Teller County, Cripple Creek, Colorado Unknowns, Auction #11

COLORADO - Teller County through Colorado Unknowns

TELLER

818. Teller. Cripple Creek (?) Banker Mining & Tunnel Co. Inc. in CO, 1902. Cert #1797, issued to Hanna Maria Montant for 1500 shares in 1910. Signed by pres. D.W. Harner and sec. Jno. A. Thompson. Small vignette at upper left of miners working underground. Six small vignettes of miners incorporated into border design. Black border, gilt seal and safety print. Printer – Goes. 11 x 8. Uncancelled. A couple small tears along top, several staple and/or pinholes throughout. Fine. Unable to find this specific reference to this company in our library. The name is a take-off on the Banker’s Gold M&M company in Cripple Creek. Est. $50-100

819. Teller. Cripple Creek(?) Dry Ore Concentrating Co. Inc. in CO, 1895. Cert #17, issued to M.W. Barkalow for 1000 shares in 1895. Signed by pres. M.H. Gowdy and sec. C.B. Older. Spread-winged bald eagle vignette, orange bordera nd safety print. Datelined Colorado Springs. Printer – not noted. 11 x 8. Uncancelled. Tape repairs to face along two of the several folds. Fair. Rare. Not listed in the back of Dunbar with the mills. We put Cripple Creek because of the date and probable tie to that boom. Est. $50-100

820. Teller. Cripple Creek(?). Mount Blanca Gold Mining Co. Inc. in CO. Cert. #176, issued to Benjamin F. Measey for 2000 shares in 1897. Signed by pres. Geo. C. Hitzel and sec. Jos. Henickson. Datelined Colorado Springs. Vignette of Colorado State Seal. Black border with green seal and safety print. Uncancelled. 11 x 8. Listed in Dunbar (1898) without any location. Possibly Cripple Creek. Small tear to top of left fold. Very fine. Est. $50-150

821. No Lot.

Teller. Cripple Creek. A. J. Harlan Photographs of Cripple Creek, Colorado. The following collection of high quality and contrast 5 x 8” albumen photos were all taken during the absolute height of the Cripple Creek boom, circa 1897. They are all in exemplary condition. Carl Mautz in Biography of Western Photographers shows Andrew James Harlan active in Fremont (the early name for Cripple Creek) in 1891-92. From there, he apparently had partnerships in galleries in a number of neighboring communities, taking advantage of the mining boom. Among the partnerships were: Harlan & Gregg at Colorado Springs 1891 with Frank Gregg; Harlan & Glew in Colorado Springs 1892 with Eugene Glew; Harlan & Glenn in Colorado Springs in 1893. By approximately 1897, Harlan had his studio in Colorado Springs at 304 E. Pikes Peak Ave., known as “A. J. Harlan’s Studio.”

822. Teller. Cripple Creek. “Fremont in the early Days, Nov. 1, 1891. The present site of Cripple Creek.” This view shows the construction of several log cabins, a few wood buildings and a n umber of tents, with a well in the foreground. Est. $200-300

823. Teller. Cripple Creek. “Cripple Creek Colo. From Gold Hill. Short Line Ry in foreground.” Spectacular view of Cripple Creek, appearing as city spread over several miles. Circa 1897. Est. $150-300

824. Teller. Cripple Creek. “Electric Car climbing Gold Hill.” View of an electric trolley on a hill going by one of the mines. Circa 1897. Est. $100-300

825. Teller. Cripple Creek. “Anaconda, Colo.” Great bird’s eye view of Anaconda on a hazy day. Circa 1897. Est. $200-300

826. Teller. Cripple Creek. “Goldfield Colo. From Bull Hill.” Bird’s eye view of Gold Hill at its peak of development. It never got as big as Goldfield Nevada, but may be its namesake. Circa 1897. Est. $200-300

827. Teller. Cripple Creek. “Victor Colo. Looking north.” Bird’s eye view of Victor. Contrast not as sharp as with some of the other photographs. Circa 1897. Est. $150-300

828. Teller. Cripple Creek. North Slope Gold Hill.” View of a number of mines on Gold Hill. The entire hillside appears as though there are more than 50 mines and mine dumps, with two major operations. This view exemplifies how every mining claim can have a shaft and workings. There are at least 12 shaft houses visible. Circa 1897. Est. $150-300

829. Teller. Cripple Creek. “3rd St. looking north, Victor, Colo.” Outstanding street scene in Victor. Brick buildings line the street. Circa 1897. Est. $150-300

830. Teller. Cripple Creek. “3rd St. looking South, Victor, Colo”. Very fine view of Victor’s main street. Very active street. Victor Mines Supply building under construction. Circa 1897. Est. $150-300

831. Teller. Cripple Creek. Acacia GMC. Cert.#1664. Inc. in CO, 1895. Issued to The Crosby-Ehrich Syndicate for 1000 shares in 1898. Signed by pres J.E. Hundley and sec D.E. McArthur. Fancy floral masthead. Gilt border/seal on creme paper with light green underprinting. Burns and Morning Star Mines at Cripple Creek printed on certificate. 2 brown 10 cent documentary stamps on reverse. Printer – Western Litho. Co., Denver. The main shaft is 350’ deep with a 400’ incline and 1000’ of cross cuts. Gross production 1899-1900 was $81,000 in gold. John E. Hundley owned the John Hundley Antlers Livery in Colo. Springs which operated tourist carts from Florissant railway station to Cripple Creek (an 18 mile trip). (Ref: Hills 1900, p34/ Sprague 1953, pg. 98/ Lindgren & Ransome 1906). 7 3/4 x 10 1/4. Vf, hole punches at top. Hole punch cancel through signatures but still legible. Est. $50-75
832. Teller. Cripple Creek. Antlers GMC. Inc. in CO, 1896. Cert #16, issued to R.B. Taylor for 1000 shares in 1896. Signed by pres. B.B. Grover and sec. L.W. Hodgins. Vignette of an antlered deer at top left, plus two smaller vignettes in border of deer with antlers. Green border, fancy masthead, gilt seal (another deer head here) and green underprint. Datelined Colorado Springs. Printer – Elgan Bank Note Co., Denver. Two folds, very small chip at bottom edge. Heavy stains on reverse. 10 x 7. Uncancelled. Fred Hills wrote that the Antlers was still in prospecting stage in 1900 with a few drifts and a shallow shaft Their largest property was the Rufus claim on Tenderfoot Hill. Outstanding vignette. Est. $150-300

833. Teller. Cripple Creek. Apache GMC. Cert.#431. Incorporated in Colorado. Issued to Robert Brown for 1000 shares in 1896. Signed by W. H. Kistler president and secretary W.M. Brooks. Vignette at top of Indian woman leaning on shield of Colorado State Seal. Orange border with unique underprint. Underprint vignette of Victor, Colorado with the major mines marked and Victor Battle Mtn and Mines printed at left. Uncancelled. 8 X 11. Printer - W. H. Kistler, Denver. Owned the Minnie Merle and 10,331 acres southeast of Cripple Creek. The mines marked in underprint vignette are true names of the major mines of Cripple Creek. (Horn & McMahan, 1899). Xf. Est. $50-150

834. Teller. Cripple Creek. Blue Bird & Independence Mine Photopostcards, c. 1910. Lot of 2 pcs. One of the cards shows the Blue Bird and Trilby mines and is colorized. The photo was taken by Hileman. The second card is of the Independence Mine and Mill. The photo was taken by Hileman Photo. Both cards are clear and crisp. Very fine. Est. $25-50

835. Teller. Cripple Creek. Buckhorn Lode Maps & Correspondence, located on Carbonate Hill in Cripple Creek, all circa 1909. The correspondence discusses locating a shaft— the neighboring company had just shipped ore worth $63.80; a property report by mining engineer Ed W. Hawkins. In it he notes 15 shafts and prospect holes. He reports numerous high grade assays over one ounce per ton gold; a 2 page mining contract; map of the Buckhorn with shafts and underground workings (1” = 1000’); maps of property with assays and workings. Production data remains unknown. Est. $300-500

836. Teller. Cripple Creek. C. & S. M&MC. Inc. in CO, 1907. Cert #31, issued to Jas. C. Clotworthy for 488 shares in 1907. Signed by pres. A.A. Partridge and sec. B.M. Taylor. Vignette of miners working underground. Gilt border, seal and safety/underprint. Datelined Denver, CO. No printer noted. 11 x 8. Uncancelled. Two folds, extremely fine. Unable to find reference to this company in our library. Est. $75-150

837. Teller. Cripple Creek. C.O.D. Cons. GM&Dev. Co. Inc. in CO, 1915. Unissued, 19xx, Cert. #47. Vignette at top of miners working with drills underground, small vignette at left side of mill, and at right of cross sectional view of shaft. Green border. No printer noted. Datelined Cripple Creek. 11 x 8. XF. This company was organized to operate the C.O.D. mine in Poverty Gulch, which was credited as an old-time producer with an output of $1,000,000 in gold. Due to drainage difficulties, the mine was closed down around 1916 or so and ended up in litigation for several years. The El Paso and Roosevelt drainage tunnels lowered the water level 1,000’ below the lowest workings of the mine. The main 3-compartment working shaft was bottomed at 800’. The first ore was shipped in Sept. 1915. A new discovery of shipping ore was made Aug. 1917, on the line between this and the Gold King MC property (El Paso claim). In Sept. 1918, the company decided to embark on a liberal leasing policy for the development of the mine. (Ref: Mines Hdbk, 1920, p594, Mines Hdbk, 1918, p715-716.) Est. $20-40

838. Teller. Cripple Creek. Cannon Ball GMC. Inc. in WY. Cert #121, issued to H.A. McIntyre, Trustee for 10,000 shares in 1901. Signed by pres. L.E. Kimball and sec. Frank N. Fish. Great vignette of a cannon firing a cannonball, with a stack of cannonballs next to it. No border, gilt seal. “Mines in Cripple Creek District, Colorado” printed on certificate. Datelined Denver. Printer – Denver Litho. 9 1/2 x 7 1/2. Uncancelled. XF. Scarce certificate, and very popular. The company owned two claims on Big Bull Hill. The ore was considered low grade at te time, and the stock traded very cheaply. [ref: Hills, p104] Est. $300-500
839. Teller. Cripple Creek. Carbonate Hill Gold Mining & Milling Co. Lot of 4 unissued certificates, #s: 1248, 1249, 1250, 1241. Incorporated in Colorado. Datelined Colorado Springs. Cripple Creek Mining District in gold underprint. Vignette at top of mountain with tiny mine opening at base with cabin next to shaft. Gilt border and seal. Printer – Gowdy-Simmons, Colorado Spring. XF.11 1/2 x 7. See above lot of the story. Est. $50-100

840. Teller. Cripple Creek. Carbonate Hill Gold Mining &Milling Co. Incorporated in Colorado. Cert. #253, issued to T. Sluckey Trustee for 5000 shares in 1899. Signed by W.A. Davis president and S.J. Davis asst. - secretary. Vignette of spread winged bald eagle with stars-and-stripes shield at top, brown border and safety print, embossed seal, stub glued at left. Cancelled written in red ink across face of certificate three times. 12 1/4 x 8 1/2. No printer listed.. Folds, stains, small tears. They owned the New York and Hustler lodes on Copper Mountain. They had $25 in cash and no production through 1900. Fine. Est. $50-100

841. Teller. Cripple Creek. Central Cons. MC. Inc. in CO, 1899. Cert.#1066, issued to D.P. Sill for 500 shares in 1901. Signed by pres. E.M. De LaVergne and sec. H.C. Moore. No vignette, fancy masthead. Gilt seal. “Cripple Creek Mining District” printed in gilt underprint. Printer – Gowdy-Simmons. 10 x 7 1/2. Uncancelled. Extremely fine. Edward Morton De LaVergne came from a wealthy family in Ohio. The family moved to Colorado Springs in 1878 and not long after the move, De LaVergne got involved in the Ruby Silver District in Gunnison County. By 1881 he was the assistant manager of the Old Man Mine near Silver City, New Mexico, and he went on to manage a couple other mines before returning to Colorado. In late-1890, De LaVergne located the El Dorado lode which was the first legally registered claim in Cripple Creek. With financial backing from an influential member of Colorado Springs society, De LaVergne put Cripple Creek mining district on the map. The company owned the Happy Year and Josephine for a combined area 8.67 acres, both located on Raven Hill. They also owned the Unexpected and Mountain Tiger on Bull Hill, and the vein rights through the Katie Hollis and Amanda claims. Most of the development work was done of the Josephine and Happy Year. (Ref: Hills) Est. $50-150

842. Teller. Cripple Creek. Colorado City & Manitou M&MC. Inc. in CO. Cert #529, issued to State Investment Co., 1905. Signed by vp W.J. Cherin and sec. J.P. Jackson. Underground mining scene at top of certificate. Green border and seal with green safety print. Datelined Colorado City. “Property in the Cripple Creek Mining District” printed on certificate. No printer noted. 11 x 8. Uncancelled. XF. The closest reference to this company in our library is for the Colorado City and Manitous Prospecting & Mining Co. which produced gold and was located in Colorado City, El Paso County. Perhaps this company was a predecessor to the Mining & Milling Co. (Ref: Poole, 1898, p295) Est. $75-150

843. Teller. Cripple Creek. Colorado Midland Railway Co. Bond, 1897. $1000 first mortgage 4% fifty year gold bond. Vignette of train depot with train set alongside a body of water. Cancelled by blue rubber stamp indicating that the bond was cashed in for $85.55 in 1915 after a court case with the Midland Terminal RR. Coupons 61-100 on separate sheet. Green border and underprint. Signed by the president Vallery (?). Green border, train scene as vignette flanked by allegorical figures, printed by American Bank Note Co. The Colorado Midland was originally a Sante Fe subsidiary, incorporated in 1883. It went “from Colorado Springs to the west via Leadville” and built branches to Aspen, Cripple Creek and Denver. In 1894 it went into bankruptcy. By 1900 it was taken over by the Denver & Rio Grande and Colorado & Southern. This bond issue was probably floated when they tried to stay in business during the difficult period. Spencer Penrose later became president. (ref: Stone). Extremely fine. Est. $200-400

844. Teller. Cripple Creek. Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek District Railway (CS & CC D RY)/ Auditor’s/ Office/ Colorado Spgs, Colo. Brass wax sealer with debossed lettering. 3” tall, 1.25” diameter. This rail line was originally called the Cripple Creek District Railway, and in 1899 was incorporated as the above mentioned name. It was an electric line with all the lines in operation by 1901, and probably is the subject of one of the Allen photographs in this sale. According to Stone in the History of Colorado, the Colorado & Southern owned nearly all of the stock. This wax sealer would have been used to seal packages of money or important papers. Est. $500-1000

845. Teller. Cripple Creek. Cripple Creek Mining District Map showing the United Gold Mines Claims, 1904. This map came from the 1904 Annual Report of the United Gold Mines. There are several pencil marks indicating elevations and the bearing to the Portland mine. 17 x 23”. The claims owned are marking either in green or yellow. No tears. Mint Condition. Est. $400-800
846. Teller. Cripple Creek. Cripple Creek Photopostcards, c. 1908. Lot of 2 pcs. The first has the caption “Ruins of the Famous (Tabor) Matchless Mine and shows the headframe and two buildings. Taken by Sanborn, W-1205. The second card shows a scene of small shacks on mining claims that are not more than 50 ft apart. At three of the five little structures, there are miners shown. A rough looking lifestyle to life. The left side of the card appears to have been over exposed by was still used as a postcard. Very fine. Est. $50-75

847. Teller. Cripple Creek. Cripple Creek Postcards, c. 1910. Lot of 5 pcs. Three of the cards are overviews of Cripple Creek. Two are chromolithograpths, the other is a photocard. The second two show buildings in town including the National Hotel. Both are chromolithos. Very fine. Est. $25-50

848. Teller. Cripple Creek. Cripple Creek Postcards. Lot of 4 pcs. All are overviews of the town. One of the cards has a split shot that shows Cripple Creek in 1908 and below shows the town in 1941. One of the cards is postmarked but can not make out the town or year. Very fine. Est. $50-75

849. Teller. Cripple Creek. Crystal Peak Gem Co. Cert. #274. Incorporated in Wyoming 1912. Issued to Agnes Winzell for 2500 shares in 1916. Signed by pres. Anna M. Saunders and sec. A.B. Whitmore. Vignette at top of miner’s cabin with covered wagon and horse in valley below mountains. Crossed muck shovel and pick on either side of central vignette. Small circular vignettes in each corner. Gilt border, safety print and seal. 10 x 8 1/2. Datelined Cripple Creek, Colorado. This company sold gems in a shop in Cripple Creek. It was unheard of for a gem business to be an incorporated company, and this was run by a woman in a man’s mining camp. She undoubtedly made a portion of her trade to wealthy mine owners’ wives. Est. $75-150

850. Teller. Cripple Creek. Dante GMC. Cert.#3638. Incorporated in Colorado in 1895. Issued to E. Harn for 1000 shares in 1902. Signed by president L.L. Aitkin and secretary Shoup. Printer – Gowdy-Simmons. Gilt border and seal, no vignette. The Dante is on the southwestern slope of Bull Hill. They had three shafts and leased the property. About 250 tons per month production with $50,000 gross through 1900. Through 1913 produced nearly $900,000. Penny stock, nonetheless. (Ref: 1894 Directory.) 7 x 11. Uncancelled. Very fine. Est. $50-100

851. Teller. Cripple Creek. Dante GMC. Cert. #5099, issued to Verner Z. Reed for 3125 shares in 1914. Signed by vp W. Arthur Peodiers and sec. A.S. Pitken. Gold border, seal and underprint. Uncancelled. 7 X 10. “Cripple Creek Mining District” in gold underprint. Printer - Gowdy-Simmons, Colorado Springs. Three red documentary stamps on reverse, rubberstamped with blue date stamp – the blue from the stamps has bled through to face of certificate. Very fine. The Dante Gold Mining Company’s office was located in Colorado Springs and its property, the Dante claim was located on Bull Hill. It was developed by one 450 ft shaft and several others from 150 to 250 ft deep. At the time of Hills report, most work was being done on the fourth level where a good stope of ore about 120 ft in length was being exploited. No dividends had ever been declared by the company by 1900. (Hills, p. 151) Est. $25-50

852. Teller. Cripple Creek. Doctor Jack Pot MC. Lot of 2. Cert. #3612, 846Inc. in WY, 1905. One issued to Julia A. Clemmons for 1000 shares in 1916, and the other issued to Marcellina Fassitt for 1000 shares in 1905. The earlier certificate was signed by president McCallister (?) and secretary Gandy. The later issued certificate was signed by the president A.E. Caillon and asst. secrtray H.R. Kim. Black print on creme paper. Mines in Cripple Creek Mining District, Colorado printed on certificate. The earlier certificate has slightly different font in the masthead. The Jack Pot mine was located on Raven Hill. The mine was later bought by Albert E. Carlton who helped finance the El Paso Tunnel which would drain the mine. In 1915 the company shipped 14,719 tons of gold ore, averaging $19.98 per ton. (Ref: Sprague 1953 pg. 226, 241, 267/ Weed vol. 12, pg. 440). 6 ¾ x 9 ½. Uncancelled. Fine. Est. $100-200

853. Teller. Cripple Creek. Easter Bell GM&MC. Inc. in CO, 1900. Cert.#1069, issued to Shove, Adrich & Co. in 1901. Signed by pres. J.P. Swaney and asst. sec. H.McKinney. Vignette of tiny camp with large hill looming behind it. Gilt border and seal, “Cripple Creek Mining District” in gilt underprint. Datelined Colorado Springs. 11 x 7. Uncancelled. XF. The company owned the Easter Bell, Hawkeye No. 1 and No. 2 and the Burlington. Also owned a fraction of the Yellow Jacket. All properties situated on Bull Hill. The company planned to develop the properties by leasing most of it. In 1900, the company had $30,000 in its treasury. (Ref: Hills, p162) Est. $75-150
854. Teller. Cripple Creek. Favorite GMC. Inc. in CO, 1894. Cert. #1825, issued to Geo. W. Schweich for 500 shares in 1899, signed by sec. J.K. Miller and pres. J.W. Miller. Vignette of snow capped mountains. No border. Brown on white. Cancelled by hole punches and rubber stamp. 7 x 10. Two folds, some stains, very fine. Ten cent documentary stamp on reverse. Mines on Bull Hill, including “Stratton’s Favorite.” Also owned property on Galena Hill. Production of about $75,000 through 1900. Penny stock. (Hills p178.) Est. $50-150

855. Teller. Cripple Creek. Findley GMC. Cert. #2111. Incorporated in Colorado in 1895. Issued to Francis J. Hobbs for 1000 shares in 1899. Signed by president Geo. E. Lindley and secretary Jones. Brown border and print. Mines Located at Cripple Creek, El Paso County, Colorado printed on certificate. Teller County was clearly in existence by this time, so it is curious that the certificates were still printed with El Paso County on them. Printer – Gowdy-Simmons Printing Co., CO. Located on Bull Hill. Two shafts sunk to depths of 600’ feet and 415’ and several drifts. (Ref: Hills 1900, pg. 179). 7 ¾ x 10¾. Cancelled with hole punches, but not touching names. Fine. Est. $50-100

856. Teller. Cripple Creek. Gold Crater MC. Incorporated in Colorado in 1895. Cert. #177, issued toP. Geo. Low for 25 shares in 1899. Signed by president W.S. Stratton and secretary William H. Ramsay. Unusual vignette of two volcanic craters with open vents at their tops. The vignette was undoubtedly designed by Stratton as it reflects his long-held theory that the gold veins of Cripple Creek emanated from a volcano. This became known as Stratton’s “Bowl of Gold” Theory. (Waters, p259.) Trees and buildings are shown at the base of the mountains. Black border on white paper with brown seal. Printer – Elgin Bank Note Co., CO. Mines included the Globe, Close Shave, Lady Stith Deerhorn, Deerhorn No. 2, Pride of the Rockies and the Callie mine, all on about 35 acres on Globe Hill. Winfield Scott Stratton prospected for 20 years before striking it rich in Cripple Creek. He owned or became financially involved with about 30 mining companies, and was Cripple Creek’s first millionaire. H.C. McCreery, County Treasurer, and Alderman of Cripple Creek, was a close associate of W. S. Stratton. He and Stratton organized the relief effort to help the victims of the disastrous Cripple Creek fire of 1896. (Ref: Hills 1900, Levine 1988, Sprague 1953, Waters 1937). 8 ½ x 10. Cancelled. Very fine. This is one of the most important Cripple Creek stocks and autographs. Est. $1000-2000

857. Teller. Cripple Creek. Golden Cycle Corporation. Cert.#C18565. Incorporated in West Virginia in 1909. Issued to Mrs. Marion Ward Newell for 2 shares in 1950. Signed by vice-president Max W. Bower and secretary Bates. Photo reproduction vignette of the company mill captioned The Company’s Cyanide and Flotation Plant at Colorado Springs, Colo. Daily Capacity, 1, 500 tons. Brown border. Located about 25 miles east of Cripple Creek at Colorado Springs, El Paso County. The company owned 1/3 of the shares of United Gold Mines, and all of the stock of Pike’s Peak Cons. Fuel Co. The company owns a 1,500 ton amalgamation and cyanide plant. Up until 1929 the company operated principally on the high grade gold telluride ores from Cripple Creek, but by adding flotation equipment the company began processing lower grade ores from other districts in Colorado. (Ref: Weed. 1931 vol. 18 pg. 767). 7 x 11. Cancelled by hole punches. Fine. Est. $20-40

858. Teller. Cripple Creek. Golden Cycle Mining & Reduction Company. Lot of 2. Cert.#6087, 6191. Incorporated in West Virginia. The first one was issued to Carl R. Blackman for 50 shares in 1917. The second one was issued to James N. Wright & Co. for 400 shares in 1917. Signed by president and secretary, but signatures illegible from hole cancellations through them. Issued at Colorado Springs. Large, fancy vignette of the cyanide mill. The Largest Cyanide Mill in the U.S. Daily Capacity 1200 Tons printed on certificate below vignette. Brown border. Printer – Smith-Brooks Co. This was the successor to the Golden Cycle Mining Co., of which Moffat was president. The mine was on Bull Hill. The original company was tightly held, and paid $200,000 in dividends through 1900. (Hills, p206.) 8 ½ x 11. Cancelled. Very fine. Est. $50-100

859. Teller. Cripple Creek. Golden Cycle Mining Co Ore Purchase Receipts, 1908-1916. Lot of 4 pcs. The receipts are for ore bought from the Queen Gold MC, 1915; Isabella Mines Co, 1916; Old Gold MC (2), 1908-09. Very fine. Est. $25-50
860. Teller. Cripple Creek. Gold Dollar Consolidated Mining Co. Inc. in WY. Issued to C. D. Thomason for 1000 shares, cert #4994, in 1905. Signed by H. E. Woods pres and F. M. Woods sec. Fancy masthead. Brown border and seal. Possibly cancelled by red pen across face of certificate but it is not clear what it says. Printer - Gowdy-Simmons Co, Colo Springs. 8 x 11. Harry E. Woods and his brother Frank were founders of the town of Victor. In 1893, funded by their father, Warren, they purchased the 136-acre Mount Rosa Placer tract for $1,000 and laid out a townsite on it. The lots sold readily and they reinvested their profits by constructing the Victor hotel. While excavating the site for this building, Frank uncovered a vein that contained a little gold. He traced the vein to a claim called the Gold Coin which he bought for a few thousand dollars. In less than a year, the brothers were earning more than $50,000 a month from this property. With the profits, they acquired the Jack Pot and Wild Horse mines, increasing their wealth even more. They erected an elaborate shaft house called the Gold Coin over the mine and financed the development of a business district in Victor. They were known as honest, likable and generous men, readily giving to their community in the way of parks, a baseball field, a dance hall and other facilities. They continued to purchase mines and it eventually became apparent to Winfield Stratton, the wealthiest of the Cripple Creek millionaires, that their intent was to gain control of the entire district by undercutting the cost of transportation, milling and smelting provided by other companies. By 1900 they owned nearly 40 companies and their assets totaled close to $45 million. However, their luck turned sour beginning in 1899 when a fire destroyed most of Victor’s business section, profits from their Gold Coin Mine began a rapid decline, their mill at Arequa Gulch was operating inefficiently and many of the community service facilities they funded were operating in the red. Creditors and stockholders began having doubts about their credibility. The fiasco that finished their meteoric rise to wealth was a hydroelectric power scheme in which they invested heavily. Plans to establish electric streetcar service in Pueblo, Colorado were squashed by influential local families, and the cost of a wooden aqueduct to supply water to the power plant was a bottomless money sink. By 1910, their investment company was dead and the brothers moved to California to live out the remainder of their lives in considerably less comfortable circumstances than those to which they had become accustomed (Sprague, pp. 100, 165, 226-228, 315; Levine, pp. 20-22). Extremely fine. Est. $100-300

861. Teller. Cripple Creek. Goldsmith GMC. Inc. in CO, 1896. Cert #149, issued to Chas. H. Peters, Trustee for 20,000 shares in 1896. Signed by pres. T.L. Taylor and sec. L.H. Abbott. Small vignette at upper left of three wild-eyed horses, surrounded by Indian paraphernalia. Brown border, seal and safety/underprint. “Cripple Creek Mining District, El Paso County, Colorado” printed on certificate. Datelined Denver. Printer – not listed. 11 x 8. Uncancelled. Extremely fine. Not in Hills or Dunbar. Rare. Est. $100-200

862. Teller. Cripple Creek. Goldstone Cons. MC. Inc. in WY, 1901. Cert #832, issued to W.P. Eager for 100 shares in 1901. Signed by pres. Geo. R. Beckman and sec. Edward B. Adams. No vignette, gilt border and seal. Datelined Colorado Springs. Printer – Gowdy-Simmons. 11 x 8. Notes in red ink at top of certificate. Folds, wrinkle from paper clip. Uncancelled. Very fine. The Goldstone patents were a group of 4 fractions of mining claims. It leased their holdings and had penny stock of no great value. [ref: Hills] Scarce to rare. Est. $75-150

863. Teller. Cripple Creek. Good Samaritan Mining Co. Inc. in CO. Issued to E. D. Clark for 1000 shares, cert #167, in 1896. Signed by M. H. Havighorsh president and E. F. Tebbe secretary. Fancy masthead in pink print. Green border with gilt seal. Uncancelled. No printer noted. 7 x 10. This company is not listed in Hills. But Cripple Creek in part of the gilt corporate seal. Good Samaritan was a popular name of mining companies through the years. With a name like that, how could investors go wrong or how could the company possibly be a scam. Extremely fine. Est. $150-300

864. Teller. Cripple Creek. Hart Gold Mining & Leasing Co. Inc.in CO, 1899. Cert. #952, issued to W.W. Hanly & Co for 300 shares in 1900. Signed by vp Sherwood Adrich and secretary E.J. House. Issued at Denver. Entirely printed in purple. Fancy floral masthead with a heart behind the lettering Gilt seal. Mines on Bull Hill, Cripple Creek printed on certificate. Printer – Gowdy-Simmons. 10 ¼ x 7. Uncancelled. Two folds. Several staple holes. Fine. Est. $300-500

865. Teller. Cripple Creek. Isabella GMC. Cert.#16382. Inc. in CO, 1892. Issued to Kendrick Promotion Co. for 1000 shares in 1898. Signed by Pres Nelson B. Williams and sec Auger. Eagle vignette. Orange border with black print on white paper. Printer – New York Bank Note Co. The company was incorporated in 1892 by the consolidation of several companies. It was the 400th anniversary of the visit of Christopher Columbus to America, so the company named itself Isabella in honor of the queen of Spain. In 1897 the number of feet of development was 7, 138’ and in 1898 the company completed 9,134’ of development. Signed by Percy Hagerman son of James Hagerman who built the Colorado Midland Railway to Leadville and Grand Junction. (Ref: Hills 1900, Lindgren & Ransome 1906, Sprague 1953). 7 ½ x 11 ¼. Cancelled by holes through names. Fine. Est. $75-100
866. Teller. Cripple Creek. Isabella Mines, Inc. Cert.#357. Incorporated in Colorado. Issued to J. Miles Bauser for 1000 shares in 1951. Uncancelled. Signed by president N.A. Kyner and secretary James Keenen. Vignette of road leading to mining camp, flanked by vignette of a panner and a vignette of three men inspecting ore. Gilt border and seal. Printed by Goes. 8 1/2” x 11”. Xf. This company is listed as inactive in the Mines Register, 1956. This may have been a company that was continuing work on the, by then, old Isabella properties. Est. $20-40

867. Teller. Cripple Creek. Jerry Johnson GMC. Cert.#84. Incorporated in Wyoming in 1889. Issued to J.P. Pomeroy for 2250 shares in 1903. Signed by president A.P. Mackey and secretary J.W. Graham. Vignette at top left of miners working shaft and above ground scene. Gilt border and seal. Printer – W.H. Kistler Stat’y Co. Samuel S. Bernard had a small grocery store in Colorado Springs. Bernard and his clerk took over a half interest in the Elkton mine for canceling a customer’s $36.50 grocery bill. Sam’s brother George financed development work on the Elkton for two years until he hit high-grade ore. The Elkton produced millions, making Sam and his brother George millionaires. Sam went in for trotting horses and died indigent at the Colorado State Hospital. By 1915 the company had a 850’ vertical shaft. 8 x 10. Pen and ink cancels in middle. Tears at folds, left edge a bit rough. Est. $50-100

868. Teller. Cripple Creek. Jerry Johnson GMC. Incorporated in Wyoming in 1903. Cert. #246, issued to Mike Madden for 1000 shares in 1903. Signed by A. P. Mackey President and J. W. Graham Jr. Secretary. Vignette at upper left of cross sectional view of mine shaft with miners above and below ground. Gold border, seal and safety print. Cancelled. 11 x 8. Printer - W. H. Kistler. Property consisted of 35 patented claims bearing gold and silver ore in contact veins. Developed by a 975 ft shaft and worked by two different lessees. Powered by steam; 8 drills and a 75-ton cyanide mill. Total output to 1916 was 1.5 million tons and $187,500 in dividends (Mines Handbook, 1916, p. 646). Very fine. Est. $50-100

869. Teller. Cripple Creek. Key West GMC. Inc. in CO, 1899. Cert.#551, issued to W.P. Kenney, Trustee for 1000 shares in 1899. Signed by pres. (?) and sec. R.P. Davie. No vignette, fancy masthead. Black border, gilt seal. Datelined Colorado Springs. Printer – Gowdy-Simmons. 11 x 7. Uncancelled. Staple holes at top left. Very fine. The company owned the Key West on Gold Hill, the May Queen and a fraction of the Fairview, both on Globe Hill. In April of 1900, the east end of the Key West claim was sold to Mr. W.S. Stratton of Colorado Springs. The company later purchased from the Southern Boy GMC, the Nest Egg and Consolidated Virginia claims on Mineral Hill. Most of the property was being worked by lessees. (Ref: Hills) Est. $50-100

870. Teller. Cripple Creek. King GMC. Incorporated in Colorado. Cert. #2138, issued to A.T. Vesk for 1000 shares in 1902. Signed by vice president James A. Houze and asst. secretary W.J.Blake. Vignette in brown underprint of Colorado state seal flanked by two allegorical figures. Black print on crème paper. Gilt seal. Cripple Creek Mining District, Principal Office; Denver, Colorado printed on certificate. Printer – The Denver Litho Co. The company owned various fractions. No production. (Ref: Hills, p278.) 8 x 10 ¼. Uncancelled. Minor tear at bottom of left fold. Several pinholes. Very fine. Est. $75-125

871. Teller. Cripple Creek. Klondyke-Cripple Creek and Galena MC. Cert.#782. Incorporated in Kansas. Issued to W.W. Kirby for 1000 shares in 1900. Signed by president J. Clarkden and secretary Charles C. Reynolds. Vignette below masthead of eight miners working underground. Gilt border, underprint and seal. Black print. The company owned the Free Milling claim and others. Located one mile west of Teller. Cripple Creek. Also had property in Joplin, Missouri, a famous lead region of the United States. (Ref: H&M.) 8 x 10. Uncancelled. Ink stains and several small pieces missing along bottom margin. Est. $50-100

872. Teller. Cripple Creek. Legal M&MC. Inc. in CO. Cert. #706, issued to P.E. Stafford for 1000 shares in 1905. Signed by pres. L.E. Kimball and sec. Horace H. Mitchell. No vignette, no border. Datelined Colorado Springs. 9 x 7. No printer noted. Uncancelled. XF. The company owned the Saturday on Rosebud Hill. It also owned the Coniago on North Tenderfoot (receiver’s receipt). The Saturday claim was being developed by lessees in c1900 as the company had adopted a policy of developing its properties by leasing. (Ref: Hills, 1900.) Est. $25-75
873. Teller. Cripple Creek. Magna Charta M&MC. Inc. in CO, 1892. Cert.#2062, issued to M.F. Stark for 1000 shares in 1901. Signed by pres. C.B. Seedenridge and sec. A.W. Coveicher. Vignette at top of tiny base camp with huge hill looming behind it. Gilt border and seal, with “Cripple Creek Mining District” in gilt underprint. Printer – Gowdy-Simmons. 11 x 7. Uncancelled. XF. Office at Colorado Springs. The company owned the Magna Charta, North Star and other claims. They produced gold and were developing shafts by 1898. (Ref: Mining Directory, 1898, p302.) Est. $50-150

874. Teller. Cripple Creek. Marquette GMC. Incorporated in Colorado 1899. Cert #833, issued to Amos Gotwals for 1000 shares in 1902. Signed by Geo Stockburn President and L. J. Aurand Secretary. Vignette of snow capped mountain. Brown border with light brown seal and underprint. Datelined Colorado Springs, Colorado. Uncancelled. 8 X 11. Printer - Gowdy-Simmons, Colorado Springs. The company owned the Silver Wave Claim on Beacon Hill. Development included two shafts up to 108 ft in depth, a 210 ft tunnel and about 100 ft of drifts (Hills, p. 315). Folds, crease vertically across center of certificate, otherwise very fine. Est. $50-100

875. Teller. Cripple Creek. Midget Gold Mining Co. Lot of 3 pcs.. Unissued, 19xx, cert #144. Vignette of spread-winged eagle atop crag. Outer black border with inner gold border, gold seal (no corporate seal there though) and safety print. 8 X 11. Printer – Out West Prtg. We could find no reference to this company among our resources. May be related to the Midget Gold Mining and Milling Company of Cripple Creek. Very fine. Est. $25-50

876. Teller. Cripple Creek. Milwaukee Gold Mining & Milling Co. Cert.#251. Incorporated in Colorado in 1895. Issued to W.B. Boardman for 2000 shares in 1896. Signed by vice-president Mountz and asst. secretary Bermy. Vignette of underground mining scene in oval above masthead. Rust border. Cripple Creek printed on certificate at top. Datelined Colorado Springs. No printer noted. 8 1/2” x 10”. Unable to find reference to this company in our library. Est. $25-50

877. Teller. Cripple Creek. Mobile GMC. Incorporated in Colorado in 1896. Issued to L.B. Sharps for 1000 shares in 1901. Signed by president F.H. Pettingell and secretary L.A. Civill. Vignette done in brown underprint of the State Seal of Colorado flanked by a man and woman, with symbols of industry. No border, gilt seal. Cripple Creek Gold Mining District in gold underprinting. Printer - The Gowdy-Simmons Co, Colo Springs. Mines included The Last Chance on Gold Hill, adjoining the Lone Star, and the Hub mine of the Anaconda GMC. There are three shafts on the property from 40’ to 300’ deep. The main working shaft is 300’ deep. (Ref: Hills 1900 pg. 330). 7 x 10 1/2 Uncancelled. Some folds, Crease along center vertically. Very fine. Est. $100-200

878. Teller. Cripple Creek. New Gold Dollar MC. Inc. in CO, 1919. Cert. #214, issued to H.E. Rumsey for 175 shares in 1919. Signed by G. R. Lewis Pres. and V. H. Mann Sec. No vignette. No border, grey underprint and seal. Datelined Cripple Creek, Colorado. Uncancelled. 7 X 10. Printer - Out West Ptg, Colorado Springs. Was a reorganization of the Gold Dollar Consolidated Mining Co. that had 62 acres on the eastern slope of Beacon Hill, including part of the town of Arequa. Gold ore occurred in a 2 to 4 ft wide vein averaging $20 per ton and was developed by 1,050 ft Mabel and Union shafts with 10,000 ft of drifting and crosscutting. Idle in 1925 (Ref: Mines Handbook, 1925, p. 762). Folds. Very fine. Est. $25-50

879. Teller. Cripple Creek. New York Tunnel & MC. “Cripple Creek Mining District” printed on certificate. Inc. in CO, 1895. Cert. #357, issued to Thomas Kulley for 2000 shares in 1896. No president’s signature (CANCELLED stamped over the signature line), signed by H. Rumsey as sec. Datelined Colorado Springs. Small oval vignette of miners working underground. Brown border and underprint with black print. 8 ¼ x 10. Printer – not noted. Extremely fine. The company owned the Lucky B and others and produced gold. The property was developed by a tunnel. (Ref: Poole, 1898, p303). Est. $50-100

880. Teller. Cripple Creek. Old Gold Mining Co. Cert.#2161. Inc. in CO, 1895. Issued to Ben Block for 5000 shares in 1897. Signed by pres J.M. Downing & sec Warwick Downing. Underground vignette. Gilt border/seal, underprint. Manuscript note attached at left edge to replace missing stub. Included such mines as Buckeye and Geneveve on the west slope of Beacon Hill, plus portions of other mines. The Buckeye was reported to have had a 70’ shaft and 100’ of drifts. The Old Gold has a tunnel 550’ eastward through Beacon Hill. (Ref: Hills, 1900, pg. 361/ Lindgren & Ransome 1906 pg. 355-357). 8 ¼ x 10 ¼. Cancelled by black writing over signatures and shares. Lower right corner missing, tears at folds, stains. VF. Est. $100-200
881. Teller. Cripple Creek. Olive Branch GMC. Cert.#2178. Incorporated in Colorado. Issued to H.C. Maloney for 5000 shares in 1910. Signed by vice-president K. Chumley and secretary Wm. H. Jonson. Uncancelled. No vignette, but fancy green print, with gilt in lettering and seal. No border. No printer noted. 6 3/4” x 9”. Vf, minor soiling at right edge, folds. Hills reports three groups of fractions all operated by lessees. It was a 5 cent stock in 1900. Est. $75-150

882. Teller. Cripple Creek. Oregon Central GM&MC. Inc. in CO, 189x. Cert #245, issued to J.P. Curtis for 5000 shares in 1897. Signed by pres. J.W. Barnhart and sec. W.S. Sweeny. Small vignette of underground mining scene. Green border and safety print. “Mines at Cripple Creek” printed on certificate. Datelined Colorado Springs. Printer not listed. 11 x 8. Uncancelled. Two folds with tears at tops and bottoms of folds. Very fine. Rare. Not in Dunbar or Hills. Est. $50-100

883. Teller. Cripple Creek. Pharmacist GMC. Cert.#36. Incorporated in Wyoming in 1912. Issued to Mrs. Clara V. Crooks for 1000 shares in 1912. Signed by president W.J. Hill and secretary G.H. Stephens. Mines at Cripple Creek, Colorado printed beneath masthead. Brown border. In 1910 the mine was being worked by four different groups of lessees, with the ore being mined from the 500’ level of the Isabella mine, about a half mile from the Pharmacist mine. (Ref: Hills, 1900 pg. 376/ Weed 1916, pg. 917). 9 x 12. Cancelled by hole punches. Fine, four chips at bottom edge, slight roughness to left edge, fine. Est. $50-100

884. Teller. Cripple Creek. Portland GMC. Cert.#13052. Incorporated in Wyoming in 1905. Issued to John Hinz for 500 shares in 1928. Uncancelled. Signed by president (?) and secretary James A. Peck. Vingette of two men working hydraulic drill in underground mining scene in the masthead. Light brown border. Gowdy Ptg. & Eng. Co., printers. 9” x 11 1/2”. Vf, small tear at bottom right corner and at bottom left edge, folds. Mines included The Portland, Bobtail No. 2, Doubful, Anna Lee, and 22 other mines on Battle Mountain. Frank G. Peck (1862-1926) was a Colorado Springs cigar store owner. He owned the Black Diamond GMC with J.R. McKinnie, and he gave it to the Portland GMC in exchange for stock. Frank Peck took control of the company away from Frank Burns. He became president of the company in 1910 and remained so until he died in 1926. The Portland GMC made Peck a millionaire by the time he was 37. James A. Peck was most likely his brother. The Portland GMC was the largest and richest of all of the Cripple Creek mines, and was known as the Queen of Cripple Creek. At the time this certificate was issued its No. 2 shaft was 2,280’ deep, with 62 miles of underground workings. The company also operated the Independence mine and mill which it purchased from the Stratton-Independence Company in 1915. (Ref: Hill, 1900, pp384-385; Levine, 1988, pp 73-81; Weed, 1920, pp 609-610.). Est. $25-75

885. Teller. Cripple Creek. Rebecca GMC. Cert. #C6013. 36 coupons intact. 25 shares, signed by vp A. Burk and secretary CH Smith. Vignette of underground mining scene. Blue border, black print. Printed by ABN Co. 7” x 9 1/2” (not including coupons). Xf. Mines included the Rebecca and C.O.D. in Poverty Gulch developed by a three compartment, 700 ft shaft and 2,000 ft of drifts (Hills, p. 401). Est. $20-40

886. Teller. Cripple Creek. Rose Nicol GMC. Cert.#2805. Inc. in CO, 1899. Issued to Elwood Bugry for 1000 shares in 1918. Signed by vice president Ira S. Harris and secretary A.D. Aitkin. Fancy floral masthead. Pink border and seal. Printer – Gowdy Printing & Eng. Co. Mines included Rose and Gurley mines on Battle Mountain and Bull Hill in Teller County. Judge Ira S. Harris fined the organizers and the matadors for staging a bullfight in Cripple Creek. Ira Harris became mayor of Colorado Springs. At the time this certificate was issued the workings were down 1032’. (Ref: Hills, 1900, pg. 413/ Weed 1920, pg. 611-612). 7 x 10 ¾. Uncancelled. Light wrinkle vertically through left quarter. Very fine. Est. $50-100

887. Teller. Cripple Creek. Rose Nicol GMC. Inc. in CO, 1899. Cert. #1422, issued to W.W. De Lane for 1000 shares in 1900. Signed by pres. Verner Z. Reed and Cy Shoup on president’s line, and G.G. Shoup, secretary. Vignette of mining camp at the base of a large hill. Gilt border, seal and underprint, which read “Cripple Creek Mining District.” Printer – Gowdy Printing & Eng. Co. Mines included Rose and Gurley mines on Battle Mountain and Bull Hill in Teller County. Judge Ira S. Harris fined the organizers and the matadors for staging a bullfight in Cripple Creek. Ira Harris became mayor of Colorado Springs. At the time this certificate was issued the workings were down 1032’. (Ref: Hills, 1900, pg. 413/ Weed 1920, pg. 611-612). 7 x 10 ¾. Uncancelled. Very fine. Est. $50-100
888. Teller. Cripple Creek. Savage Gold & Copper MC. Cert.#184. Incorporated in Colorado in 1899. Issued to E.M. Rose for 1000 shares in 1900. Signed by vice-president R.J.M. Kinnie and secretary L.L. Aitkin. Uncancelled. Great vignette of Indian incorporated into a fancy masthead. Light brown border and seal. Printed by Gowdy. Vf, folds. 8 1/2” x 10 3/4”. There is a Savage Gold and Copper listed in the 1905 Copper Handbook and this is likely the same company. The offices are reported to be located at Cripple Creek, although this certificate is datelined Colorado Springs. Perhaps the company moved their office between 1900 when this certificate was issued and 1905. The company owned 4 fractional gold claims on 12 acres in Cripple Creek. They also had claims in Santa Rita district, Grant County, New Mexico and Battle Lake district, Carbon District, Wyoming. By 1905, the Cripple Creek property was under lease to T.H. Thomas and the copper properties in New Mexico and Wyoming were idle. As Stevens put it, the company preferred being idle to going in debt. The Wyoming copper properties were considered well located. (Ref: Copper Hdbk, 1905, pp715-716.) Est. $50-100

889. Teller. Cripple Creek. Star of the West Mining & Milling Co. Inc. in CO, 1897. Two Unissued certificates, #s: 1522, 1523. Vignette of miners working underground loading ore cars. Gilt border, seal and safety print. Very nice looking certificate. 10 x 8. The company’s main office was in Colorado Springs and its property in Cripple Creek, but we have no other information on them. XF. Est. $25-50

890. Teller. Cripple Creek. Supreme Court of California, Brief for Respondent McCornick and Appellant’s Points and Authorities, 1902. Edwin Parrish vs. Rosebud Mining & Milling Co. This case developed as a result of shady insurance policies for a mill near Cripple Creek that had burned in the past. An insurance company representative improperly filled out the forms and the Rosebud Co tried to correct the mistakes but were refused. Meanwhile the mill burned down and the insurance company refused to pay on the basis of a fraudulent policy. Wear to the bindings. Covers are in good condition free of tears. Very fine. Est. $50-100

891. Teller. Cripple Creek. Victor GMC. Cert. #D7136, 24 coupons intact, 10 shares, signed by asst. sec. Wm. Duane. Vignette of underground mining scene. “Cripple Creek… “ printed on certificate below masthead. Olive green border and underprint. 1911, Paris stamp at lower left. Text in French and English. Printer – ABN. 9 1/2 x 7 (not including coupons). XF. The company owned the Victor claim on Bull Hill. This should have been the highest priced stock in the district, with dividends of $1.15 million based on revenue of $2.2 million. Stock not quoted by Hills. (Ref: Hills, p473.) Est. $75-125

892. Teller. Cripple Creek. Wilson Creek Cons M&MC. Cert.#735. Inc.in CO. Issued to Wm. P Banbright & Co for 1000 shares in 1900. Datelined Denver. Signed by W. P. Dunham as Pres and R. H. Reid as Sec. Vignette of several men working underground loading ore cars. Black border. 9 X 11. Printer - Denver Lith Co. The company’s claims were located around the edge of the town site of Independence and were in litigation for several years with the Independence Town and Mining Co. over validity of the lode claims versus placer patents. Their claims included the Minnie Bell, Little Effie, Little Dessie, Little Giant and Little Orphan Boy, totaling about 7 acres (Hills, p. 487)