This gold piece was designed by Kuner of San Francisco, who was considered the finest Diesinker on the west coast. Kuner designed and engraved the dies for many of California's pioneer gold coins struck and issued during the1850's. The obverse reads: MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE/SAN FRANCISCO and the reverse reads: INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION/AWARDED TO/D.M. OSBORNE & CO./BEST/GENERAL DISPLAY/OF/AGRIGULTURAL/MACHINERY/1882. This medal comes in the original case, as pictured here. The case is blue with red velvet lining. The material on the top of the case is torn. Choice and Extremely Rare. Uncirculated condition. $9,500. Sold
This piece is similar to the one above, except this is silver and made four years later. It was awarded to W.E.Shaw for the best open buggy. No case. Polished. $1,500. Sold
This brass storecard token has a vignette of an eagle clutching an olive branch on the obverse, a merchant ship on the reverse and reads: * BERENHART, JACOBY & CO.*/ST FRANCISCO//GENERAL MERCHANTS & IMPORTERS. The company appears to have gotten its start in San Francisco about the end of 1850 or perhaps very early 1851. Reports of shipment of goods to Berenhart, Jacoby & Co. started appearing in the Alta California in March, 1851, where they received several shipments of goods from Liverpool on board the barque Hartley via Valparaiso, Chile. The company continued to receive goods regularly on different ships through mid 1853, when it appears Mr. Berenhart retired from the firm, and Jacoby took over as “Jacoby & Co.” as listed in Parker’s 1854 San Francisco Directory. According to Bancroft’s History of California, Berenhart, Jacoby & Company were located on the southeast corner of Pine Street in a corrugated iron house they imported. They are also listed in the 1852-1853 San Francisco City Directory found on-line as “importers of dry goods located at 72 Montgomery St.”
This is the most important of the California Gold Rush store card tokens. As the first known struck advertising piece, it has increased significance. It was possibly designed by Kuner, who designed many of the early private gold coins struck in San Francisco. The question arises of who struck the piece, which may also have been Kuner, whose office was at 167 Washington, or E. Baldwin, another engraver down the street at 152 Washington. It is made in the same style and size as the private California $5 gold coins, including with an eagle vignette.
This exceptionally rare piece is the first store card from California as reported by Kappen in California Tokens and received Kappen’s highest rarity and price rating. It is in About Uncirculated condition. $7,500. Sold
Next to Page, Bacon & Co. in extent and importance was the house of Adams & Co. The original of this institution was an express company of Boston, Mass of the same name, at the head of which was Alvin Adams. In 1849, he sent Daniel H. Haskell as a resident partner to establish a branch house in San Francisco . . . in a comparatively short time Adams & Co. as an express firm, made more and larger shipments of gold dust to New York than any other house. In the course of a year or two, Adams & Co. bought out both Freeman & Co. and Newell & Co. and extended their routes throughout the state having an office and agent in every town and mining camp of importance in the country. [Ref: History of California by Theodore Henry Hittel, 1885, Occidental Publishing, pg 443] Adams & Co., leading bankers, suspended Feb. 23, 1855. Alfred A. Cohen, receiver, was succeeded by Gen. Henry M. Naglee.
This remarkable file contains 33 original documents consisting of legal documents and letters regarding the Adams & Co.’s bankruptcy in 1855. The documents have a common thread. Most were handled through San Francisco attorney Charles Bowman, who represented many of the creditors and also represented Woods in his dealings with Adams. Interestingly, Attorney Charles C. Bowman was an 1851 member of the original (first) Vigilance Committee as well. His papers contain remarkable content, much of which is discussed in Albert Shumate’s The Notorious I. C. Woods of the Adams Express, 1986. The archive contains the original signatures of all of these famous men, and includes: Woods, Adams, Tracy, Haskell, Norton and James King of William.
Isaiah Churchill Woods was born in Maine in 1825. Woods’ father died when he was 14, forcing the young Woods into the business world at an early age. He worked in the shipping business until 1847 and then went to the Pacific. He had a ship full of goods, perhaps planning to open a business in Hawaii or Tahiti, but when the news of gold reached his ears, he was off to San Francisco, arriving in November 1848. There he sold his cargo, rented his ship, and entered into the San Francisco business world. He returned east, met Daniel Haskell, a clerk for Adams & Co., who introduced him to Alvin Adams. Haskell had “persuaded” Adams into opening a branch of the successful Adams & Co.’s Express in California, and in 1849, the Company opened for business in San Francisco on a lot leased from Woods. After the fire of 1851, Adams Express occupied the Granite Block, along with Page, Bacon & Co. and others in the most prominent building in San Francisco. Adams thus claimed to be the first express agency on the Pacific Coast, and the business grew steadily. “By 1853, Adams & Co. was generally regarded as California’s leading businerss organization. It handled more money, dealt with more people, and furnished more services to industry and commerce than any other”, noted Shumate. The dreams of Alvin Adams, who founded the Company in 1840, were coming to fruition. In 1854, Haskell announced that he and Woods were the new senior management of Adams’ California operations, and Adams himself was a “special partner”. The terminology indicated to some that Adams had sold his western agency to Woods and Haskell, but remained attached in some other way contractually.
In February 1855, California banks were notified that Page, Bacon & Co. had suspended business. While the local branch told the world it would pay all its debts and depositors, a worried municipality soon flooded through the doors and a run on the bank was on. Panic ensued, as rumors spread wildly. Page Bacon suspended business completely about ten days later (Feb. 22), and Adams did the same later in the day. Runs on other banks forced more closures that day, which became known as “Black Friday.” Even mighty Wells Fargo shut down for three days, but opened for business once again.
Then the lawsuits started. Page, Bacon sued Adams for selling them low quality gold dust at high rates. Scams abounded, as many banks had relied more on reputation than assay, and these banks were caught in the downfall crossfire. Judge Norton threw out that case as baseless, since attorneys did not prove their case. Norton, did however, render other judgments against Adams in early March, as shown in this archive.
Suits flew into local and regional courts against Adams & Co, Woods and Haskell. Sheriff sales were ordered for most or all of Woods’ personal property, and that which proved to be owned by Adams & Co. Creditors also sued Adams, and a letter in this archive signed by Woods on the fateful day of closure, February 22, addressed to attorney Bowman that Adams “writes complaining very seriously of the conduct of the business, and of the fact that he has been made a general, instead of a special partner. I hold his Power of Attorney, and I cannot act for him and for myself. I herewith put his interests in your hands . . . ”
James King of William, a “clerk” at Adams & Co.’s office when it closed, later railed in his newspaper against Woods, who left the country shortly after Black Friday. Fearful he would not receive a fair trial, he did not return for years. And rightfully so. Before the closure of the Adams failure in civil and governmental courts, James King of William was assassinated, and his killer hung by the Vigilance Committee, at least the third such hanging in a half decade. Woods himself witnessed the Vigilance Committee at work, and certainly was fearful for his life.
One of the letters involves discussion of a meeting between Woods and Adams in Boston regarding California Governor Johnson’s (fourth Governor, 1856-1858) involvement in proceedings against Adams and Woods. Johnson himself had been attacked by the San Francisco press and was forced into a pistol fight where his pistol misfired. He thus knew of the problems associated with rumor mills, and might listen to Adam’s and Woods’ pleas.
This is quite possibly the most complete archive of Adams material regarding the Black Friday permanent closure of Adams & Co’s California operation. A complete list of documents is available upon request. $13,500.
Includes Express receipts from Washington D.C., Army and Soldiers Package Express from Boston, Philadelphia, Granville, OH and Middleton CT. Mostly different forms. Very Fine. No photograph. $750.
Blank daily report for an Adams & Co office for ingots, gold dust and coin on hand. Classic gold rush (1850's) internal bank report for gold dust, ingots, etc. A completed form from one of the California Gold Rush mining camps is elsewhere in this catalog. On the reverse of this piece is the date 5/23/1854. There are two stamp hinge attachments at top on reverse and a note D. McGee, August 1958. Very Fine. Extremely rare. $250.
No.539 Second of exchange signed Freeman & Co., which has been marked through with black ink and issued to C. Hunter & Co. Amount not filled out. Tear in center made when signature on back was marked out. Appears to be a voided document, never completely filled out. This piece may have originated in the Placerville office. A few of these survived today with dates that post date the Adams & Company office closure. Famous vignette of miners with sluice box at top center. Printed on thin onion skin paper. Unusual. Extremely Fine with a strong pen cancel to an endorsement on the reverse that spelled out Hunter and Company. $125.
No.10001 Second of exchange for $200 Signed Adams & Co. $150. Sold
No.321 Second of exchange, datelined Sacramento payable to Erastus Phelps Signed: Adams & Co. for $200.00 Sacramento Adams & Company exchanges are rare and this one pictures a wonderful scene of the sluice box and mining operation at the top center. Extremely Fine. $250. Sold
No.2094. This is a rare Second of Exchange dated 07/28/1853, written at the Montezuma City Adams & Company Express Office. Montezuma City was located in Tuolumne County and was a significant gold rush town in the 1850's. The town lasted through the 1880's. Large nuggets are know to have been found there and documents from this gold rush camp are exceptionally rare. The vignette on this exchange is among the most collectible by Adams & Co. because of the sluice box in the miners’ scene at the top center. This piece is an R8 and to the best of my recollection and knowledge; it is the only one I have seen in 30 years. Extremely Fine. $650.
No.24873 Original Exchange payable to M.R. Tuttle. Signed W.A. Whitiny for $300.00. Datelined San Francisco. Black print on white paper. This form has a miner at left and the large San Francisco Banking office vignette at top center. “Original” in large, red under print in center of note. Artwork by Lecount & Strong lithographed by Britton & Rey. Very Good condition. $125.
No.28591 Original Exchange payable to S.J. Lewis. Signed H.A. Whitiny for $450.00. Datelined San Francisco. Black print on white paper. This form has a miner at left and the large San Francisco Banking office vignette at top center. “Original” in large, red under print in center of note. Artwork by Lecount & Strong lithographed by Britton & Rey. Rag paper or similar. Numerous philatelic related repairs to the reverse. Otherwise Very Good condition. $75.
No.29334 Original Exchange payable to John Crowley. Signed H.D. Beuch for $160.00. Datelined San Francisco. Black print on white paper. This form has a miner at left and the large San Francisco Banking office vignette at top center. “Original” in large, red under print in center of note. Artwork by Le Count & Strong lithographed by Britton & Rey. Thin, onion skin paper, quite unusual. Fine condition. $75. Sold
No.36532 Original Exchange Check payable to W.M. Walsh Signed H.D. Beuch for $50.00. Datelined San Francisco. Black print on white paper. This form has a miner at left and the large San Francisco Banking office vignette at top center. $85.
No.38029 Original Exchange Check payable to Julius Russell. Signed W.H. Hamden for $1,000.00. Datelined San Francisco. Black print on white paper. This form has a miner at left and the large San Francisco Banking office vignette at top center. Extremely Fine. $125.
No.38984 Original Exchange payable to H.C. Moore. Signed W.H. Hamden for $310. Datelined San Francisco. Black print on white paper. This form has a miner at left and the large San Francisco Banking office vignette at top center. “Original” in large, red under print in center of note. Artwork by Le Count & Strong lithographed by Britton & Rey. Thin, onion skin paper, quite unusual. Fine. $75.
No.38986 Original Exchange payable to Gerris Merbergen. Signed W.H. Hamden for $100.00.Datelined San Francisco. Black print on white paper. This form has a miner at left and the large San Francisco Banking office vignette at top center. Endorsement on the reverse occupies a full half of the document lengthwise. Very Good condition. $75.
No. 11780 ½ Statement of account balance at close of business for the Stockton office. This receipt was issued just a few months before the Adams collapse. $150.
The three pieces offered here are three of the four known Curtis Perry & Ward/Kellogg & Richter pieces. Two come from the prestigious John J. Ford, Jr. Collection and the third from a major private collection. A fourth known to the author exists in another private collection. All three of these were written out of the San Francisco Adams & Co. office in 1854. The February 9th piece is signed by infamous President (I.C.) Woods, the man whose indiscriminant financial dealing took down and bankrupted the western Adams & Co’s business. The other two are signed by Hamden, the San Francisco agent. All three are issued to the Adams & Company office at the important central Mother Lode gold rush camp of Coloma. These pieces are exceptionally important because of their direct relevance to private California gold coins that they produced during this period. These sheets are assay reports done by Kellogg & Richter for Adams & Company of ingots or gold dust submitted. Curiously, these assay reports are in pennyweights, not troy oz. All three have been removed from a ledger of some sort and show signs of adherence along the left side. For a different Curtis, Perry & Ward piece, see item 278.
No. 416 Assay results printed in black ink on thin light blue paper measuring 7 ¾ x 9 ¾.” The names of Adams & Co. and those of Curtis, Perry & Ward are preprinted on the “form.” However, Curtis, Perry, & Ward have been lined out and Kellogg & Richter written in above. The depositor’s name is illegible, and is written directly above the assay results. Weight before melting: 2,050 dwt. Loss in melting: 54 dwt. Netts: 1,996 dwt. Fineness: .866. Commission: 2¼ per cent or $40.20. Net proceeds $1,746.40. Signed by Woods of Adams & Co. Woods is the Adams & Co. partner who ultimately led the company into bankruptcy. Very Good to Fine condition. $7,500.
No.169 Assay results printed in black ink on thin light blue paper measuring 7 ¾ x 9 ¾.” The names of Adams & Co. and those of Curtis, Perry & Ward are preprinted on the “form.” However, Curtis, Perry, & Ward have been lined out and Kellogg & Richter written in above. The depositor’s name Alex McDonald, is written directly over the assay results: Weight before melting 2,000 dwt, Loss in melting 30 dwt, Netts 1,970 dwt. Fineness .892, Commission 2 ¼ per cent or $40.86. Net proceeds $1,775.40. Signed by Hamden for Adams & Co. Condition Very Good with usual assay receipt folds and foxing – the paper also appears to have been wrinkled or wadded up at some long past point in time. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. R7 $7,500.
No.355 This is a second example in the same format as the above lot with the names of Curtis, Perry & Ward preprinted and then lined out with Kellogg & Richter written above. Weight before melting 1,470 dwt, Loss in melting 48.12 dwt, Netts 1421.12 dwt. Fineness .867, Commission 2 ¼ per cent or $28.64. Net proceeds $1,245.19. Signed by Hamden for Adams & Co. Condition Very Good with folds, foxing, and old wrinkles and tattered bottom edge. Lightly soiled otherwise in Very Good condition, R7. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $7,500.
Much history of Adams & Co.'s Express in California can be found throughout this catalog. The following group of Adams & Co. Express “Stamps” came from a wonderful grouping from the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. In that catalog they were referred to as “chits”. This reference specifically considers them a trading monetary unit, not just a stamp to be used within a private postal system. This argument was fully correct, though not substantiated.
These pieces were made as money for use on the West Coast, and intended for use as money, as described in an internal Adams & Co. letter: “October 26, 1854. To Mess. Adams & Co., Stockton, Gents: To facilitate our business operations we have commenced the use of Express Postage Stamps as per sample enclosed, there is no direct profit in them to anyone. You will please cash them whenever presented at the rate of 25c each and sell them at the same rate to pay postages and make small remittances. You will therefore please persuade parties sending small sums to use them…At present the arrangement extends to California and Oregon only please not use them in the Atlantic States business, Yours & etc., Adams & C0.” [Western Express, July, 1958]
An intuitive argument can easily be made that they were in fact tokens simply because the pieces were printed on glazed cardboard with no adhesive backing. They were also issued in California at a time when pocket change was almost non-existent and in fact the circulating medium of pocket change were foreign silver coins, particularly the French Franc, which circulated as a legal U.S. 20 cent piece. These pieces are listed as IL3, L2 in Scott's Specialized Catalog of U.S. Stamps. In this catalog, Scott notes that this Adams Express stamp and another similar piece were the earliest private Francs issued west of the Mississippi River. Scott further stated that this piece “was probably never placed in use as a postage stamp”. The fact that these pieces circulated as money is indisputable. The pieces date specifically to 1854. The vignette of the man at the center is that of D.H. Haskell, the first Manager of Adams & Co.'s Express in California.
Uncut block of four each 25 cent cardboard chits, center cut printed on light pink card stock. Minor foxing at right in corners and center. Trimmed slightly close at bottom right & left edge, but does not affect the image or border whatsoever. Otherwise Very Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $375.
Uncut block of four each 25 cent cardboard chits, printed on light pink card stock. This block appears to be the lower right corner of a sheet, based on the wide margins at right and bottom. It has been trimmed tightly along the top and left edge, but the cuts do not penetrate the border of the stamps. This block has very minor foxing, possibly not visible in the photograph. Otherwise Extremely Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $400.
Uncut block of four each 25 cent cardboard chits, from the bottom center of page, printed on light pink card stock. Still contains a wide margin at the bottom of the block. Very Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $400.
Uncut block of four each 25 cent cardboard chits, upper right corner of page, printed on light pink card stock. Extremely Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $400.
Uncut block of four each 25 cent cardboard chits, top center block of page, printed on light pink card stock. Little or no foxing. Fairly well centered. Extremely Fine condition. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $425.
This lot consists of three chits, a block of two with a wide left margin and a single. Both are in Extremely Fine condition with no foxing. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $300. Sold
Uncut block of four each 25 cent cardboard chits, top center block of page, printed on light pink card stock. Little or no foxing. Fairly well centered. Extremely Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $425.
Proof sheet of Argenti & Co., California Gold Rush bankers, notes, $50, $100. $500 & $1,000. May be only example of each note. Cross claims this is the first bank to issue bank notes in California. x-Schlingoethe Collection, the largest collection of American bank notes ever assembled. Felix Argenti and his partner T. Allen opened a bank on the Palza San Francisco in 1849. Argenti had been sent by bankers in Colon (the Brown Brothers) as their agent to open a bank in the new California gold fields. Ira Cross (History of Banking in California) reported that Argenti first attempted to sell bank notes as early as 1850. With gold pouring in from all parts of the state, local bank currency was overwhelmingly rejected by merchants. Cross equated California bank notes with “eastern wild cat bank notes.” Bills were reportedly issued in denominations of $50, $100, $500, and $1000. Cross speculated that some notes were issued, but no issued specimens are known to date. He suggested that the Argenti notes were perhaps the first California bank notes issued, but did not note existence of the Miners bank minor currency of the 1848-1849 period, An unissued Argenti $500 note is pictured by Cross. Competing bankers at the time were James King of William, Burgoyne & Co., Bacon & Co., Wells & Co., and Tallant & Co. In a run on banks precipitated by a single withdrawal of $1 million in gold from the Page, Bacon & Company's bank on February 23, 1855, Californians lined up to withdraw funds in record numbers, withdrawing more than $3.5 million that day, known as “Black Friday,” causing the failure of six banks, including Adams & Co. (Adams Express) and Argenti & Co. This proof sheet of Argenti notes may be the only example of each note extant. [Bancroft, History of California, VI, pp 335] Hittelle makes no mention of Argenti. This piece is believed to be Unique. No photograph. $12,500. Sold
Little has been written in the historical record of this society. An archive consisting of nearly 100 pieces dating from 1875 to 1893 recently came to light that helps explain its existence and involvement with California history.
The Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California was formed in New York in September 1875. It was formed for all the right reasons that involved everything good about California. Members were to have been in California before the discovery of gold in California, which they deemed January 20, 1848 by John Sutter’s personal account. Their bylaws were later amended to include honorary members who got to California after 1848, and 1850, as well as sons of original pioneers, thus much paralleling California’s Society of California Pioneers and Native Sons of the Golden West.
The Society is perhaps best remembered today because of the ornate, colorful and highly pictorial badges that the members wore. Several survive, some offered in this catalog.
The Society appears to be the brainchild of General Horatio Gates Gibson (1827-1924) with the assistance of Francis D. Clark. Gibson was a West Point Graduate, coming into the Academy just as Ulysses Grant was graduating. Serving in the Mexican War, he got his taste of California before going to command forces in the Civil War. Gibson knew a number of the California expatriates, and apparently all were in awe of California and their experiences there. Ranging from Mexican war veterans of the Army and Navy, as well as gold hunters and politicians and businessmen, the group had plenty of different experiences to share. Gibson got together 49 members for the original meeting and the group formed the Society.
By 1876 they had agreed to make special badges for each member. They were not awards, as has been referenced in the past by other authors, rather they were fancy name badges. On May 3, 1876, the Society sent out a message to its members. A committee of Richard Meade, William Walton, James Sperry, Thomas Jones and Joseph Spinney were proffered ten different designs for the medals from which to choose. The design of Dodd & Hodges Jewelers of New York City was chosen, and that firm also manufactured the medals from their die. Two different badges were offered the members: a 22 carat gold badge for $40 or a sterling silver” heavily plated with gold” at $8 each. All of the badges were made to look the same because some members might not be able to afford the gold piece, and the committee did not want any undue financial hardship placed on some members. It was not a requirement to own a badge. Only the member and the jeweler knew which were gold and which was sterling with gold plate. The only surviving record located to date shows that of the 49 original members, 20 had sterling badges. No count was given for gold badges, though it might be surmised that Gibson had a gold badge, as instigator of the group.
The group’s members were among the elite of California gold rush and military history. They included: John Sutter, Joseph Hooker, John Fremont, E. Kemble, W. T. Sherman and some unlikely characters such as Cornelius Vanderbilt (one of the owners of the Pacific Mail line). Steven L. Merchant, who was an employee of the U.S. Branch Mint in San Francisco, assembled this archive. At one point he was a Chairman of the Association as well as a Trustee, and most of the correspondence in this archive is addressed to him. The group originally met weekly in New York and corresponded regularly with the Society of California Pioneers and other California pioneer societies, including the New England Society of Pioneers, Maryland Society of Pioneers, Society of California pioneers of Boston, etc. Their annual meetings were a celebratory event of all things California. One occasion involved all of the Army and Navy men in California 1846-1848. At one of the first meetings in conjunction with the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the song “Days of 49” was written expressly for this group.
John Sutter was the most revered member of the Society, and attended most of the meetings up to his death. Along the way, Gibson stepped aside to allow the election of some of the great personalities to take an honorary presidency role. Sutter was the first, followed by Fremont.
This archive contains nearly 100 pieces, including, but not limited to membership lists, meeting announcements, letters, membership applications, death announcements, Anniversary dinner menus and invitations. Almost all of the collection is official correspondence from the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California written to Stephen Merchant on beautifully detailed letterhead; many pieces also have embossed seals. The Collection includes some handwritten notes, many of which are signed by Francis D. Clark, Secretary and Treasurer. Throughout the archive are membership lists that include deceased members and elected officers. The archive also includes a songbook or two from the association with the lyrics included. In one meeting agenda there is an original newspaper clipping about that meeting. A reunion booklet contains speeches and personal stories from John S. Ellis, Francis D., Clark, Hon. Mark D. Wilbur, General H. G. Gibson, General John C. Fremont, Geo. C. Corham, Joseph S. Spinney, Hon. Demas Strong, William H. Thomes, Otto Sutro, Geo. G. Spurr and others. This archive contains many first-hand accounts from the original Pioneers. There are stories not written in books, telling about the early days of California by the men that lived it. This is an invaluable historical record. Most pieces are in excellent condition. $5,000. Sold
Photo Courtesy of Stack’s, Lot 3297, John J. Ford, Jr. Collection Part XX & XXI, October 2007 Sale.
This silver medal has a rectangular hanger embossed “California” and engraved with the date 1846 below it. It was presented to Edward C. Kemble. The date engraved on the medal, July 31, 1846, reflects the date of Kemble’s arrival in California at Yerba Buena.
Edward C. Kemble is another very important figure in the history of California, in more ways than one. While on one hand he was an influential newspaperman, coming to California at a young age to start his career as a journalist, he also played a key role in the political and vigilante movement in San Francisco in the 1850’s, much like James King of William. In fact, he can be compared to James King of William in many ways.
Kemble was born in Troy, New York, the son of newspaper editor and former state Senator, John Cleveland Kemble. Like James King of William his interest in journalism began young and by 16 years of age Edward was in the employ of Sam Brannan, owner of the New York Mormon newspaper, The Prophet.
Although Kemble was not a Mormon, his thirst for adventure took him to California on the ship “Brooklyn” with Sam Brannan, who hoped to start a Mormon publication in the West, free from religious persecution. The group took the name of the “Brooklyn Company” after the name of ship that safely delivered them to the Pacific Coast not because they were from Brooklyn. (They were not listed in the 1845 Brooklyn Directory.) The men arrived in California on July 31st, 1846 with San Francisco’s first press and over the following ten years Brannan can be credited with existence of the numerous newspapers, starting with the California Star. Brannan sold his interest in the California Star to Kemble in 1849. Kemble also acquired the Californian and combined the two papers under the name of the Star and Californian. This paper later became the Alta California and then the Daily Alta California. This is where the story gets interesting.
Sam Brannon is one of the most important figures in the early history of California. He is referred to as the first publicist of the California Gold Rush and its first millionaire. After the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill, Brannan collected the first tithes from the workers there for the Church of Latter Day Saints, as well as becoming a merchant for the miners. He was elected to first town council in San Francisco and to the California State Senate a few years later in 1853. In fact, Brannon is credited with heading up the first Committee of Vigilance in San Francisco in 1851. Not surprisingly, John Jenkins, the first man lynched by the 1851 vigilantes, happened to be hanged in the front yard of The Alta California, which was located on Portsmouth Plaza next to the office of Burgoyne & Co. and the Old Adobe Customs House from which Jenkins’ body was suspended. Sam Brannon’s house was just behind the newspaper office. Historical records show that Edward Kemble was a member of the 1851 Vigilance Committee. In fact, The Alta California called for the formation of a citizen’s committee two days before Jenkins was lynched. Kemble’s close involvement with the vigilantes offers some evidence that the reports of The Alta California may have been biased and used as a tool to sway public opinion, just as James King of William’s controversial editorials roused citizen support for the vigilante movement.
Kemble went on to become a well-known, influential newspaperman throughout the state of California heading up several journalistic efforts such as the publication of the first issue of The Placer Times in Sacramento and eventually publishing his work on the “History of California Newspapers.” His call to duty during the Civil War found him working as a war correspondent for The Union. This was not his first military assignment; he had served with the California Battalion under John Fremont acting as a correspondent for The Star. After the war, Kemble returned to New York and became the Assistant Manager of the Associated Press office, in charge of California and West Coast matters. He was also the telegraphic correspondent for The San Francisco Call and Bulletin and The Sacramento Record-Union. He continued to work until his death in 1886.
This medal, presented to Kemble by the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California, is dated the day Kemble arrived in California. This association, founded in 1875, is described in detail in the description above for the archive. According to the Articles of Association, it was composed of residents of California prior to it’s admission into the Union, September 9th, 1850. This New York group of pioneers was perhaps one of the most important California pioneer groups in the country, and what we like to call a “Good Ol’ Boys Group”. The group had official annual meetings and each meeting had a different subject. The subject of one of the first meetings of the association was to express sorrow over the sudden death of William Ralston of San Francisco (Ex President of the Bank of California) and their regret over the financial misfortunes which had overtaken him prior to his tragic death. Subsequent meetings were held to commemorate the discovery of gold in California by coming together each year to reminisce, later referring to themselves as “The Men of ’49.”
The New York Times reported on a few of their annual dinners and one such article reads, “The guests were all men who in their lives had seen hard times, and who had “rustled” in the early California days, when “rustling” was a quality eminently essential to success.” The article goes on to name the Honorable Demas Strong as the President of the Association and a few key members sitting at the head of the table as General W. T. Sherman, General Schofield and ex-governor of Arizona, McCormick. In another article by the New York Times reporting on the annual dinner five years earlier it is noted that the Honorable Leland Stanford sent a letter of regret. Clearly Kemble was an important member of the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California, because it is noted that at the annual dinner on the year following Kemble’s death each member in attendance wore a flower to honor him.
Interestingly, one of the highly esteemed “Men of ‘49” was W.T. Sherman, who like many of his comrades, had adamantly opposed the Vigilance movement during his career, even leaving his military post with the San Francisco militia because of the power the vigilantes had gained. This is somewhat surprising because William Sherman and Sam Brannan later became partners, along with John Sutter Jr. and Edward Ord as surveyors when Brannan laid out the unofficial subdivisions that became Sacramento. As we know, both Leland Stanford and Edward Kemble were active members and staunch supporters of the Vigilance movement. Ironically, twenty years later Sherman, Kemble and Stanford all sat down at the same table to drink California wine in allegiance to the state and share stories of how they dared to conquer the state of California, something that could not possibly be understood by any who had not lived the adventure.
To us this medal symbolizes the mark that the California Gold Rush left on the hearts of the men and woman who were brave enough to venture west. No other piece so beautifully demonstrates the brotherhood felt by fellow pioneers. This medal is evidence that this kinship ultimately proved to be stronger than the greed and gold fever that made the blood run deep through the streets of the Wild, Wild West.
[Ref: New York Times January 19, 1883 & January 19, 1887, California Newspaper Hall of Fame Website of The California Press Association, Wikipedia, University of California Website Calisphere Autobiography and Reminiscence of Edward C. Kemble, Lion Kuntz Website: The San Francisco Committee of Vigilance of 1851 and 1856] From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $10,750.
Photo Courtesy of Stack’s, Lot 3298, John J. Ford, Jr. Collection Part XX & XXI, October 2007 Sale.
This silver medal, presented to “Lieut. Edward F. Beale, U.S. Navy”, is in about uncirculated condition and has a pleasing, dramatic patina. It measures 38.7 mm and the ensemble weights 445.2 gns. It has a “California” hanger and date plate engraved 1846, reflecting his arrival in California.
This medal was presented to Beale by the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California, and is dated the year Beale arrived in California. General Edward F. Beal, an ex-officer of the Navy and old Californian, was well respected by this exclusive organization. The New York Times reported on a meeting of the group in January of 1875 and described in detail the speech Beale made when he addressed the assembly to honor William C. Ralston. Please see the description for the archive from this organization and the Kemble Medal for more information about the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California.
Beale was born in the District of Columbia. His father, George, was a paymaster in the Navy who earned a Congressional Medal for Valor in the War of 1812. His mother, Emily, was the daughter of Commodore Thomas Truxtun.
Beale studied at Georgetown College and graduated from the naval school in Philadelphia in 1842. He then sailed for California in October 1845 but twenty days later Commodore Robert F. Stockton sent Beale back to Washington with important dispatches. He returned to Washington in March 1846 and was promoted to the grade of Master and sailed for Panama, over taking the Congress at Callao, Peru, in May 1846.
Hostilities with Mexico had already begun when Beale reached Monterey, CA and Stockton dispatched him to serve with the land forces. He fought in the disastrous Battle of San Pasqual on December 6, 1846 and after the Mexican Army surrounded the small American force and threatened to destroy it, Beale and two other men (his Delaware Indian servant and Kit Carson) crept through the Mexican lines and made their way to San Diego for reinforcements. Their actions saved many soldiers (under Kearney).
Two months later Beale was sent back to Washington where he appeared as a defense witness for John C. Frémont at the “Pathfinder's” court martial. Over the next two years, Beale made six more journeys across the continent. On the second of these he crossed Mexico in disguise to bring the federal government proof of California's gold.
After being commissioned a lieutenant in 1850, Beale resigned from the Navy and returned to California as a manager for W. H. Aspinwall and Commodore Stockton, who had acquired large properties in America's gold rush territory. On March 3, 1853, President Millard Fillmore appointed Beale Superintendent of Indian Affairs for California and Nevada and shortly thereafter Congress appropriated $250,000 to improve conditions for the Native Americans in Beale's district. With a party of thirteen, Beale assessed southern Colorado and southern Utah for the feasibility of routes for the transcontinental railroad. Beale retained his position as superintendent until 1856 when California Governor John Bigler also appointed him Brigadier General in the State Militia to give him additional authority to negotiate peace treaties between the Native Americans and the U.S. Army.
In 1862 Beale, as United States Surveyor General of California, dispatched a crew of Chinese workers to widen an 1858 cut, which was then appropriately named Beale's Cut It is still in existence today but is no longer used as a roadway. Beale was involved with the California-Nevada boundary survey of 1862. (see F. Uzes Chaining the Land, A History of Surveying in California, 1977)
Beale retired after the Civil War to Tejon Ranch but died at his other residence in Washington, D.C. In 1940 Camp Beale was established near Marysville, California and two years later the U.S. government bought the property for a training post and POW camp. According to Wikipedia, “dredge materials from the areas abandoned gold mines were used to build streets at the camp.” In 1948 “Camp Beale” became Beale Air Force Base, which today is headquarters for the U2 spy operations and intelligence centers.
[Ref: Stack's John J. Ford Catalog, Wikipedia] From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $10,750.
Photo Courtesy of Stack’s, Lot 3299 John J. Ford, Jr. Collection Part XX & XXI, October 2007 Sale.
Silver, gilt with blue ribbon, light gold. Engraved “New York Dec. 26.1849 Steamer Gold Hunter San Francisco Apr. 6.1950.”
This medal was presented by the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California in the mid-1870’s to the owner of the steamer Gold Hunter, who we believe was probably Cornelius Vanderbilt. This organization consists of a group of pioneers and military men who were residents of California prior to 1848. The medals themselves reflect their activities. A vignette of part of the California state seal is in the upper right quadrant, the Mexico seal in the upper left, and pioneer scene and the California bear is at the bottom.
The side-wheel steamer Gold Hunter, appropriately named because it was ordered to be made just after the announcement of the California gold discovery, was first launched September 5, 1849 and set off for California December 1, 1849. Immediately after leaving New York, it experienced engine trouble, had to limp back to port, and finally left for the golden state on December 26, 1849. It arrived in San Francisco April 6, 1850 and, built for inland travel, headed up the Sacramento Delta, landing there in May 1850. It remained working the Delta for a few months, when it collided with the McKim near Benicia, and both ships suffered casualties, rendering it one of the first inland ship disasters of the gold rush. After that accident, the Gold Hunter headed up the north coast to Portland, where it was purchased by local businessmen who were disappointed in its fuel efficiency. The Gold Hunter was subsequently sent to Central America and purchased surreptitiously by San Francisco businessmen. In Central America, it was the first ship sent there to take an exploring party for the purpose of finding a rail route across Panama. It returned to New York in 1851, then went back to California, where it was sold to the Coast and Geodedic Survey and renamed the “Active” or “Active Pass”. At some point its owner was reported as Cornelius Vanderbilt. [Refs: Bancroft, History of California. Barnard; The Isthmus of Tehuantepec, 1852. Gatson, The Centennial History of Oregon, 1913. Sunset Pacific Monthly magazine, 1912, p527-529. others]
This medal has one important attribute not mentioned in any prior catalog descriptions. The words “New York” were not part of the original engraving, and were added later in modern times. The engraving is not in the style of nineteenth century engravers, and appears made with a modern electronic engraving device. There is a chance that this medal would have been awarded to the ship’s Captain, based on other known specimens. However, it may also have been presented to the original owner. Unfortunately, the historical record is not clear as to who these men were. There is a distinct lack of information in all of the published information that we found regarding the name of the original Captain. In example, the Gold Hunter is not listed as a departing ship in the New York Herald, 1849. This leads to the possible conclusion that the Pioneer group may not have known who to present the medal to in the 1870’s, and thus left off the proper name at the top of the medal where it was intended to be engraved.
Medal is in Extremely Fine condition. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $10,750. Sold
The Bank of California was formed by William Chapman Ralston when he bought out his old partner, Fretz. The Bank of California soon grew to be one of the largest banks in America. The foundation of the bank was radically different than its major competitor, Wells Fargo. The Bank of California invested heavily in mines and mining ventures while Wells Fargo invested in the express business. Numerous pieces from the bank are scattered throughout this catalog, particularly in the San Francisco and Virginia City Sections.
No. 38305 Duplicate Exchange for $5400 payable to J.H. Jenkins and signed by the Bank of California cashier (illegible). Red ink on buff paper. There is a .02 cent federal adhesive revenue stamp at left tied by punch cancel. Very Good condition. $125. Sold
No.642/3 Bullion receipt. Extremely Rare, probably R8 (1 to 3 known) bullion receipt where a bullion bar was submitted to the Bank of California for payment. This receipt is for an ingot valued at $1648.37 and the bank was charged $10.50 for freight and $8.90 for assay. It may be related to ores from the Comstock, though the names Gilespy and Childs, as found on the obverse are unknown to the author. Extremely Fine. $450.
Unissued RND. 2) Issued check 1884, signed by Mohun and endorsed by Duffey and credited to the account of prominent liquor merchant A.P. Hotaling & Co. 3) North Pacific Transportation Company with an RNB16 4) Same with RNB 17. Generally Very Fine. No photograph. $100.
Bell operated an assay office in San Francisco adjoining California Street from 1854 until the fateful day of April 16, 1866 when an unmarked container of nitroglycerine exploded, obliterating Bell, his assay office, and many innocent people in the surrounding area. “The explosion demolished everything within forty to fifty feet, including the whole interior of Bell's assay building, the storeroom and west portion of Wells Fargo & Co.'s building, the back portion of the Union Club and other apartments in the vicinity.” Three weeks after the blast, Wells Fargo announced it would no longer carry nitroglycerine in its coaches. George Rogers bought what was left of Bell's assay business and continued business in the same location. [Ref: Placer Herald, Auburn, CA, April 21, 1866] Bell assay receipts are very popular and there are a couple of Bell assayer ingots known. The earliest G.W. Bell assay receipt known to the author is 1859. 1860 is probably an R7, as well as 1861 and 1862. 1863’s are probably R5’s. Bell used a very interesting format to discern different years of his assay receipts by using different color inks such that 1860 was red, 1863 purple, etc. All of the known assay sheet forms for Bell from 1863 and 1864 were pre-printed for the Savage Mining Company in Virginia City, as Bell apparently was one of the contract assayers for the Savage Mine. The Savage Mining Company records were released in the 1960's and have since been gobbled up by collectors and institutions.
No. 28 Memorandum of Gold Bullion Deposit by D.O. Mills, with the following assay results:
Weight Before Melting 126.76 oz, After Melting 126.49 oz, Fineness .887, Value $2,277.41.
Printers: Town & Beacon. 10 5/8 x 5 5/8,“ crème colored paper with black printing, with typical foxing and folds. The names of Forrest Hill merchants Hardy & Kennedy are written in red ink at lower left. $3,500. Sold
No. 2581 Memorandum of Gold Bullion Deposited with the following assay results:
Weight Before Melting 162.42 oz, After Melting 162.28 oz, Fineness .882, Net Value of Gold $2,948.01. Printers: Town & Beacon. 10 5/8 x 5 5/8,“ crème colored or off white paper with pale orange printing, with some foxing, folds, and stains. $450. Sold
No. 3588 Memorandum of Gold Bullion Deposited by Brumagem & Co., with the following assay results: Weight before melting 101.40 oz, After Melting 99.19 oz, Fineness .928, Value $1,902.81, less discount of $9.13, $2.65 Assay Fees, $28.36 W.H. Ladd & Co. on a Commission of 1 ½ %. Net Value: $1,862.64. W.H. Ladd & Co. was a prominent banking firm located at Downieville in Sierra County, CA. Printers: Towne & Bacon, 10 ½ x 5 ¼,” on crème colored paper with dull red print. This documents is lightly soiled and stained and has the usual folds and foxing with some minor tears along bottom edge. $450
Bell relocated his business to 512 California Street during the Fall of 1863 and at that time apparently completely changed the format and size of his “Bullion Deposit/Assay Receipts.” Using larger 7 ½ x 9 ½ crème colored letter sheet paper with light purple print each preprinted with Bell’s company name and address, and “Memorandum Assay of Retorted Silver Amalgam, deposited by the Savage Mining Company, and on another line “Weight of Amalgam Received.” Bell signed each of these “receipts” and wrote “Duplicate” below his name. These receipts are notable because they document the mill that processed the ore for Savage Mining Company as well as assay specifics for each of the numbered bars. Overall their conditions are Fine to Very Fine and fairly consistent with light foxing, folds, minor stains, and some ragged areas along the edges. This style of Bell Assay Receipts is rarity R5 (31 to 75 known).
No.1102 Memorandum of Gold Bullion Deposited by Savage Mining Co., Bar No.2 with assay result as follows: Weight before melting 1111.5 oz, After melting 1108.60 oz, Fineness .951, Value $1,707.67. Light foxing and folds. $450. Sold
Memorandum of deposit by I. H. Dalls and assay of “4 Bars” No. 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 listing weights, fineness, and dollar vaules of each. Total Value: $6,768.75. $450.
Memorandum of deposit by I. H. Dalls and assay of “4 Bars” No. 1665, 1666, 1667, and 1668 listing weights, fineness, and dollar values of each. Total Value: $5,468.98. $450
Memorandum of deposit by I. H. Dalls and assay of “5 Bars” No. 16185, 1686, 1687, 1688, and 1689 listing weights, fineness, and dollar values of each. Total Value: $6,558.74. $450.
Memorandum of deposit for assay by Marysville of “1 Sack” listing the “Weight of Amalgam Received” as 1275 oz. The Amalgam is melted and refined and poured as Bar No 1690, Weight 1255.80 oz, Fineness .954 Silver and .036 Gold, with a total dollar value of $2,483.58. $450.
Memorandum of deposit for assay by Comit, of “2 Sacks” listing the “Weight of Amalgam Received”as 2100 oz. The amalgam is melted, refined, and poured into two Bars. No. 1742 and No.1743 with Weights and Fineness of gold and silver listed for each bar and a Total Dollar Value of $3,160.35. $450.
Memorandum of deposit for assay by Sandy Bros., of “2 Sacks” listing the “Weight of Amalgam Received” as 2443 oz. The amalgam is melted, refined, and poured into two Bars No. 2568 and No.2569 with Weights, Fineness of gold and silver recorded for each bar and a total Dollar Value of for both bars of $4347.34. $450.
Memorandum of deposit for assay by Booths, of “3 Sacks” listing the “Weight of Amalgam Received’ as 2674 oz. The amalgam is melted, refined, and poured into two Bars. No. 26001 and No. 26002, with Weights, Fineness of gold and silver given for both bars and having a total dollar value for the two of $4,600.29. $450.
Assay receipt for two sacks of mostly silver from Bassets Mill. Weight of amalgam received, 1,682.50 ounces, for a total value of $3,066.73. Signed by G.W. Bell as a duplicate. Foxing along left margin, otherwise Very Fine. $450.
Extremely rare and possibly Unique one dollar gold note issued by the firm of Bradley & Rulofson, San Francisco. It was payable in photographs of the bearer. “Equivalent for a $1 Gold Note”, which did not exist. Bradley & Rulofson were professional photographers based in San Francisco. The note advertises the pair was awarded for “The Best Photograph in the United States”. There is a vignette of a boy to the left and a mining scene with a train in the background to the right. Four vignettes on back, a beehive at left, a woman holding sword and scale, and the obverse and reverse of a large medal awarded the pair at an expo in Philadelphia in 1874. Bradley opened a daguerrian gallery in San Francisco about 1850. Henry W. Bradley and William Rulofson became partners in 1863 in San Francisco and remained as such until Rulofson's death in 1878. The firm continued under that name through 1889, surviving a bankruptcy in 1877. Rulofson died when he fell off the roof of the photo gallery. Some considered it a possible suicide, perhaps a result of the bankruptcy. Rulofson was an experienced photographer who came to California during the early part of the gold rush in 1848. They not only ran the San Francisco gallery but also operated as traveling photographers. This note is in Fine condition, but looks Very Fine. [Ref: Biographies of Western Photographers by Carl Mautz] From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $3,500.
No.5 Check payable to Alpheus Bull for $100.00 in silver. Reverse signed by Alpheus Bull. Alpheus Bull was a wealthy San Francisco merchant who became a mine financier. He was a director of many famous Comstock mining companies, including the Gould & Curry. This piece has been professionally graded and encapsulated by Pass-Co, grading Extremely Fine. $150. Sold
No.328003 Report of production of bullion ore. This is a blank form from 1938 that required the reporting of gold production and sale in accordance with the Gold Reserve Act of 1933 as amended. Scarce. Extremely Fine. $25.
Burgoyne & Company were early California Gold Rush bankers, established 6/5/1849 in San Francisco. The original partners were W.M. Burgoyne and John Plume. Burgoyne had a banking house in New York, as well. In January of 1854 he bought out his partner in the San Francisco and New York branches but kept the same name. The bank failed in 1855 because of the panic created by I.C. Woods and Adams & Company. Burgoyne employed numerous agents in the gold country to secure gold deposits. As an example, Carroll & Higgins and John Read purchased gold for Burgoyne and others in Sacramento. Burgoyne was able to weather a run on the bank in 1850, which originally forced Naglee & Company to close their doors. He was subsequently able to pay his depositors. Burgoyne, Wells & Company (later Wells Fargo) and James King of William withstood the run. In the big crash of 1855, led by Adams & Company, Argenti & Company was one of the banks forced to close. Most of Burgoyne’s California financial documents were printed in New York. This collection of Burgoyne material is certainly one of the finest extant containing numerous Unique pieces from the John J. Ford, Jr. Collections and other collections.
Unissued medium format 25 cent note with imprint of, “J. Manouvier & P. Snell. N.Orls.La.” There is a vignette of the early U.S. Capitol. The denomination is printed on both the left and the right sides. Note is in Very Fine condition with no creases or staining. This note is datelined San Francisco California 18xx. This form of date indicates the piece dates from 1849 and its suspected use was into 1850. It is an R8 and the only other known piece is the next lot. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $12,500.
Signed W.M. Spencer. Medium format 25 cent note with imprint of, “J. Manouvier & P. Snell. N.Orls.La.” There is a vignette of the early U.S. Capitol. The denomination is printed on both the left and the right sides. Note is in Fine condition with some creasing and slight staining. R8. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $9,500.
Burgoyne & Company $20 note from San Francisco, c 1849. The date is indicated by the 18xx, indicating an intended use from 1849 into the1850’s. Unissued and or possibly Unique. Imprints of “Rawdon, Wright, Hatch, & Edson” on front and back of New York and New Orleans, probably printed under contract with Burgoyne's New York branch. Top center vignette of Indians on horseback, hunting Buffalo, and Eagle printed on bottom right, with colorful Red decorations on back of note. These three notes are among the best examples of California Gold Rush currency dating to the 1849 period. They are equivalent to the most rare of the California Pioneer Gold coinage of the period. Extremely Fine condition with expertly executed professional restorations performed on the right hand side to restore this note to its original state. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $22,500.
Check dated for Aug. 21st, 1850, pay to Murray & Spinny $100.00, and signed by William H. Davis by John W. Lawton, Atty. Printed by Clayton & Sons, New York, clearly under contract with the New York branch of Burgoyne & Company. William H. Davis was quite a character in California's pre gold rush and gold rush history. Please see Bancroft's History of California. Back is endorsed Murray Spinny. Cancelled with red “PAID” stamp. Printed on blue paper, typical of the gold rush. There are two holes in the document, otherwise Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $400.
Check payable to the Bearer for $150, and signed by William H. Davis, by Charles W. Lawton, Atty. Stamped Paid in red. Printed by Harold Print. Printed with black ink on blue paper. Bearer checks acted as scrip or circulating currency. Extremely Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $400. Sold
“The First Trial & Execution in S. Francisco on the Night of 10th of June at 2 O’Clock.” Letter sheet describes the hanging of John Jenkins, one of the notorious “Sydney Ducks”, (Australian escaped or ex-convicts who came to California during the Gold Rush) and illustration shows a large crowd gathered in front of adobe Custom House in the Plaza, with suspended body of Jenkins at center. The printer is Justh Quirot & Co., SF. Lithograph 6 ¾ x 9 ½” on a double sheet: 8 ¼ x 10 ½.” Of particular interest in this letter sheet is the Burgoyne bank building from which they suspended Jenkin’s body. The location of this vigilance movement was considered a central point in San Francisco, a position Burgoyne needed to attract business. Extremely Fine. $2,500.
For other information on Jenkins’ role in the formation of the 1851 Committee of Vigilance, please see Vigilance Committee in the table of contents.
No. 23449 Original exchange payable to I.B. Wellington for $541.73 and signed by Burgoyne & Co. Cancelled with vertical handwritten notation. Endorsed by Isaac Wellington on the reverse. The vignette is a cameo of a Roman style head at top center. Printed by Ruwdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York. This is another piece thought to be R8 (1 to 3 known) and may be Unique. Ford Collection. There is a small, red, wax-like dot on back right corner. Very Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $1,750.
No. 8360 Second of exchange payable to Gilbert Hart for $500.00, signed by Burgoyne & Co. Vignette of allegorical woman with eagle on top and small ship on bottom. There is a red, handwritten number of exchange across the center. Uncancelled and unendorsed. Printed by Rawdon Wright Hatch & Edson, New York. Datelined San Francisco. This piece is R8 and may be Unique. This is a wonderful piece of early gold rush history. There is a philatelic repair to the top edge on the reverse. Otherwise Very Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $2,250.
Check No. 348 payable to Sharp & Co. for $51.92, and signed by Carter & Lindenberger. There is a blue safety print pattern all over the background of this check, which makes it quite notable. R7 with maybe four to six pieces known. No printer is shown. Endorsed on back in handwritten pencil Sharp & Co. Cancelled with criss-cross cut. Very faint stain in center, otherwise Almost Uncirculated. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $400.
No.15384 First of exchange signed by Burgoyne & Co. Pay to the order of Thomas Russell for $1500.00. There is a vignette of clipper ships at top center. Printed by Ruwdon Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York. This is a second, Extremely Rare, R8 (1 to 3 known) bill of exchange on Burgoyne & Company printed by their New York office for use in the San Francisco office during the early gold rush. Very Fine. $1,350.
Check with Burgoyne & Co. crossed out and handwritten underneath Palmer Cook & Co., payable to Bearer for $50.00, and signed by Thos. P Johnson, Sheriff. Johnson succeeded Hayes as Sheriff in 1851. Palmer, Cook & Company had opened in San Francisco in 1849 and made it through the crash of 1855, though they became headline news during that crash and in the ensuing months. They suspended business in 1857 amid much hoopla regarding having handled California state funds. Cancelled with criss-cross cut. Printed by Felt and Hofsord of New York. Bearer notes are important because they acted as scrip. The fact that this piece is a $50 bearer note is exceptionally important, because its intended use was as a $50 gold slug and was probably issued specifically with that in mind. Otherwise Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $650.
Check payable to Ben Matcom & Company for $142.00 and signed by John V. (Illegible). Crest on top right corner of crown and “Ardua Vinco”. Printed with blue ink on white paper by Felt & Hosford New York. There is a decorative vignette on the left side of a ship and a train. Cancelled with three cross cuts. There are two small holes in the piece but otherwise it is in Good condition. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $300.
This is a hand written letter to F.D. Atherton, Esq and signed Burgoyne & Co. This letter is printed on light blue paper with Burgoyne’s masthead at the top. It is a typical folded four page printed letter sheet dated Feburary 27, 1854 at San Francisco. Here Burgoyne writes historic California figure F.D. Atherton in Valparaiso regarding an accounting matter. This is the only printed letter sheet for the bank that we have seen in thirty years. Minor staining on exterior fold surfaces. Otherwise Very Fine. $1,500.
Check with Burgoyne & Co. crossed out and handwritten underneath is Palmer, Cook & Co. This piece is a wonderful and remarkable tie to three gold rush bankers who failed. Two failed because of Adams & Company and the third immediately after. Check payable to Adams & Co. for $25.75 and signed by Freaner (?) Johnson. Printed by Felt & Hosford, New York. Cancelled with spindle cut and stamped horizontally with red Adams & Co. stamp. The Adams & Company counter stamp is Extremely Rare. Hole where torn from register, otherwise Very Good condition. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $400.
No. 23448 First of Exchange payable to Reed & Wade for $5,000.00, signed Burgoyne & Co. This beautiful piece printed by Ruwdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson in New York is printed orange on white with an orange safety print throughout the entire background of the piece. It is thought to be R8 with only two specimens known to the author though there may be a third or fourth in other prominent collections. The orange print certainly renders this piece one of the most attractive gold rush documents. Cancelled with handwritten notation. Fine. From the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. $2,250.
[1] Elisabeth L. Egenhoff, The Elephant As They Saw It, State of California, Divisions of Mines, p51, Letter form Colonel R.B.
Mason to General R. Jones, Adjutant General, U.S.A., Washington, D.C. dated August 17, 1848.
[2] Mason’s Letter, The Elephant As They Saw It, p51
[3] Mason’s Letter, The Elephant As They Saw It, p50
[4] Mason’s Letter, The Elephant As They Saw It, p57
[5] Kenneth Bressett, The Official Red Book of United States Coins 2007, p227.
<[6] James Polk, State of the Union Address, December 5, 1848.
[7] “Asher B. Durand’s Career as an Engraver” by Wayne Craven; The American Art Journal, Vol.3 No.1, Spring 1971, page 39.
[8] See Longworth’s New York Directory, 1832-3, and 1834-5 for entries of the firm under both names.
[9] Carson City Silver Age, 10/20/1861
[10] Mark Twain’s Letters, Volume 1, 1853-1866, p208-9, 212.
[11] Carson City Silver Age, October 2, 1862.
[12] The Silver City Assay Office is not listed in the 1863 Nevada Territorial Directory.
[13] Doten Journals, p1453.
[14] Clark, editor; The Journals of Alfred Doten [Doten Journals.jpg">, 1849-1903; 1973. Pp 1241, 1368, 1382, 1391, 1453, 1860.
[15] After the Territorial Census, Irvin is absent from US Census data. He may have died shortly after.
[16] Mining & Scientific Press May 21, 1864. p341. 391
[17] 1862-1874 San Francisco Directories
[18] 1875-1877 San Francisco Directories. Chalfant. The Story of Inyo, 1933.
[19] 1881 San Francisco Directory
[20] Owens. California Coiners and Assayers, 2000
[21] Kagin, p305.
[22] San Francisco Herald, November 19, 1851.
[23] Kagin, p167.
[24] Hittell, Mining in the Pacific States of North America, p208, 1861. Interestingly this important
reference is also titled “Bancroft’s Hand-Book of Mining for the Pacific States”.
[25] San Francisco Herald, January 8, 1852.
[26] [Ref: Hittell, p208.jpg">.