dark toned, XF.  Est. $100-200

386.        Nevada.  Grass Valley.  Manhattan GMC.  Cert. #10.  Incorporated in 1899.  Issued to C.E. Hegard for 200 shares in 1899.  Cancelled by red writing across certificate.  Signed by president C.E. Hegard (front and back) and secretary Geo. E. Bangle.  Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle atop rock.  Green border and black print on crème paper.  Two 5¢ document stamps at border, in upper left.  H.S. Crocker Co., printer.  9 3/4” x 12 3/4”, xf, two creases where folded. Scarce certificate. Was known as the Goodall Consolidated. 3.5 mi southeast of Grass Valley.  Not any production that we could find. There was another Manhattan Mine, but at Knoxville next to the Reddington. It was a mercury deposit, but later was turned into a major gold mine by Homestake.  [Ref: Crawford, 13th Annual Report of the State Mineralogist, 1894]  Est. $75-150

387.        Nevada.  Grass Valley.  New York Grass Valley GMC.  Inc. in AZ, 1902.  Cert.#965, issued to Aaron B. Robinson for 200 shares in 1903.  Signed by pres. Geo. W. Root and treas. J.M. Feisner.  Black print on crème paper with red seal.  9 3/4 x 8.  Uncancelled.  Two folds, red mark to right edge at top.  This company experienced the most activity after 1900.  In 1903 they built a new three stamp metals mill.  It was a small producer.  (Ref: EMJ, v76 #18, p8672.)  Est. $25-50

388.        Nevada.  Grass Valley.  Scadden Flat GMC.  Cert.#282.  Incorporated in 1878.  Issued to Henry Scadden for 50 shares in 1879.  Cancelled by “x” cut in center.  Signed by president Henry Scadden and secretary A.B. Brady.  California state seal at left.  Black print on yellow paper.  No printers noted.  4 1/4” x 9 3/4”.  Vf, red scribble across president’s signature.  Henry Scadden discovered gold in 1860, hence the company title.  Est. $150-300

389.        Nevada.  Grass Valley.  Selby Smelting & Lead Co.  Receipts for Deposits of Gold Bullion.  Four (4) receipts for gold bullion deposited with Selby by the Maryland Gold & Quartz Mining Co in Grass Valley.  Three were submitted by S. A. Dorsey, Superintendent and one by J. C. & E. Coleman.  All 1890’s.  The bars were generally about 300 ounces each with one over 600 ounces.  Usually they were 850 fine gold and 150 fine silver with a value of $5000 to $10,000 each.  5 x 12.  Blue print.  Folds, stains along folds, a few tears on some.  One has a large piece missing near upper right corner.  Very fine.  Est. $50-100

390.        Nevada.  Grass Valley.  South Idaho Consol. M&MC.  Inc. in CA, 1892.  Cert #45, issued to Richard Noell for 200 shares in 1893.  Uncancelled.  Black border on vanilla paper.  4 x 9.  Printer – J. C. Irvine, S.F.  Datelined Grass Valley, Nevada Co., Cal.  The South Idaho mine was located 1 mile E. of Grass Valley.  It covered 2300 ft of the vein and was developed by a 100 ft shaft and several cross-cuts.  The ore reportedly carried 4% sulphurets.  Hoisting was accomplished with a horse-whim.  (Ref: 13th Report of the State Mineralogist, 1896, Calif. State Mining Bureau, p. 264.)  Slight browning, pinholes.  Est. $50-100

391.        Nevada.  Grass Valley. Pennsylvania Cons. MC.  Lot of 2.  Cert.#591, 852.  Incorporated in 1876.  Issued to F.J. Thomas, Trustee for 10 shares in 1898 and J.T. Jones for 100 shares in 1903.  Cancelled by writing across certificate.  Signed by president Theo. W. Wilhelau and secretary F.J. Thomas.  Black border on crème paper.  H.S. Crocker Co, printers.  5” x 9 1/2”.  The property was part of the North Star group.  Total production for the three mines was more than $120 million by 1948.  Xf.  Est. $50-100
392.        Nevada.  Hobart Mills.  Nevada Wood & Lumber Co Billheads, Hobart Mills, 1903-05.  Lot of 5 pcs.  Hobart Mills got a post office in 1900 being named after Walter Scott Hobart.  Hobart was one of the leading lumberman in the Lake Tahoe region from 1860’s until his death in 1892.” (Gudde, 1949, p. 149).  This company clearly followed in Mr. Hobart’s footsteps continuing to be merchants in lumber products.  Very fine.  Est. $50-100

393.        Nevada.  Meadow Lake.  Cisco Cons. GMC.  Cert.#C335.  No incorporation date.  Issued to Francis C. Harmstad for 100 shares in 1880.  Uncancelled.  Signed by president Wm. M. Reynolds and secretary Oliver Chavlick.  Vignette of the California State Seal, flanked by mining scene and train scene.  Black border.  This is a wonderfully handsome certificate.  Printed by the American Bank Note Co.  xf.  7” x 10 3/4”.  Prospecting at Meadow Lake began with the advent of the California gold rush, and intensified with the discovery of the Comstock.  In 1865, the Excellsior Company announced a rich discover and dubbed the new district with their name.  Since Meadow Lake is near Truckee, and the Comstock Lode, miners madly rushed to the area to find their fortunes.  Over the next year, enumerable towns seemed to spring up out of the ground, including Hudsonville, Excellsior, Atlanta and Summit City.  Furious trading of stock took place over the next year, as bullion was produced and reported in the newspapers.  The years spanning between 1867-74 saw a realization that the mines were not as bountiful as anticipated.  People fled as quickly as they had arrived.  At the time this certificate was issued, several small mills were still processing ore, and in 1881, the Cisco announced plans to open another mill to be staffed by six men.  The local papers continued to tout the region.  One of the notables who went to Meadow Lake in 1865-6 was Orion Clemens, the secretary of Nevada Territory and brother of author San Clemens.  He lost everything he owned and retreated a beaten man.  (Ref: Fatout, 1969).  Est. $300-500

394.        Nevada.  Nevada City.  Gold Mould Pattern.  Circa 1870.  11” x 5.25” x 5.25(excluding the handle), made of dark wood.  This pattern was made for a foundry in Nevada City.  Based on comparable moulds, it appears to date from about 1870.  This mould would have been used to make moulds for gold bars.  Nevada Foundry began in 1855 and was rebuilt in 1859.  Est. $200-400.

395.        Nevada.  Nevada City.  Gold Tunnel MC. Inc. in AZ. Cert.#4312, issued to P.E. Stafford for 500 shares in 1903.  Signed by pres. Henry C/ Beaguiaui (?) and treas. S.G. Gaufs (?).  Small vignette at left of miners filling ore cars; small vignette at right of miners filling ore bucket.  Green border and safety print.  ”Mines and Works at Nevada City, Nevada County, California” printed below masthead.  Uncancelled.  11 x 8.  Several small tears to right edge.  Very fine.  The Gold Tunnel was the first quartz mine to be located in the Nevada City district in 1850, and is thus one of the most important companies of the county.  It was worked nearly continuously from 1850 to 1895, with production estimated at more than $1 million.  (Ref: Boyle, Mines and Mineral Res. Of Nevada County, 1918, p131.)  Est. $25-50

396.        Nevada.  Nevada City.  Jas J. Ott, Nevada City Assay and Refining Office, Nevada City “established in 1853”.  This is an assay certificate for Ott of a quartz rock for a client that showed only a trace of gold and is signed by Ott.  Ott was one of two assayers who first assayed the Comstock ores in June or July of 1859. These assays caused an immediate rush to Washoe the same day and several days afterward. Nearly every prospector and miner from Nevada City and Grass Valley left for the Comstock, including George Hearst and Judge Walsh. [fh].  Printer - Nevada Daily Herald Print.  Small tear at left edge along fold crease.  Very fine.  Rare.  Est. $50-150

397.        Nevada.  Nevada County Map, 1913.  4 feet x 8 feet.  Compiled by Fred M. Miller, County Surveyor.  Scale 1”=4000’.  Two tables of “Tabulation of Load Claims” that include the name of the claim, ore type, and location in township and range format.  The claims are numbered on the map and reference is made back to the tables.  Printed by Britton & Rey, SF.  At lower middle left are the signatures of the Supervisor, Richard A .Eddy, and the Chairman, C. J. Miller, P. H. Brophy, W. H. Davey, and John Fay.  Linen backing and printed paper map.  Paper is wrinkled in places but backing is holding well.  Small professional tape repair at center for unknown reason.  Several small water spots along bottom 1/3 of map.  Black duct(?) tape repair along top where attached to wooden display rods.  Right upper corner is torn about four inches along the wood and the lower right corner is torn about two inches along the lower wood.  The map itself is in fantastic condition.  Extremely fine.  Est. $2000-4000

 

398.        Nevada.  Nevada County Miners Union Ledger, 1888-90.  Dues collected ledger listing the members names with information on the dues payments.  One of the listed names has a note at the far left “Expelled for bad conduct”.  Total of 190 pps.  Only 31 used.  Front cover and first few pages are detached.  Binding in poor condition.  Front and rear cover in poor condition. Two pieces missing from lower right corner of front cover.  Pages are in very fine condition.  Est. $100-200

399.        Nevada.  Nevada Land & Mining Co.  Incorporated in 1867.  Issued to Charles Cydively Ellis for 50 shares, cert #824, in 1869.  Signed by E. L. Nugent and F. Snowden and (?) secretary.  No vignette.  Ornate left edge and masthead.  Uncancelled.  No printer noted.  Certificate is in the classic European style for this time period.  Trimmed tight.  Very fine.  Est. $300-500

400.        Nevada.  Nevada City.  Big Tunnel Gold & Silver Mining Co.  Incorporated in California, 1864.  Issued to H. M. Barnett for 1 share, cert #3, in 1865.  Signed by president and A. H. Otherman secretary.  Vignette at right of an Indian overlooking a cliff.  Black border and print.  Uncancelled.  Printer - Cooke & Co, SF.  4 x 9.  One 20 cent and one 5 cent adhesive revenue stamps adhered at lower left corner.  This company is not listed in Bean’s Directory of Nevada County of 1867.  It was probably a take off on the Gold Tunnel MC which as a successful mine owned by W. C. Ralston and Lloyd Tevis in 1865.  A. H. Otherman was a professional mining secretary living in Nevada City.  Trimmed a little tight at left edge.  Extremely fine.  Est. $500-900

 

401.        Nevada.  Nevada City.  North Banner Con. Tunnel Co.  Cert.#174.  Incorporated in 1883.  Issued to W.E. Brown for 1000 shares in 1884.  Signed by president George Fletcher and secretary Thos. Michelle.  Cancelled by red writing through center.  Vignette of mill in gully, with miner crouched on slope at left.  Black print on yellow paper.  Bancroft, printer.  Developed on a 3ft. vein, the North Banner mi