NEVADA - Storey County

STOREY

 

1304.      Storey.  American Flat.  Georgia Silver M Co., incorporated in California  1874, datelined San Francisco. Issued 1875 to Sam Locker, trustee for 100 shares, cert no. 129, uncancelled.  Signed by G. W. Beaver as president and R. Wegener as secretary. Printed by Britton & Rey. 4 x 9”. Printed on white paper, with very fancy masthead. Uncancelled, folds. Rare.  The Georgia had only one assessment and paid one dividend ($3,000) through 1878. The mine is in American Flat, located off the south end of the Rhode Island toward the west end of the Flat, somewhat near the Florida. Beaver was a “capitalist” in SF. Wegener was a professional mining secretary, and Locke was a mining speculator in SF. This certificate is one of 6 that we received with a statement that it is from the estate of Wm. Wright, aka Dan DeQuille. DeQuille wrote the Big Bonanza, a history of the Comstock Lode, while taking a sabbatical from the Territorial Enterprise. He was encouraged by Sam Clemens to write the history, and indeed worked on the book in the seclusion of Clemens’ home in Hartford, CT. It comes with a statement regarding its origin from one of DeQuille’s relatives. All of these certificates were in “street” name, not DeQuille’s, unfortunately. (Ref: 1875, 1879 SF Dir.; Pacific Coast Stock Register; Becker Atlas)  Est. $300-500

1305.      Storey.  Cedar Hill.  Gold Lead G&S MC.  Cert. #342.  Incorporated in 1878.  Issued to John Miller for 25 shares in 1883, uncancelled.  Signed by president D. Frankiades and secretary J. Brougan.  Fancy black type and border on crème paper.  E. Bosqui & Co. Lith, printers.  4” x 9”. Very Rare. Cedar Hill is just north of Virginia City. John Miller was president of the Alaska Commercial Co. and a friend of Wm. Sharon and other Comstock investors. He died shortly after this certificate was issued.  The Gold Lead was active, listing two assessments in 1881, but apparently dormant just after that. It was a patented claim on the north edge of the Sacramento and Sierra Nevada. There was no recorded production. [ref: Becker, Burchard 1881, 1882.  Est. $200-400

1306.      Storey.  Comstock.  A history of the Comstock Mines, Mineral and Agricultural Resources of Silver and Land, by Dan DeQuille.  Copyrighted 1889.  Green cover with 158 pp. 5” x 6 3/4”.  Est. $100-200

1307.      Storey.  Comstock.  Comstock Assayers & Bullion shipment Receipts, Lot of 5.  Includes Gold Hill Assay office.  1899-1900 (2), Chollar & Potosi assay office in Virginia City 1891 for samples in their mine including several high grade gold samples; assay office of the Richmond Mining Co. in Eureka (1885), one of the largest silver mines in Central Nevada for assay of slag; and a memo of bullion deposited with Selby Smelting & Lead Co for 6 silver bars 1902. All vf. Est. $100-150
1308.      Storey.  Comstock.  Comstock Pick dug in Virginia City by Tom Johnson.  Picks are usually found without their handles, but this unique gem is completely in tact.  Approximately 30” long, with 5” of tape near the bottom, fro grip.  Although well worn and rusted, the two tips of the pick arms are almost unrusted, probably from use.  “Comstock” is stamped to the right of the center head (14”).  The Comstock, founded in 1859, still remains one of the most important mining districts in the world.  It wasn’t until fourteen years post-discovery that three mining giants would discover the “big bonanza”, John W. Mackay, James G. Fair, William S. O’Brien and James C. Flood.  The results of their efforts go virtually unmatched, with half of the US silver output produced here.  FV.  (Ref: Carlson, 1974, p.83-84).  Est. $75-150

1309.      Storey.  Comstock.  Comstock, Mines and Miners, 1883.  Authored by Elliot Lord.  This is Vol. IV, USGS Monograph publication under the direction of Clarence King.  451 pps.  Indexed.  Includes a map of the mining claims of the Washoe district that is set onto topography.  The map is a bound in fold out.  Unfortunately, the map has a 5 inch tear from left to right but the map is still a valuable resource.  The book has been professionally rebound.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

1310.      Storey.  Comstock.  Geology of the Comstock Lode and the Washoe District, 1882.  Authored by George F. Becker.  This is Vol. III, USGS Monograph publication under the direction of Clarence King.  422 pps.  Indexed.  Includes 7 plates and 33 illustrations.  The plates are lithographs with tissue paper inbound with the binding to protect them.  Original hardbound cover.  Minor wear to binding.  Text pages are in excellent condition.  Signed on front inside cover by ?.  The last leaf page is crumbled with small tears.  Extremely fine.  Est. $300-500

1311.      Storey.  Comstock.  Major Mining Comstock Mining Company Collection.  1905-1928.  Lot of 6 pieces.  Gould & Curry, 1928; Ophir SMC, 1919; Mexican G&SMC, 1917; Hale & Norcross MC, 1905; (2) Exchequer MC, 1911.  All cancelled.  All fine to very fine.  Est. $100-200

1312.      Storey.  Devil’s Gate.  Atlantic Gold & Silver Mining Co.  Issued to Thomas Hardwick for 2 shares, cert #286, in 1864.  Signed by J. Carmichael president and A. C. Knox secretary.  Vignette at top center of miner standing on outcrop with valley in background.  Loomis is printed within vignette.  Small vignette at bottom center of a dog’s head.  Black border and print.  One 20 cent and one 5 cent revenue stamp affixed at left edge.  Uncancelled.  Printer - Towne & Bacon, Printers, San Francisco.  4 x 7.  Fold creases.  Left edge has minor chips and is trimmed tight.  Extremely fine.  Est. $750-1000

1313.      Storey.  Devil’s Gate.  Cook & Geyer MC.  Cert. #163.  Incorporated in 1872.  Issued to W.E. Dunbar for 15 shares in 1822, uncancelled.  Signed by president M.F. McDonald.  Vignette of California State Seal.  Blue 25¢ IRS Stamp to left.  black type and border on crème paper.  Printed by Smyth & Shoaff, Sact’o.  4 1/4” x 9 1/4”, xf. Very Rare. Crisp certificate. I assume this is the Cook & Gray, as noted by Becker immediately east of the Succor. It was a tiny claim. In 1872, the stock traded at $3 to $13 per share, with the high in September, and the low in December. It also levied $12,000 for assessments in September, accounting for the crash in stock price. Within 2 years, they were basically unheard of, perhaps becoming part of another company. Marion McDonald was also the president of the Overman, living in Gold Hill at the time this certificate was issued. Chas. H. Fish signed on the reverse. Fish was president later of the Con-Virginia, and was at one time the County Recorder. He was so respected by the professional mining men, that he held a number of prestigious posts as a result.  [ref; 1872 SF Dir, Becker, Raymond 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875] Est. $200-400

1314.      Storey.  Flowery.  Brophy Mining Co., Incorporated in California 1879, issued 1879 to V. Fernbach for 200 shares, cert. No. 154, signed by J. M. Wilde as vp and Victor Fernbach as secretary. Printed by W. Galloway & Co., SF. Black print on yellow paper, 4 x 9.5” . Uncancelled. The Brophy is a patented claim in the Flowery district, about 3 miles down Six Mile Canyon from Virginia City. The Flowery is a parallel lode to the main Comstock Lode and considered a part of the system. The Brophy produced some pockets of high grade gold ore for about 50-75 years, but never in great tonnage. The Brophy lays just off the east end of the Lady Bryan, a 3000 foot long patented mining claim, twice the normal length. The Lady Bryan pit is at the west end. About 1991, we began a drilling program on the Brophy based on geologic targets seen on the surface. We hit more of these high grade pockets (3 to 10 ounce per ton gold) and began an open pit mine, which just got mined out and closed this year. The fun part was that the Brophy was in the same family that owned it 100 years ago. They had held out hope because their grandfather always thought there was a lot more gold, but didn’t quite know how to find it. We did. When you tell a family something special, it always remains etched in your memory.  Rare. This certificate is one of 6 that we received with a statement that it is from the estate of Wm. Wright, aka Dan DeQuille. DeQuille wrote the Big Bonanza, a history of the Comstock Lode, while taking a sabbatical from the Territorial Enterprise. He was encouraged by Sam Clemens to write the history, and indeed worked on the book in the seclusion of
Clemens’ home in Hartford, CT. It comes with a statement regarding its origin from one of DeQuille’s relatives.  Wilde was a merchandise broker. Fernbach was a professional mining secretary. All of these certificates were in “street” name, not DeQuille’s, unfortunately. Uncancelled. (Ref: Holabird; 1879 SF Dir.)  Est. $300-500

1315.      Storey.  Flowery.  Flowery Mines Co.  Cert.#89.  Incorporated in Delaware in 1924.  Issued to Alexander Wise for 43,125 shares in 1925.  Uncancelled.  Signed by president Wise and secretary W.J. Henly.  Vignette of a spread-winged bald eagle atop stars and stripes shield.  Green border.  Printed by “M”.  8 1/4” x 11”.  The Flowery was in a ore zone parallel to the Comstock.  It was about two miles out into the hanging wall of the Comstock Lode.  The mines at Flowery were discovered around the same time as those near Virginia City, from which, shortly thereafter, the City of Flowery sprung.  The district has produced several million dollars in bullion, and is today capped by an open pit operation which involves three different pits: the Lady Bryan, the Berry (north of the Lady Bryan), and the Bonanza Pit, just northeast of the Bonanza mine.  (Ref: Holabird, C&C, Smith, Becker).  Est. $25-50

1316.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Alpha Cons. M&MC.  Cert.#8235.  Incorporated in 1887.  Issued to Zadig & Co. for 100 shares in 1897.  Signed by president C, Hurxfield and secretary Elliott.  Printed by Armstrong & DeGuerre.  Black border, no vignette.  Edges rough, with a chunk missing from the lower left corner.  4” x 9 1/2”.  The Alpha was once headed by John D. Fry, a Comstock mine superintendent who mad millions on the Crown Point Bonanza.  The mine was located directly between the Exchecquer and the Con Imperial mines.  It was primarily active from 1863-1870, producing about $175,000.  (Ref:C&C, Pacific Coast Dir.).  Est. $100-200

1317.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Alta Silver Mining Co..  Cert. #40943.  Issued to Jas. Gartland for 100 shares in 1914.  Cancelled.  Signatures are largely cut out.  Black border, no vignette.  Printed by Orozco.  The Alta is immediately east of the Lady Washington shaft in Gold Canyon, downstream from Gold Hill.  It was active from 1879-1890, with an output of less than $500,000.  Strangely, it is listed in the Virginia District, yet it is clearly south of Gold Hill.  (Ref: Becker, C&C).  4” x 9 3/4”.  Est. $50-100

1318.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Bullion MC.  Cert. #1339.  Incorporated in Nevada in 1863.  Issued to David Bixler for 10 shares in 1867.  Cancelled by black writing across certificate.  Signed by president Thos. H. Williams and secretary G. W. Hopkins.  One Nevada 25¢ state revenue stamp and one Power of Attorney 25¢ stamp at left.  4” x 9”, vf.  Very clean for this certificate, which is usually burned, soiled, or otherwise discolored. This certificate is none of those.  Lith Britton & Co., printers, S.F. The Bullion was the first attempt of the Mackay, Fair group (the Silver Kings) to take control of a mining company on the Comstock. Mackay reasoned that since it was in the middle of producing mines, that it had tremendous potential to give high grade ores at a greater depth than had been achieved so far. This step into market manipulation almost ruined them. Mining and ore deposits are not always as they seem. The Bullion is between the Exchequer and Potosi on the divide between VC and Gold Hill. The Potosi produced over a million dollars, but he Bullion and Exchequer only had limited production.  Williams was a candidate for US Senate at least three times, defeated each time. He was also active with a host of other Comstock mines. George Hopkins was very active in local affairs, particularly in Carson City.  His signature somewhat resembles Mark Hopkins, but one should be aware of the differences. Williams and Bixler together had a law office in VC in 1874. [ref: Angel, DeQuille] Est. $400-600

1319.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Bullion MC.  Cert. #19829.  Incorporated in California in 1874.  Issued to M.W. Fox for 5 shares in 1882, uncancelled.  Signed by vice-president Thomas Cole and secretary J.H. Bazet.  Vignette of Viking helmet and snake-entwined staff at left.  Black print and border on crème paper.  Lith. W.T. Galloway, printers.  4” x 9”, vf, some dark spots at right, paper a bit wrinkled. Please see above for story of the Bullion. The property never produced much money, even through the later periods of exploration. By the time this certificate was issued, the Bullion had levied over $4 million in assessments, the fourth most on the Comstock. Their shaft was sunk to 2500 feet deep, with no ore in sight, reported Burchard in 1881.Very rare.  Est. $200-400

1320.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Comstock Mill and MC  Incorporated in Nevada 1885, unissued, Fancy masthead.  Printer - Sutherland, Virginia City.  6 x 9”. The Comstock was a promotional company formed by Jones. It is probably not related to the North Comstock company located near the Sierra Nevada MC. Est. $20-40
1321.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Curtis Consol. MC.  Cert.#690.  Incorporated in 1878.  Issued to H.S. Stone for 100 shares in 1880.  Signed by Stone as secretary (president’s signature illegible).  Black border, no vignette.  4” x 91/4”.  Vf.  The mine was located on the west facing slope above the Sapphire Mill across from the S. Belcher mine, a short distance down the canyon from Gold Hill proper.  The Curtis was not among the reporting stocks in  Lord’s summary of stock prices for Comstock mines, which could be interpreted that the mine was tightly held or under the management of another company.  Stone was an official mining secretary.  (Ref: Becker Atlas, Lord, 1875 SF Dir.).  Est. $100-200

1322.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Gold Hill Miners’ Union warrant.  Issued to William Stark for $25 in 1917.  Signed by vice-president H.R. Simons and secretary William Stark.  Vignette of a miner holding pick at right.  Black border.  Sutherland, printer.  31/4” x 8”.  Vf, wrinkled.  Items from any of the Comstock Miners Unions are rare. Est. $25-50

1323.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Golden Horn Gold & Silver Mining Co.  Incorporated in Nevada Territory, 1863.  Issued J. M. Riems for 10 shares, cert #323, in 1864.  Signed by Jno M. Runkle president and W. W. Coryell secretary.  Vignette of cornucopia filled with gold coins.  Black border and print.  Uncancelled.  Printer - Towne & Bacon, Printers, S. F.  3 x 7.  Extremely fine.  Est. $750-1000

1324.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  J. B. Gagnon Billhead, Gold Hill, 1882.  J. B. Gagnon, Family Grocers, Wines and Liquors.  Billed to V & T RR.  Rare Gold Hill Billhead.  Very fine.  Est. $25-50

1325.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  J. Jones Pharmacy Interior Photograph, taken c. 1880 and reprinted c. 1940.  The photograph is bright and clear and distinctly shows the interior of the pharmacist’s place of business.  Very fine.  Est. $25-50

1326.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Justice Mining Co. Important archive of seven sets of bullion production data Packets regarding bullion shipments sent from the Justice Mining Co. Mill to the Gold Hill Assay Office, W. S. James, to the US Mint at Carson City, 1889-1890.  The Justice MC produced about $4 million from 1873-1905, according to Couch & Carpenter. The mine is located on the west side of Gold Canyon about half way between Gold Hill and Silver City, across from the Woodville shaft. The 1889 sheets show the ore was processed at the Washoe Mill where the original dore bars (ingots) were made, which were then sent to the Gold Hill Assay office for outside confirmation of values by re-melting the ingots. They were then sent on to the Carson City Mint for deposit and sale. Each ingot shipment has the original Gold ill assay office bullion sheet and the corresponding US Mint Carson City bullion assay sheet. They involve 13 total ingots averaging about 1500 ounces each (about 125 pounds each). The Carson mint receipts show the amount paid. The ratio of silver to gold appears to be about .930 fine to .042 gold fine, or about 22:1, very typical of the Comstock lode deeper ore.  A group of documents such as these tells a story.  There are few archives left of this nature. Also comes with a Justice MC assessment receipt for 1879 Est. $400-600

1327.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Justice Mining Company Letterhead and Manuscript Letter, 1877.  The letter is datelined Gold Hill, Nev, 1877 and is written to A. J. Hutchinson of the Genoa Flume Co in Carson.  The letter’s content is in response to a solicitation to sell timber to the mine.  The superintendent replies that they are presently content to do business with their supplier now.  Signed by J. D. Kennedy Jr.  Water staining along bottom and half of right edge.  Brown light weight paper glued to left edge.  Very fine.  Est. $25-75

1328.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Keystone & Arrington Cons. GSMC.  Nevada Territorial.  Cert. #11.  Inc in 1864.  Issued to Thos. F. Croft for 10 shares in 1864, uncancelled.  Signed by president Wm. Arrington and secretary L.W. Chubbuck.  Black border.  25¢ Power of Attorney stamp at left.  Printer - Gold Hill News Print.  4 x 9, xf, defect in print, where paper had crease during printing. “Justice Ledge.” Datelined Gold Hill, NT. Wm Arrington was a stock broker and partner of Stateler & Arrington, who were also early Comstock bankers. Arrington was among a group who received a grant to build the first railroad from the Truckee river to Virginia City via Carson, but never did it. Leland Stanford got the other grant to do the same and with partners later built the V&TRR. He moved to Austin, and there was elected a County Commissioner in 1873 along with another banker W. Gage. The Keystone joins the Justice on the northern boundary, just south of the New York in Gold Canyon, about a mile below Gold Hill, hence the reference to the “Justice Lode.” Arrington and his partners had some good ground, and probably sold out to the Bank of California concerns, which ultimately got control of the Justice. Chubbock and Croft were not found in local or SF directories of the period. [Angel, Smith, Becker Atlas, DeQuille] Very Rare. Est. $600-1000
1329.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Lady Washington Cons. Co.  Cert. #170.  Incorporated in 1878.  Issued to E.L. Smith, Tr. for 25 shares in 1878, uncancelled.  Signed by Monroe Thomson, vice president and Wm. H. Watson, secretary.  Black print on crème paper.  Lith W.T. Galloway, printers.  4” x 9 1/4”, vf, several creases, lower left and upper right side dark. The Lady Washington is near the Justice below Gold Hill in Gold Canyon. It has no recorded production, though certainly must have had some. This is a rare certificate. Watson was a professional mining secretary. Monroe  Thomson did not list his occupation. E. L. Smith was a salesman for Crosky & Co. in SF. [ref: Angel, C&C, SF 1875 Dir.] Est. $200-400

1330.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Minnie Mine Document Collection, 1880-90’s.  There are 47 documents.  A linen map shows the underground workings in two colors on a scale of 1inch = 50 ft, by A. J. Chalmers, 1895, 16 x 16.  There are four Carson City mint receipts dated 1882-83 to W. H. Cowan for F. N. Folsom or John Farrell.  The four receipts are for on 60 troy ounce ingot and 3 batches of amalgum totaling $3203 in returns.  These appear to be piece meal records of the whole story, indicating significant production at the Minnie Mine, but they were never recorded in official records.  Three assay reports from the Gold Hill assay office, dated from 1882-1883, indicate 20-45 oz/ton silver, indicative of “bonanza” ore.  Three V & T RR receipts from 1883 are for shipping the ore from Gold Hill to the Merrimac Mill.  Two receipts are for express service from the mine to the railroad head at Gold Hill.  Other papers reflect leases from owner John Farrell to various parties.  Vernon Colquhoun took over at one point, and 39 papers reflect his involvement.  A family tree is included.  Some of the documents involve agreements with the Goodman Mine.  Very fine.  Est. $250-500

1331.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Nevada Ore Extracting Co. Incorporated in California 1875.  Cert. #53, issued to Alfred Paraf, Trustee for 50 shares in 1875, signed by T. Scott Stewart as president. and J. Moore as secretary.  Fancy masthead, vignette of the Nevada Block, which was a large building in San Francisco built by Flood & O’Brien et al.  Uncancelled, 6 x 9. Printer - Britton & Rey, SF.  Stewart is not listed in the 1875 or 1881 SF Directory, or the 1878 VC Directory. Paraf was a chemist in SF.  This is a company that appears to have been founded for the sole purpose of contract mining, probably on the Comstock. The Nevada Block was finished sometime between 1874 and early 1875. One of its occupants was George Hearst. (Ref: various SF directories)  Minor discoloration along top.  Very fine.  Est. $250-350.

1332.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Order Chosen Friends Grand Social Dance Card.  Unused.  Announcement is printed on a scroll design.  Fraternal symbol of two shaking hands in center.  Black print on mauve paper.  3 1/4” x 5 1/4”.  Xf.  Est. $10-20

1333.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Overman Silver MC.  Cert. #18980.  Incorporated in 1865.  Issued to Howard H. Shinn, Tr. for 400 shares in 1894, uncancelled.  Signed by president W.G. Morrow and secretary Geo. D. Edwards.  Vignette of partially nude female, lounging on cornucopia of gold.  Black border on tan paper.  Schmidt Label and Lith, printers.  4 1/4” x 9”, vf, edges worn; small chip at bottom right edge. Very Rare. The Overman was just below the Sapphire Mill above the New York Mine in Gold Canyon, a half mile below Gold Hill. It produced over $2.5 million between 1861-1897. [ref; C&C, DeQuille, Becker]  Est. $200-400

1334.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Silver Jacket MC, incorporated in California 1878, issued 1878 cert No. 10 to H. Burkhart for 100 shares signed by L. Boyer as vice president and Burkhart as secretary. No vignette, printed on pink paper. Water stains and small cancel holes in signatures. Wrinkles. Not in Raymond, not in Becker Atlas. Rare. Est. $150-300

1335.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  U. S. Consolidated M&M Co., incorporated in California  1877, datelined San Francisco. Issued 1877 to M. P. Madden, for 100 shares, uncancelled.  Signed by James Brennan as president and M. C. Southard as secretary. Printed by Bosqui & Co.  4 x 9”.  Printed on yellow paper, with fancy masthead, little miner at left.  Three prominent creases.  Rare. Not listed in the Pacific Coast Stock Register. Not in Becker Atlas, Burchard or Raymond.  “Gold Hill District” printed on certificate.  Brennan was a bartender in SF. Mason Southard was a young lawyer working for his brother’s law practice in SF, and died unexpectedly shortly after this cert was issued. Madden was a “mining speculator” living and working in Virginia City. This certificate is one of 6 that we received with a statement that it is from the estate of Wm. Wright, aka Dan DeQuille. DeQuille wrote the Big Bonanza, a history of the Comstock Lode, while taking a sabbatical from the Territorial Enterprise. He was encouraged by Sam Clemens to write the history, and indeed worked on the book in the seclusion of Clemens’ home in Hartford, CT. It comes with a statement regarding its origin from one of DeQuille’s relatives. All of these certificates were in “street” name, not DeQuille’s, unfortunately. (Ref: 1875, 1877, 1879 SF Dir.; Bishop’s 1878-9 VC Dir.)  Est. $300-500
1336.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Van Wyck & Sanchez Assay Office Receipt of Deposit, 1866.  Receipt for two silver ingots deposited by the Savage MC that weighed more than 800 ounces each.  In this rare bullion assay from Van Wyck’s Gold Hill operation, the form actually shows a deduction of the value of the assay samples (chips) which were usually always credited at some point to the bullion owner.  The other Van Wyck memorandums did not this deduction, nor have we seen this deduction taken by any other assayer.  The mill was mile downstream of Gold Hill and was originally built to process ore from the Piute mine.  Built in 1864, its capacity was 50 tons/day.  The mill was sold sometime early in the 1870’s after it could not get a consistent stream of custom ore.  Very Rare.  Very fine.  Est. $200-400

1337.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Yellow Jacket Silver Mining Co and Yellow Jacket Gold & Silver Mining Co.  Lot of 2.  Incorporated in Nevada.  The first is issued to H. F. Sheldon Jr. for 100 shares, cert #8024, in 1904.  The second is issued to E. Gauthier & Co for 50 shares, cert #37587, 1891.  Indian on horseback vignette.  Black border and print.  Gold Hill Mining District printed on certificate.  Printer – H. S. Crocker.  Both are cancelled by star shaped hole punches through signature lines and the Yellow Jacket SMC has triangle cut-outs in signature lines.  The Yellow Jacket mine was located in 1859.  They discovered the “Gold Hill Bonanza” in the early 1860’s which produced about $6 million.  Through about 1920, the mine produced nearly $20 million, which ranks it as one of the great Comstock mines.  It suffered a great fire in 1869 which killed 45 miners.  (Ref: Smith, C&C.  DeQuille).  5 x 10.  Usually these certificates are in much worse condition than these.  These are very fine.  Est. $150-300

1338.      Storey.  Gold Hill.  Yellow Jacket SMC.  Cert.#32405.  Incorporated in Nevada.  Issued to Geo. Edwards for 100 shares in 1886.  Cancelled by hole punches through signatures.  Vignette of Indian on rearing horse.  Black border.  Britton, Rey & Co., printers.  Fine, stained, wrinkled.  See above lot for the story.  Est. $50-150

1339.      Storey.  Gold Hill. West Belcher Gold & Silver Mining Co.  Incorporated in Nevada 1875.  Issued to J. P. Moore for 30 shares, in 1876.  Signed by Leduce Clay president and J. Moore secretary.  The vignette is of Virginia City with Mt. Davidson in the background.  Black border and print.  Uncancelled.  Printer - Britton & Rey, SF.  Location: Gold Hill Dist. Storey Co, Nev printed on certificate.  The West Belcher was trying to get off the ground as a promotional company based on the famous Belcher mine.  Three tape repairs on reverse along folds.  Several chips missing from bottom edge and corners.  Water stains at right and left corner.  Poor to fine.  Extremely Rare.  Est. $150-300

1340.      Storey.  Jumbo (Virginia).  T. & B. West Comstock MC.  Cert.#246.  Incorporated in Nevada in 1909.  Issued to Edw. H. Kinney for 5000 shares in 1909.  Signed by president H.J. Darling and secretary J.B. Dixon.  Uncancelled.  Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle.  Black border, green underprint and seal.  Printed by Goes.  8 1/4” x 11”.  Xf.  Also known as the West Comstock, Jumbo is just west of Virginia City in the Virginia Range, about half way between Washoe Lake and VC.  A large amount of prospecting was done, but little metal was poured, according to Couch and Carpenter.  Est. $25-50

Storey.  Virginia.

An attempted Mining Swindle.  A Virginia City correspondent furnishes us with the following particulars of an attempt to swindle, which came to his knowledge a few days since: A gentleman went from Virginia City to Silver City to examine a claim to which he thought of buying. He descended the shaft with one of the owners, who took up a few pounds of rock apparently directly from the vein in the bottom of the shaft. The rock was taken to the surface, reduced in a mortar, and yielded a fine display of gold and silver. To make the thing still more sure, this owner would not sell a foot, but told his friend where he thought he could buy a few at $20 per foot. Our friend, however, was not exactly the “greeny” he was taken for, as it appears he took the precaution after dark to pay the shaft another visit, when he took some rock from another portion of the vein, submitted it to the same process as the first, with a result of nix! The proof was plain that the mine had been “salted”, and our friend saved his money. Such practices are swindles of the worse character, and should be frowned upon by every honest man. We know no difference, in enormity, between such a crime and downright robbery. – Mining and Scientific Press, March 12, 1864, p163. [italics and quotes appear as they originally appeared.] 

Now, while this may sound like an obvious swindle, and probably was, in real mining life we have what we call the “Nugget effect.” There are times when a property examination becomes extremely difficult because of the presence of free gold, unevenly distributed. In example, we once sampled a working face of a bench at the Lady Bryan. Blast hole drilling indicated a marginal grade of about 0.15 oz/ton gold with a few ounces of silver. We hand sampled a face on the bench, indicating a grade of about 0.1 oz/t gold. Then we sampled the bench again, about a foot below the other line and got zip. This was an obvious nugget effect with just enough coarse gold to make evaluation extremely difficult. 

These are the real life problems we face in the mining industry, and when a scam artist comes along, we have to be very careful. I had the same thing as reported in the 1864 article happen to me about 1980 on a gold property in Mono County. We were investigating the old Mono Consolidated ground, which appeared pretty much mined out, but were looking at other geologic possibilities. While panning a sample, the property owner approached me from the rear, as if to “watch.”  He waved his hands about, as prospectors are bound to do when telling sto
ries, and sure enough, when I was finished, there was a small nugget in the bottom of the pan. I noted it, but kept quiet about the rest, until later that night. The problem was that there was very little black sand, and no gold dust. The sample just didnfit. So back we went, and this time took a high quality sample from the exact same area, virtually trying to get any “high grade” if there was any to be had. There wasn’t. Not a speck of gold. We repeated the test about ten times. Not a trace. We were salted. Lesson learned.-fh

 

1341.      Storey(?).  Virginia(?).  Prospect MC.  Inc. in NY, 1879.  Cert#28, issued to C.S. Brown for 100 shares in 1879.  Signed by pres. Jno. J. Graham and sec. George H. Brown.  Black line border and print with embossed seal.  Printer – J.S. Babcock, NY.  Uncancelled.  XF.  9 x 5 1/2.  A Prospect mine is mentioned in The Report of the Director of the Mint, 1882 as a mine in Storey County, Virginia District.  Another Prospect is mentioned as “the most important lode” in Madison County, Montana vicinity.  It was developed by three levels and the ore was rich in both gold and silver.  Shipments yielded as much as $440 in gold and $170 in silver to the ton.  (Ref: 1882 Rept. Of the Dir. Of the Mint, p146, 156 and 226.)  We have extensively searched for direct reference to this company, without success. It may be for a western mining prospecting venture, but we may never know. Est $100-200

1342.      Storey.  Virginia.  1875 Sheriff’s sale deed signed by Sheriff F. E. Kelly. See the 1880 Sheriff’s sale for more info on this process. The prior owner here was unknown. Est $50-150

1343.      Storey.  Virginia.  1880 Sheriff’s sale of real estate. Four page document describing the process of forfeiture of property for unpaid back taxes and subsequent “tax sale.” This document is for property owned by M. Chevalier and the Columbia Mining Co. These entities did not pay their taxes for the property, and the Sheriff, Charles Williamson and Richard Kirman, treasurer of Storey County, gave notice in November 1879. The parties did not respond by March 1880, thus the property was put to sale in May. Signed by the Sheriff Williamson. We have not had documents of this nature before. Est $50-150

1344.      Storey.  Virginia.  Adolph Sutro Signed Letter.  Dated March 17, 1879.  4 pps.  Bold and bright signature.  The content of the letter surrounds plans for his property in or near Reno.  He writes of what type of trees and plants he wants to plant and of property boundaries and fence lines.  Extremely fine.  Est. $300-600

1345.      Storey.  Virginia.  Agency of the Bank of California Check RNB16A.  No.237.  Check from the Mariposa Mill Co. for $1,030 in 1870.  Boldly signed by James Fair.  2 cent state revenue stamp over RNB imprinted stamp.  Brown border.  2 3/4” x 8”.  Vf, fold down center.  Est. $100-200

1346.      Storey.  Virginia.  Agency of the Bank of California Check, datelined Virginia, Aug. 31, 1870.  No. 282.  Issued to I. Cahlan.  Black border on crème paper.  Fine, stains and hole in center.  31/4” x 8”.  Est. $20-40

1347.      Storey.  Virginia.  Agency of the Bank of California, 1872, 1891.  The first check,  #661, is issued to Cannick & Allen.  Woodward Mill printed at left.  Signed by James G. Fair.  Two cent Imprinted Revenue stamp at center.  Datelined Virginia, Nev.  No marks.  The second check is Nevada Bank of San Francisco, 1891, from the Consolidated California & Virginia Mining Co., issued to Murray & Davis, datelined Virginia, Nev.  Signed by D. B. Synau, superintendent.  Rubber stamp of “Paid”.  Printer - A. J. Leary’s Print, S.F.  Both are Extremely fine.  Professionally framed and matted.  If you have been to our office, this piece has been hanging in Fred’s office and we have done some remodeling and there is no place to hang it now.  Est. $200-300

1348.      Storey.  Virginia.  Bank of California Check Collection, 1890’s-1900’s.  Lot of 52 pcs.  Most are very fine condition with some as extremely fine.  Most have cancellation punch near center.  Est. $100-200

1349.      Storey.  Virginia.  Bank of California check, w/ 2, 2¢ revenue stamps at upper left, one Federal, one Nevada.  Issued to C.E. Stein for $80 in 1870.  Black print on crème paper.  Signed by J.W. MacKay .  No printer noted.  2 3/4” x 8 1/4”, xf. This crisp, clean check has a bold John Mackay signature on it. It is in exemplary condition, and is one of the earliest. signatures of Mackay that we have had. Mackay had tried to beat Sharon and the Bank of California at their own game. Mackay, Fair, Flood,  O’Brien had wrestled control of the Hale & Norcross in 1869. Sharon thought he had them beat because he thought that he and the Bank of California controlled all the mills. But Mackay had bought the Bacon Mill, which is the probable source of this check. Fair became the superintendent, with Mackay as his assistant. Mackay later bought the Trench and Sullivan mills. By 1870, they were producing 180 tons of ore a day. The stock increased 600 times, probably with manipulatory help from Mackay and Fair. [ref: Manter; Rocket of the Comstock; 1950] Est. $100-200
1350.      Storey.  Virginia.  Bank of California, Virginia Branch, 1887-1907.  Lot 31 pcs.  Most are deposit slips or receipts for both individuals and businesses.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

1351.      Storey.  Virginia.  Big Comstock GM, Inc.  Cert.# “B”32.  Incorporated in California in 1934.  Unissued, uncancelled.  Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle perched atop peak, with ocean in the background.  Black and gold border.  Printed by Goes.  8 1/4” x 11”.  Xf.  Est. $5-15

1352.      Storey.  Virginia.  California MC.  Cert.#105572.  Incorporated in California in 1873.  Issued in 1882 for 100 shares to G.B. Bayley.  Signed by president R H Follis and vice president C.P. Gordon.  Black border on yellow paper.  4 x 9.  Britton & Rey- printers. Three assessments paid on reverse.  Very fine.  The California was an important mine on the Comstock, located between the Ophir on the noth and the Con-Virginia on the south.  By 1921 it had produced about $15.5 million, ranking it as one of the top gold and silver producers of the district.  The California was a major part of the Big Bonanza of the Mackay, Fair, Flood, O’Brian days.  It was during the 1870’s that the majority of rich ore was produced.  (Ref: DeQuille, Smith, Becker) Est. $100-200

1353.      Storey.  Virginia.  Candle Box from Werk Soap and Candles Company.  Both long sides with “M Werk & Co” in 4 1/2” letters.  Front bears company logo, with Trade Mark banner through it.  Back is blank, not original piece.  14” x 10 1/4” x 6”.  2” chip out of front at left; large crack horizontally across front; two holes at lower left side on left side of box (if facing front); and large crack horizontally across right side.  Original nail work, with a few modern.  2” chunk out of top of back piece (unoriginal).  Est. $200-400

1354.      Storey.  Virginia.  Chollar G&SMC.  Cert.#6742.  Issued to H.L. Slosson Jr. for 1000 shares in 1931.  Cancelled by holes at left and along signatures.  Signed by president Slosson and secretary Grotyohn.  Black border, no vignette.  Printed by L. Levingston.  4 1/4” x 9 1/2”.  Vf.  Named after Bill Chollar, the Chollar was located between the Hale & Norcross and the Potosi in the gut of the Comstock Lode.  It produced over $16 million during its life.  Bill Chollar leased a part to George Hearst in early 1860, who was responsible for getting other lessees to incorporate.  As a result, they all made fortunes.  (Ref: Smith, Becker).  Est. $20-30

1355.      Storey.  Virginia.  Comstock Ledge.  Utah Consolidated MC.  Cert. #7557.  Incorporated in 1887.  Issued to Jno. Turnbrill, Trustee for 100 shares in 1893, uncancelled.  Signed by president H.B. Havens and secretary A.H. Fish.  Very fancy masthead in black print on crème paper.  Lith Britton & Rey., printers, S.F.  4” x 9 1/4”, xf. Very Rare. Crisp. The Utah was at the north end of the Comstock. While the mine was active from the early days onward, it has absolutely no production recorded, and was overlooked by all the major Comstock historians. Burchard noted that the mine never paid a dividend, and was operated by the issuance of 42 assessments through 1882, totaling $1.36 million. The amount is small enough that one must consider that some revenue was had in order to develop the mine. Est. $150-300

1356.      Storey.  Virginia.  Comstock Mines & Railroads Check Collection.  Most with imprinted revenues and nearly all with important signatures: Sutro, Mills, Mackay, Fair, Bliss. Many of these are very large denomination checks.  A) Anglo Californian Bank, 1874, signed by Adolph Sutro. RND, Signature faded.. b) Ophir SMV signed by J. G. Fair, RNG, 1878  c) Hoosier State Mill singed by J. G. Fair RND 1874, d) Sierra Nevada Mexican and Union Shaft Co. on Nevada Bank of SF (green) signed by Lyman, RNG,  1883  e) Virginia & Truckee RR signed by Yerington on Bank of Cal, RNG 1878, f) Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming Co. on Agency Bank of Cal signed by Bliss, RND 1876, g) Agency bank of Cal signed by Bliss, 1878 h) Bank of Cal paid in silver coin signed by Thornton 1876 (rare) I) Pacific M&MC on Nevada Bk of SF signed by John Mackay 1876 RNG J) Virginia & Truckee RR 1876 signed by Yerington ($27,983) RNG  K) Carson & Colorado RR on Bank of Cal signed by Yerington 1889 L) Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming on Bank of Cal 1876 issued to D. O. Mills and signed by him (rare) for $51,320.  Framed.  Est. $200-500

1357.      Storey.  Virginia.  Comstock Tunnel Co, Bond and Certificate.  Lot of 2.  Incorporated in New York 1889.  The first is issued to Lee, Higginson & Co for 100 shares, cert #4648, in 1889.  Signed by Theodore Sutro president and H. W. Thayne secretary.  Vignette at left of spread winged eagle.  Orange border and underprint.  Uncancelled.  Printer - Homer Lee Bank Note Co, NY.  The second is a $1000 bond.  Green border.  After Sutro sold out, the Company reorganized, raised capital to pay legal debts, brought in Theo Sutro, keeping the family name attached to the famous project.  Extremely fine.  Est. $200-400
1358.      Storey.  Virginia.  Comstock Tunnel Co.  Cert.#29415.  Incorporated in New York in 1889.  Issued to Benj F. McGuckin for 100 shares in 1914.  Signed by vice-president Avery F. Cushman and secretary EugeneTaffen.  Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle atop stars and stripes shield.  Orange border.  Printed by the Homer Lee Bank Note Co.  7 1/4” x 11”.  This company is the successor of the famous Sutro Tunnel Co.  Its function was to drain and cool the mines of VC, some of which were more than 3,000 feet deep.  The tunnel was conceived and built by Adolph Sutro, who spent ten years getting financed, and another ten completing the tunnel.  The Sutro Tunnel is the intestinal system which connects most of the Comstock mines in the Virginia City area, in excess of 11 miles.  This promoted the area’s over $400 million gold and silver production.  Vf.  Est. $150-300

1359.      Storey.  Virginia.  Comstock Tunnel Co.  Cert.#6225.  Issued to Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co. for 100 shares in 1889.  Signed by Adolph Sutro’s brother Theodore as president.  Incorporated in New York.  Orange border, eagle vignette at left.  Fancy.  Uncancelled.  After Sutro sold out, the Company reorganized, raised capital to pay legal debts, brought in Theo Sutro, keeping the family name attached to the famous project.  Fine, wrinkled, piece torn away from registration.  Est. $125-250

1360.      Storey.  Virginia.  Comstock Tunnel Co.  Incorporated in New York.  $1000 Bond, cert #1948, issued 1889.  Signed by Theodore Luty president and H. H. Slaper secretary.  Vignette at top center of spread winged eagle.  Fancy masthead.  Ornate green border.  Uncancelled.  All 31 original coupons attached.  Printer - Homer Lee Bank Note Co, NY.  10 x 13.  Extremely fine.  Est. $200-400

1361.      Storey.  Virginia.  Comstock Tunnel Co.  Lot of 2 pcs. Cert.#890, 3124.  Incorporated in 1889.  $500 and $1000 bonds.  Both signed by Theo. Sutro as president.  One with an orange border and the other with a green border.  Both with vignettes of bald eagles, both have 36 coupons still intact.  Cancellation holes at left.  Xf.  Est. $200-400

1362.      Storey.  Virginia.  Comstock-Dexter Mines, Inc.  Cert.#2086.  Incorporated in Arizona in 1934.  Issued to Walter J. Holmes for 50 shares in 1935.  Signed by president T.J.M. Fitzgerald and secretary A.L. Fitzgerald.  Uncancelled.  Vignette of men moving and loading ore cars in underground mining scene.  Orange border.  No printer noted.  The Comstock-Dexter was inactive by 1946.  They leased properties north of Hillside, AZ, and near VC, NV.  (Ref: C&C, Smith, Becker, Mines Handbook).  8 1/2 x 10 1/2.  Vf, folds.  Est. $25-50

1363.      Storey.  Virginia.  Consolidated Chollar Gould & Savage MC.  Cert.#8261.  Incorporated in California in 1933.  Issued to E.H. Newland for 100 shares in 1940.  Cancelled by hole punches.  Rubber stamped signature for president Sidney Fish.  Blue border and light blue underprint.  No printer noted.  8 3/4” x 10 1/2”.  Fine, hole punches and minor stains.  They produced a small amount of bullion until WWII.  Est. $25-50

1364.      Storey.  Virginia.  Consolidated Chollar Gould & Savage MC.  Cert.#11875.  Incorporated in California in 1933.  Issued to Fred C. Ripley et al for 100 shares in 1950.  Cancelled by hole punches.  Signed by vice-president Sidney Fish.  Blue border and light blue underprint.  Parker Printing Co., printers.  8 3/4” x 10 1/2”.  Fine, hole punches.  Est. $25-50

1365.      Storey.  Virginia.  Consolidated Virginia MC. and Consolidated Virginia & Andes Corp (2 different certificates).  Cert.#219, 3833.  The first was Incorporated in 1904, the other in Nevada in 1932. Issued to May C. Ringwalt for 62 1/2 shares in 1935; issued to W.F. Holifield for 5000 shares in 1933 and was voided due to issue error.  The first signed by Kendall as president and W.J. Henley as secretary.  The other sighed by A.C. Rulopau as president and J.L. Dobbins as secretary.  Green border  4 x 9.  The second certificate has the classic vignette of the mill on a river’s edge, flanked by two smaller vignettes of underground mining scenes.  The green certificate is uncancelled.  The mine was still producing bullion when this certificate was issued.  William Kendall took over as president in the 1920s.  Kendall’s son Robert would later produce a monumental set of maps tying all the underground workings of the Comstock, and went on to become president of US Borax.  The Con Virginia produced $63 million in gold and silver bullion through 1934, second only to that of the neighboring California Mine.  The Con. Virginia & Andes company was a late venture attempting to mine near surface low grade ores left behind from earlier mining periods.  Est. $25-50

1366.      Storey.  Virginia.  Coryell Drug Store Photograph, 1944.  8 x 10.  Wonderful photo of the front of the storefront.  Very fine.  Est.  $25-50
1367.      Storey.  Virginia.  Deed, April 1860 between Wm. Thompson Jr. and H. H. Raymond of Virginia City, Utah Territory for $10,000 for 25 feet in the Chollar & Co. mining ground “located on the Comstock silver lead.” On the reverse of the page is a sworn statement by the Commissioner for the Territory of Nevada in March 1862 after Nevada became its own Territory. Has a red embossed seal from the Nevada Territorial commissioner. This is a copy of the original made for the 1862 use.  The Chollar was one of the first claims located on the Comstock. William Chollar was a prospector from the Grass Valley area and at one time held claims in California with George Hearst. [ref: Holabird] Rare. Est $100-300

1368.      Storey.  Virginia.  Empire State Silver Mining Co.  Cert.#24.  Incorporated in California 1878, issued to J. Smiley for 500 shares in 1878  Signed by J. Smiley as president and D. Tudenal as secretary.  Fancy masthead. Vignette of Company seal at left. “Comstock Ledge” at top. Uncancelled, 5 x 9, white background. Printer - Crocker, SF. Extremely fine.  The Empire State is a claim just north of the Keystone shaft at the far end of the Comstock. In fact, it is off the Comstock lode. The stock was only actively traded a short while, possibly because the buyers realized it had little or no potential. The Empire Mine produced about $3.5 million, but appears to be a completely different mine. Smiley was president of the California Stock Exchange. (Ref: Becker Atlas, Smith, Lord, 1875 SF Dir.)  Est. $175-350

1369.      Storey.  Virginia.  Exchequer Mining Co.  Four legal documents from 1879-99.  An agreement between Truckee River General Electric Co and certain mining companies on the Comstock Lode with the Comstock Pumping Association to supply power to the mines, 1899.  Certified list of officers, 1879 & 1896.  Supplemental list of officers, 1880.  Very fine.  Est. $75-150

1370.      Storey.  Virginia.  Fort Townsend Survey’s, 1868.  There are two surveyed plots with dimensions and bearings with adjacent maps.  One of them was conducted for John Murray and the other was for C. M. Pryor & T. J. McClellan.  The survey was done by George Hunt County Surveyor (Storey County).  Handwritten and each is two pages.  Extremely fine.  Est. $300-500

1371.      Storey.  Virginia.  Gould & Curry MC.  Lot of 3.  Cert.#6094, 5753, 149.  Incorporated in California in 1904.  One issued to F. Hayward for 100 shares in 1932; the second is issued to President H.L Slosson for 1000 shares in 1930; and the third is issued to secretary J.B. Shaw for 100 shares in 1911.0  All are cancelled by hold punches at sides and through signatures.  Signed by Slosson and Shaw.  One with green border, and the other two with black, in three different styles.  4 1/4” x 9 3/4”-4 1/2” x 10”.  The company is a conglomeration of the Bullion G&S MC and the Savage G&S MC.  It had a production record of $15,525,000 in gold and silver in 1931.  Was inactive ever since.  (Ref: Rand Sturgis, 1931, pp.1471-1472).  Est. $50-100

1372.      Storey.  Virginia.  Gould & Curry Receipts, 1864, 1866.  Lot of 2 pcs.  One for Savage MC Mill in 1866, and the other from Chas. Bower of the Gould & Curry in 1864, the latter of which has a 2 cent bank check stamp in the lower left.  3 3/4” x 7 3/4” - 3” x 8”.  Vf.  Est. $75-150

1373.      Storey.  Virginia.  Gould and Curry Silver MC ore receipt.  Nevada Territorial.  March, 1864.  7270 lbs in one load recorded.  Signed by T. Killman, Teamster, G.V.C., and A. Gammory, of the mill.  Black print on blue paper.  No printer noted.  3 1/2” x 7”, xf.  The mill was built in 1862-3 for the processing of the very rich near surface Gould & Curry ores. This receipt is a record of shipment of about 3.6 tons taken by wagon driven by a man named Skillman from the mine to the mill at the junction of 6 and 7 mile canyons, about 1.5 miles below Virginia City. On an average day, it would have carried $75-100 worth of ore. Est. $750-150

Storey. Virginia. Spectacular Nevada check archive!  This archive came to us in a nearly complete state. We have not had an archive like this since the Con-Virginia archive 15 years ago, and frankly I thought these archives were long gone. We have broken it up into what we feel are cohesive groups. The collection contains more than 3000 checks and a number of documents. Many of these checks are extremely rare.

Gould & Curry Mine. The Gould & Curry began as two adjacent mining claims of Gould & Co. and Curry & Co. They were among those first staked on the Comstock Lode. The Curry & Co. claim was staked by Abe Curry, his brother, and one of the Clarks from Grass Valley/ Nevada City. The Gould claim was staked by Alva Gould, Jas. Buckhamer and A. Field (also of Nevada City/ Grass Valley.) These claims were staked next to the Belcher ground. The Savage ground, also adjacent, was staked within days.  In June the successors (Curry & Co. and Gould & Co. all sold out to several parties) all incorporated as the Gould & Curry. The original shareholders included George Hearst, Wm Lent and John Earl, who would all go on to be instrumental in the building of the new mill at the junction of Six and Seven Mile canyons that was completed in 1863 and sold and dismantled after 1870.  The mine produced over $17 million in gold and silver, but was the primary financial motivating machine in 1863 that changed Virginia City from a good mining region to a great one, when revenues from gold
and silver went from $6 million to $12.5 million in a year (1863,) much of it from the Gould & Curry bonanza. At the time, it was the largest single ore deposit yet found in the world.

Notes on Superintendents, in the order they ran the mine.

·              Charles Strong. (1860-1863) First superintendent of the G&C. He appears to have retired to San Francisco after the new mill was built and in full running condition. He apparently cashed out on his stock shortly after and lived in wealth.

·              Charles Bonner. (1863-1865) Succeeded Strong and was instrumental in the construction and driving of a new shaft which bore his name. Bonner also became known as the man who lowered the wages from 4 to 3 dollars per day at the mine and mill. A clever poem was quoted in Spence’s Mining Engineers of the American West: “Mr. Bonner, the son of a gun; from Virginia City he had to run; If we’d a got him, before he got away; he’d never a seen three dollars a day!”

·              Louis Janin, Jr. (1865-1868) Third Superintendant. Went to Freiberg School of Mines in Germany with a number of noted American geologists: A. Hague, Ross Raymond, W. Hammond, Pumpelly, etc. They went on to be some of the most influential mining engineers of their century. Louis was one of three brothers that went to Freiberg. His brothers Henry and Alexis all achieved success, though Alexis is another story.

·              David Bowie. (1868-1869) Superintendent after Janin.  Son of Augustus Bowie, who attended Freiberg (c1869) School of mines with Alexis Janin, younger brother of Louis and Henry.  He took over the G&C at a very tough time, when the silver market was poor, general financial conditions not too good, and most of the high grade ore mined out.

·              Isaac Requa (1869) was considered as one of the most industrious superintendents, but was chided by some for his lack of education compared to the Janin brothers. But he got things done, and his reputation stood on that.

·              Phillip Diedenshiemer. (1870) Credited with the invention of interlocking timbers as part of square set construction. While at the Ophir in 1860, Diedeshiemer came up with a unique interlocking timber structure for improved ground support in large stopes underground. This method allowed greater mining of large ore bodies underground by giving greater ground support. Diedeshiemer was thought to be brilliant, but was always quiet about his past, in fact never telling anyone anything. He never attended any European mining schools, but derived his methodology from his work as a miner in Germany, improving on known methods of the period. He was never very successful as a mine engineer and drifted into obscurity. (I researched him thoroughly in Europe and have an upcoming short paper on him in our G&C book - fh)

·              C. C. Batterman (1870-1872) Mine superintendent and politician. Ran unsuccessfully for governor.

·              R. N. Graves (1872-3)  No information.

·              James G. Fair (1873-4)  See Below.

·              John Mackay (1874)  See Below.

·              James G. Fair (1874-5)

·              John Mackay (1876)

·              Obiston (1877)  Superintendent at several other mines as well.

·              James G. Fair and John Mackay are best known for their work on the Con Virginia, but both got their starts up the ladder as superintendents.  Fair had been considered one of the best miners, a man who knew how to get ore out, and get it out cheaply and quickly. Mackay was always the planner. This job (G&C) was one of their most important stepping stones for their overall development as mine financiers. While documents signed by them are common from the Con-Virginia mines and mills, they are much less so for the Gould & Curry.

Gould & Curry Document Archive

 

1374.      Storey.  Virginia.  Three important telegrams from Board members of the Gould & Curry with the signatures of John Earl and A. Bull.  In one dated June 30, 1863, Earl sends a note to the Superintendant Strong “If Bull and Hearst (George Hearst) thinks well to purchase Buy the Ranch.”  This not may have been in reference to more land needed at the G&C millsite.  The other two telegrams are addressed to Louis Janin Jr, 1867 from Bull. One, written in code and translated, relates to bullion (amalgam) from the Savage that Bull wants Janin to assay and get paid.  Obviously bullion shipments were secret and matters concerning their shipment etc had to be kept quit or they would become a target.  All of these are on red California State Telegraph forms.  Est. $150-300

1375.      Storey.  Virginia.  Lot of business papers related to the Gould & Curry.  Lot of 44 pcs.  Of importance are a letter from 1874 from Egerton, Allen & Co. in SF to James Fair as superintendent of the G&C noting a delivery and requesting payment with discount for prompt payment.  Three telegrams on California State Telegraph forms , 1865; one bank statement. 39 freight receipts from W. Perkins at Folsom, Cal to Chas Strong of the G&C all dated 1863.  These are for quicksilver (mercury) for use at the mill, ore sacks, equipment, etc.  All have revenue stamps attached.  Est. $200-400

1376.      Storey.  Virginia.  Document relating to the Gould & Curry SMC with outstanding revenue stamps. 1868 Agreement between the G&C and Ira Parke and I. (J?) M. Douglass whereby Parker & Douglass are buying all the slimes (mill slimes and tailings) in the G&C reservoirs in Six Mile Canyon near their mill. G&C were paid $10 per ton for the slimes, which must
have held significant gold and silver to afford such a price.  They also agreed to process 400-600 tons per month with “modern machinery” (at that time, the huge G&C mill was becoming outdated).  The agreement discusses all facets of the operation, including who pays what costs of materials, bullion shipments, etc.  This agreement would never have been filed in its formal state as seen here. It is private business, and a short informal agreement would have been filed.  This 19 page document is important because it shows how the G&C milling business was conducted in the late 1860’s. It is full of revenue stamps. On the front page are the following: $5 R89, $1 R68 (2), $1 R69 imperf, $.50 R58, and an R24 and R25.  Nevada adhesive revenues are $1, $.05 (2). On page two are $1.50 R78 (5), an R24 and Nevada 5 cent.  Page three and succeeding pages have a Nevada 5 cent and R24 or equivalent.  The signature page is signed by all the parties, David Bowie as superintendent for the G&C, Parke, and Douglass. The signature of Douglass appears to be J. M. Douglass, but the agreement looks like I. M. Douglass.  This does not appear to be the famous James Douglas of Bisbee fame, though his beginnings would have taken him through a similar route as this agreement indicates. Parke was an officer of the Pacific Coast Pioneers.  I was unable to find info on Douglass.  Est. $500-1000

1377.      Storey.  Virginia.  Autograph.  Mackay to Fair deed.  The deed is for an undivided one third of a section in four different sections in Storey County.  The transaction occurred in February of 1873 but was not recorded until February of 1874. The revenue stamps were torn from the agreement long ago.  Mackay’s signature is bold at lower right. John Mackay is written up in several places in this catalog.  Est. $300-600

1378.      Storey.  Virginia.  Group of four deeds, 3 are for the G&C. 1866-69.  The fourth is for the Best & Belcher, 1869. a) 1866 W. Deal to G&C for town lots. Has block of four red Nevada 25 cent adhesive revenue stamps and 4 R44, unattached.  b) 1869 DeLong to G&C for the Keystone claim. R69, 2 Nevada 25 cent, attached.  C)  Wheeler to G&C 1869, for Keystone ground. 2 Nevada 50 cent unattached, R69. d) 1863 Arrington to B&B for city lots. Has 2 R90 but both were torn in half before adherence to the document.  Est. $200-500

Gould & Curry Check Archive

 

1379.      Storey.  Virginia.  1861. Virginia City (Utah Territory). July 27, 1861, blue paper, printed by Excellsior Print, San Francisco. Signed by Charles Strong, superintendent. Check No. 243. To Frosh & Helmer  Building ground.  VF.  The dateline is written in manuscript.  This is one of the earliest checks from the Comstock.  Est. $200-400

1380.      Storey.  Virginia.  1861. Virginia City (Utah Territory). Wells Fargo & Co. Virginia City. Generally October to December. All green print on white paper, possibly a local printer. Virginia City written by hand. 122 checks.  All very fine.  Est. $1000-2000

1381.      Storey.  Virginia.  1862. Stateler & Arrington, Bankers, Virginia City, N. T.  All signed by Charles Strong, superintendent, all dated 1862.  164 checks. Includes checks to many namesakes of Virginia City including Geiger, who had a freight business. They also wrote a check to a Chinese cook. This was one of the very early banking houses in Nevada.  J. W. Stateler lived in San Francisco, according to J. Wells Kelley in the 1863 Nevada Territory Directory, and financed the bank. Arrington ran the Virginia City bank for the partners.  Stateler, however, is unlisted in the 1862 and 1865 SF Directories.  All vf-xf.  Est. $1500-3000

1382.      Storey.  Virginia.  1863 Stateler & Arrington Bankers, signed by Strong. 78 checks.  Of interest in this group is a check written for Church labor.  Most of these are for the laborers at the mine and mill.  Some with 2 cent blue adhesive revenue stamps.  Est. $750-1500

1383.      Storey.  Virginia.  Statler & Arrington, Virginia City, N. T. 1864 signed by Strong. 158 checks Two varieties. Est $1500-3000

1384.      Storey.  Virginia.  1864. Statler & Arrington, signed by Bonner, Virginia City, N.T. 562 checks. Est. $4,000-10,000

1385.      Storey.  Virginia.  Bank of California.  November to December, 1864.  This was at the beginning of the Bank.  It was run by William Sharon.  All signed by Charles Bonner.  Includes check number 1.  Total of 95 checks.  Signatures of Janin, etc.  Est. $1000-2000

1386.      Storey.  Virginia.  Bank of California, 1865, 9 checks. G&C logo at left in green rectangle, entire check printed in green, all signed by Bonner, with adhesive revenue stamps.  One of the checks is made out to A. Field, one of the discoverers of the G&C, but is not endorsed. Est. $100-200
1387.      Storey.  Virginia.  Bank of California 1865-1866. 600 checks all signed by Louis Janin Jr, one of the great mining engineers on the Comstock, all with the green G&C logo at left, most with Nevada adhesive revenue attached on top of the Federal revenue.  Est. $3000-6000

1388.      Storey.  Virginia.  Group of 8 checks for the G&C on the Bank of California on plain black & white, non-G&C imprinted check stock signed by Janin, 1867, most with both revenue stamps (Nevada and Federal).  Est. $100-200

1389.      Storey.  Virginia.  1867 G&C checks with the G&C logo in green box at left edge of check.  Bank of California.  9 pieces. All signed by Janin.  Most have both revenue stamps.  Est. $100-200

1390.      Storey.  Virginia.  1867-8. All signed by Janin on Bank of California.  “Gould & Curry Silver Mining Co. W. C. Ralston, treasurer” in green print at top, often refereed to as the “dripping letters,” since all of the letters of Gould & Curry have tails.  Most have both the Nevada and federal revenue stamps attached.  368 checks.  Est. $1200-2500

1391.      Storey.  Virginia.  Gould & Curry, Bank of California, similar to drip letters but no tails on the letters, 1868-9, signed by David Bowie, superintendent. 30 checks.  All xf.  Most with both revenue stamps.  Est. $200-400

1392.      Storey.  Virginia.  Isaac Requa signed checks, Bank of California, 1869, no-drip green letters on same format as above, G&C. 46 checks with both revenue stamps.  Est. $300-600

1393.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C SMC checks 1869 in green ink with the green 2 cent imprinted Nevada revenue at left. RNB at center. Bank of California. All signed by Requa. These book for $30 to $65 each depending on which book of evaluation is used. 113 pieces. Est. $1500-3000

1394.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C SMC checks 1870 in green ink with the green 2 cent imprinted Nevada revenue at left. RNB at center. Bank of California.  All signed by Requa. same checks as above.  71 checks.  All 1870.  Est. $1000-2000.

 

1395.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C SMC checks 1869 in green ink with the green 2 cent imprinted Nevada revenue at left. RNB at center. Bank of California.  All signed by Requa or Batterman.. 3 cks made out to A. A. Savage and the Savage MC. 1870, also G&C with RNC and Nevada imprint to A. A. Savage.  Savage is often confused with L. C. Savage, discoverer of the Savage mine. Est. $150-300

1396.      Storey.  Virginia.  Four checks of the G&C MC made out to the V&T RR, 1870-1875. 2 RNB17c, 1 RND1, 1RNC21b.  All Bank of California. Nice attractive lot.  Est. $150-300

 

1397.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C MC check with RNB17c as above made out to famous mining lawyer and senator Wm Stewart, not endorsed.  Est. $50-100

1398.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C MC check with RNB17c as above made out to superintendent David Bowie.  Est. $50-100

1399.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C MC check with RNB17c as above as above with three checks signed by Phillip Diedeshiemer.  1870.  Please see short story at the beginning of this Gould & Curry section.  Est. $400-700

1400.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C MC check with RNB17c as above signed by Batterman, supt. 1870. 4 checks.  Est.$120-250

1401.      Storey.  Virginia.  Gould & Curry, Bank of California, 1871-2. 187 checks RNC21b (2 cent brown Nevada imprinted over the federal stamp.)  These stamps book at $65 each in Scott.  All signed by Batterman.  Est. $2500-4500
1402.      Storey.  Virginia.  Two RNC21b with 2 cent Nevada imprint made out to coin, presumably to pay some employees in cash. Signed by Batterman for the G&C.  Est. $100-200

1403.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C MC RND check signed by famous mine financier James G. Fair, made out to the Western Union Telegraph Co.  Please see story at beginning of this section. 1874.  Est. $50-100

1404.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C on Bank of California 1873, RND7, “Good only for bank check”  Unlisted in Castenholz. One signed by James G. Fair as superintendent, others by R. Graves.  Est. $50-100

1405.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C signed by Jas G Fair.  104 checks. RND. 1873-4.  These are important autograph checks.  Please see the sections on James G. Fair in this catalog.  Est. $1500-3000

 

1406.      Storey.  Virginia.  G&C made out to the Con Virginia, signed by James G. Fair and on back by O’Conner 1874, RND Fair and Mackay joined forces after working for the G&C to take over the Con-Virginia. Est. $50-100

1407.      Storey.  Virginia.  Gould & Curry check with RND made out to and signed by famous Comstock financier James G. Fair. 1874. Est. $100-200

1408.      Storey.  Virginia.  Gould & Curry check with buff to tan revenue stamp, RND4. These book for $35 each in Scott without Mackay’s autograph.  All signed by John Mackay as superintendent, 1874.  These were at one time considered bleached examples of an RND, but are not.  This collection is a good example because these checks have never been out. These were the original colors that they were printed. 12 checks.  Mackay is about 20 times rarer than Fair.  Great autograph material.  Est. $300-600

1409.      Storey.  Virginia.  Mackay signed RND4 check on the G&C 1874 to the Virginia & Truckee RR. Est. $75-150

1410.      Storey.  Virginia.  Mackay signed RND4 check on the G&C 1874 to the made out to Gray’s Atlas.  We sold this atlas out of Mackay’s office many years ago.  Est. $50-100

1411.      Storey.  Virginia.  James G. Fair signed RND4 check on the G&C 1874.  27 checks.  Est.  $400-800

1412.      Storey.  Virginia.  Gould & Curry Silver Mining Co. at left edge of check in blue on Nevada Bank of San Francisco, Virginia City. RNG 1876-7. 5 checks signed by Mackay.  Est. $250-500

1413.      Storey.  Virginia.  Collection of 21 different Gould & Curry checks from this collection. Includes signatures by Mackay, Fair, and others.  Also includes the fancy color Nevada imprinted revenue stamps and 7 Territorial checks. 1862-1879.  Est. $250-500

1414.      Storey.  Virginia.  Two Bank of California checks from Virginia with adhesive revenues.  Probably Gould &Curry, signed by M. A. Mason, agent, 1866.  Est. $25-50

1415.      Storey.  Virginia.  Bishop Whitaker signed check. RNF check on the Bank of California made out to Bishop Whitaker and signed by him on the reverse. In the signature line is “St. Paul’s Church, Charles H. Osborn” with two star cancel cutouts. This RNF is unlisted in Castenholz. Bishop Whitaker was an important clergyman. He came to Nevada just after statehood. Ozi William Whitaker came from Salem Mass. where he was born in 1830. In august 1863, he became a priest in Boston, then was immediately assigned missionary duty in Nevada. He preached throughout Nevada’s mining camps, such as Mill City, Galena, Ophir, and Como. [ref: Angel]  Est. $100-200

1416.      Storey.  Virginia.  Four checks with RND for the Gould & Curry all signed by James G. Fair, 1875. Est. $100-200
1417.      Storey.  Virginia.  Charles Bonner signed Wells Fargo & Co. checks for the Gould & Curry (not printed on check) 1864.  Territorial.  Est. $200-400

1418.      Storey.  Virginia.  Two checks signed by John Mackay on Bank of California, 1874.  [Gould & Curry]  Folds, chips.  Adhesive revenue at left.  Est. $100-200

1419.      Storey.  Virginia.  One check on the Nevada Bank of San Francisco with RNF signed by James G. Fair, 1876 for the Gould & Curry MC.  Rare.  Est. $50-100

1420.      Storey.  Virginia.  One check on the Nevada Bank of San Francisco for the G&C SMC with the logo at left in brown ink and an RNG, 1879, signed by Penoyer written to the Ophir SMC.  Est. $25-50

1421.      Storey.  Virginia.  John Mackay signed check to Marcus Daly 1874 (misspelled here Daley) with RND4.  Marcus Daly was an important mining man that made his fortune with George Hearst and Lloyd Tevis at Butte, Montana.  He got his start on the Comstock.  Daly (1841-1900) “entered into the service of Fair and Mackay…” according to the Dictionary of American Biography.  This is the only piece we have seen for Daly on the Comstock.  He did not endorse the check, which was usual for those times.  Est. $100-200

The Best & Belcher Collection

 

1422.      Storey.  Virginia.  48 Best & Belcher MC 1876 RNG. 10 signed by Mackay.  Est. $500-1000

1423.      Storey.  Virginia.  75 checks. Best & Belcher  .  25 are Signed by Mackay & 50 signed by Fair.  Trench Mill crossed out at left. RND.  Est. $1500-2500

1424.      Storey.  Virginia.  Best & Belcher check, 1876, RNG, written to and signed by John Mackay.  Est. $50-150

1425.      Storey.  Virginia.  Best & Belcher MC check in blue with RNG signed by Obiston, 1877.  2 checks. Est. $50-100

Other Checks from the Comstock

 

1426.      Storey.  Virginia.  Hale & Norcross signed by CC Thomas, at one time superintendent of the Sutro Tunnel.1867.  Printed in red, has Nevada and Federal adhesive revenue stamps.  Ex rare.  Three checks.  Est. $150-250

1427.      Storey.  Virginia.  Chollar Potosi check with RND, printed in purple.  (Sorry, no purple Nevada imprinted revenue)  Ex rare.  Est. $50-100

1428.      Storey.  Virginia.  Four miscellaneous Comstock checks. Chollar-Norcross-Savage Shaft Co w/RNG, 1880; Empire Mill on B of C, 1866, 2 1890’s checks.  Est. $50-75

1429.      Storey.  Virginia.  Six checks on the Wells Fargo Bank signed by the Empire Mill, 1864.  Territorial.  Adhesive revenue at left.  Est. $150-250

 

1430.      Storey.  Virginia.  Three checks, two Best & Belcher with RND and RND signed by Fair and Obiston and an 1864 Empire Mill check on Wells Fargo Bank, VC. Est. $100-200

1431.      Storey.  Virginia.  Odd lot of checks.  Rare brown Gould & Curry, Best & Belcher Joint Shaft 1879 with RHG (5) and B&B MC with RNG, SNM&US Co. with RNG.  Est. $100-200

1432.      Storey.  Virginia.  Lot of unused unusual checks.  Six checks or receipts.  Best & Belcher in purple & green, 187x; Consol New York MC 18xx; Seg.  Belcher & Mides Con. MC 191x; two Pacific Wood Lumber & Flume Co. 187x with RNG.  All are very rare.  Est. $50-100
Other Documents from the Collection

 

1433.      Lander. Austin. Third of Exchange from Paxton Thornburgh bankers in Austin 1867 to Louis Janin Jr in Virginia City. The piece acts as a draft rather than an exchange because someone crossed out Third and inserted only. Tears along edges. 2 cent revenue attached. Rare. Est. $100-200

1434.      Storey.  Virginia.  Nevada Bank of San Francisco Duplicate of Exchange signed by George King payable at the Nevada Bank of San Francisco in New York, 1879.  Rare.  Est. $150-300

1435.      Storey.  Virginia.  1863 voter ticket for delegates to the County Convention which we assume is for the Nevada Territorial Constitutional Convention of November 1863. William Morris Stewart, at the top of the list on this ticket, was elected as delegate. The ticket was later used as a receipt for $20 signed by Frank Healy. Pink paper, 3 x 3.5”. With this comes a hand written note from “Stewart” (we assume is Wm. Stewart) asking Charles Strong to let Healy have $20. in coin. Est. $50-100

1436.      Lander.  Yankee Blade.  Three unissued certificates from the Governor Low Gold & Silver MC, datelined Virginia, N. T. “Location- Yankee Blade District”  186x. Purple print.  Folds.  Printed by the Commercial print, Virginia City.  Stubs attached.  4 x 13”.  Est. $75-100

End Gould & Curry Collection

 

1437.      Storey.  Virginia.  H. M. Yerington Signatures on V & T RR documents, 1880 & 1882.  Lot of 5 pcs.  There are two V & T documents with Yerington signatures.  Included are three other V & T documents without his signature.  Extremely fine.  Est. $75-150

1438.      Storey.  Virginia.  Iowa Mining Co.  Cert.#108.  Incorporated in California in 1862.  Issued to A. Carpenter for 25 shares in 1875.  Signed by president E.J. Weeks and A.D. Carpenter as secretary.  Printed by Bacon & Co.  4 1/2” x 9”.  Bald eagle vignette at left, and a dog guarding a safe near the masthead.  Black border.  Edges very rough, folds.  This company’s stock was not listed as trading stock with the San Francisco Stock Exchange, nor on the Assessment list, nor is the company a surveyed claim on the Becker Map of 1882.  The company never reported selling ore, nor did they report having a mill or an engine to run a hoist.  The only listed activity we were able to find was listed in Browne, where they reported a 1200 foot claim with 1200 shares of stock, which had no reported sales records, only assessments in 1864-66.  Augustine D. Carpenter was listed as a professional mining secretary out of San Francisco, but we could find nothing on Weeks in the SF Directory.  The early date of incorporation versus the date of issuance is noteworthy.  They may have held a mining claim of another name.  Rare.  Est. $175-350

1439.      Storey.  Virginia.  John Mackay Manuscript Letter & Autograph, c.1895.  This two page letter is addressed to another mining man, William Andrews Clark.  Clark was a Senator of Montana at the time, and had quarters in Washington DC.  In his massive house there, he collected art, and had invited Mackay to come see his collection.  In this note Mackay apologizes to Clark stating, “yesterday was such a bad day I did not take around to look at your pictures – to see art well as you know, you…  On your return from Europe I shall much pleased to drop in and look at your collection….” Signed boldly on the third page “John Mackay.” 

Today, Clark’s art collection can be still seen in Washington at the Corcoran Gallery. He collected a wide variety of styles, probably trying to amass a collection of classical works. Few of the west’s mining men ventured into art, and Clark was perhaps among the top collectors of his period from the mining industry. Most of the successful mining men pumped the money back into business ventures or other charities, some of which have lasted for more than 100 years (Hearst). 

Mackay was a driving force on the Comstock along with his partner James G. Fair. In San Francisco their partners were Flood and O’Brien, who ran a saloon next to the San Francisco stock exchange. They manipulated stocks and mine production to suit the manipulation, but in the end, found some of the richest ore in American history at the Consolidated Virginia Mine. Mackay went on to fund a number of other businesses, most of which were successful. Clark was a key financier and player in Montana copper mines. It was there that he struck a considerable fortune. Letters and documents, other than checks, signed by Mackay are rare. This is the first letter I have been pleased to offer in more than twenty years, and offers an insight into the private lives of two of the most powerful mining men in America. Est. $400-700
1440.      Storey.  Virginia.  M. N. Stone Manuscript Letter to Hon William Sharon, 1884.  The letterhead is from the Law Office of M. N. Stone datelined Virginia City, 1884.  This is a draft of a letter sent to William Sharon reminding him that he owes his client some $4000.  This is due to a judgment in the U. S. Circuit Court against William Sharon and others.  The specifics of the case are not outlined in the letter.  See story of William Sharon.  Very fine.  Est. $75-150

1441.      Storey.  Virginia.  Memorandum of Bullion shipment to Carson City Mint.  These two receipts are very early evidence of profitable re-working of tailings from the Comstock Lode.  Tailings were milled at least in the 1870’s.  Crude mills built in the 1860’s often had poor recovery, leaving much of the gold and silver in the tailings.  Miners began to figure this out and by the mid 1870’s were regularly testing tailings.  The tails from the Washoe Mill of these assay sheets show gold of 0.036 and silver 0.955, which was actually normal head grade of standard ore.  Here, assayer James of Gold Hill received a 422 ounce ingot from the Washoe Mill, re-melted it producing an ingot of 412 ounces.  The “lost” ten ounces were probably impurities-mostly copper.  James did a good job on his melt because when the Carson Mint re-melted the bar they only lost 1/10th of an ounce.  Two small pin holes at left edge of each receipt.  Extremely fine.  Est. $150-300

1442.      Storey.  Virginia.  Mexican G&SMC.  Cert.#13753.  Incorporated in California in 1874.   Issued to B.A. Wilbrand for 100 shares in 1911.  Signed by president B.f. Shaw.  Eagle vignette.  Black border on yellow paper.  6 x 10.  Printer – Olson Litho SF. This was a major mine on the Comstock located immediately on the north boundary of the Ophir, and was named after Manuel Penrod, one of the original discovery group from 1859.  From 1859-1918 it produced nearly $3 million in gold and silver.  It was one of the first mines discovered on the Comstock by one of the original discoverers.  The mine was noted for its wire silver specimens in the early days. (Ref: C&C, Becker, DeQuille)  Holes in signatures. Very fine, hole punches along signatures.  Est. $15-30

1443.      Storey.  Virginia.  Mexican G&SMC.  Lot of 2 certificates and 8 deeds.  Cert.#13736, 13762.  Incorporated in 1874.  Issued to Nat Boas for 100 shares in 1911, and W.H. Wright for 100 shares in 1911.  Both Signed by president B. F. Shaw.  Cancelled by hole punches.  Vignette of bald eagle with snake in its mouth.  A cute little vignette of two quail at bottom.  Black border on yellow paper.  The Mexican- named after one of its founders, Manuel Penrod- was a major mine on the Comstock and one of the first discovered, having produced nearly $3 million in gold and silver from 1859-1918.  The mine was particularly noted for its wire silver specimens in the early days.  (Ref: C&C, Becker, DeQuille).  5” x 10”.  Est. $100-200

1444.      Storey.  Virginia.  Montezuma Consolidated M Co., incorporated in California  1887, datelined San Francisco. Issued 1887 to J. Crockett, trustee for 100 shares, cert no. 71, uncancelled. Signed by Jabez Howes as president and J. Crockett as secretary. Printed by Dutton & Partridge, SF. 4 x 9”. Printed on white paper, with fancy masthead. Folds. Rare. The Montezuma is a surveyed mining claim on the west side of the hill that flanks the west side of the Gould & Curry mill site at the junction of 6 and 7 mile canyons. It is well outside of any of the producing zones, and was in all probability never more than a prospect, with a public company floating stock simply because of having ground “on the Comstock.” It was a worthless property. Howes was a shipping and commercial agent in SF. Crockett was a professional mining secretary in SF. This certificate is one of 6 that we received with a statement that it is from the estate of Wm. Wright, aka Dan DeQuille. DeQuille wrote the Big Bonanza, a history of the Comstock Lode, while taking a sabbatical from the Territorial Enterprise. He was encouraged by Sam Clemens to write the history, and indeed worked on the book in the seclusion of Clemens’ home in Hartford, CT. It comes with a statement regarding its origin from one of DeQuille’s relatives. All of these certificates were in “street” name, not DeQuille’s, unfortunately. (Ref: 1879, 1887 SF Dir.; Becker Atlas) Est. $300-500

1445.      Storey.  Virginia.  Nevada & Utah Territorial Deeds, 1860-61.  Group of five (5) early territorial deeds.  One, issued in Oct, 1860, was sold by the Burrall’s Pioneer Bookstore in Virginia City.  Four of the deeds are 1860, on is 1861.  One of the deeds was printed by “Frank Pixley, Virginia City, UT”.  Most have tears along folds with some only very minor to a complete detachment.  Very fine.  Est. $500-1000

1446.      Storey.  Virginia.  Nevada Bank of San Francisco Document Collection, 1874-1891.  Lot of 40 pcs.  A majority of the documents are for money transactions between the bank and Geo. B. Hill from the 1870’s.  The other documents are letters and receipts of deposits or payments.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300
1447.      Storey.  Virginia.  Nevada Territory Survey for a lot 1/2 mile north of VC by T. E. James, County surveyor, dated March 30, 1864. Included hand drawn map of the lot owned by Madden & Bressler along the Geiger Road. 8 x 14”. Vf.  Est $75-150

1448.      Storey.  Virginia.  Nevada Territory, 1862 deed for property in Virginia City along “I” Street next to “the Widow Gates lot”.  Signed by Nelson W. Winton as a witness and an “X” for Thos. Gavan, owner.  Printed by Wm. Buttall in Virginia City – an early Territorial imprint.  Reverse also signed by Winton as Territorial notary public.  Winton ran the Eagle Valley Hay and Lumber Yard in V.C. in 1862.  Gavan was a laborer at the Mexican Mill.  Folds, heavy foxing on right edge, brittle.  13 1/2” x 8 1/2”.  Est. $75-150

1449.      Storey.  Virginia.  Nevada’s Greatest Pioneer Celebration Program, 1936.  20 pps.  Every page contains ads from local businesses in Virginia City.  The cover has a vignette of a miner holding a gold pan with a shovel behind him.  Blue border on cover and blue print throughout.  Thin 2 inch stain at upper right front cover.  Fold and crease marks at corners.  Very fine.  Est. $30-60

1450.      Storey.  Virginia.  North Savage G&SMC, incorporated in California1875, issued 1877 to R. O. Ives trustee for 1000 shares, signed by Lyman J. Many (sp?) as president and Thos. Ryan as secretary. 5 x 9”, folds, discoloration, tear along right fold/. Vignette of Indians at left. Uncancelled. Three very old tape repairs to reverse about 1” each . No printer shown, unusual for a very ornate certificate. The North Savage never made it into any of the classic references. It also had no patented claim associated with it. The Company used the great name of the Savage mine, an extremely successful mine on the Comstock to promote its stock. We have not seen this piece before. Est $175-250

1451.      Storey.  Virginia.  Occidental Mill Payroll, 1884.  Lists 13 names and is the payroll for the month of July.  The highest wage was $4 per day, for the foreman, and the laborers got $3/day.  Very fine.  Est. $25-75

1452.      Storey.  Virginia.  Official Bond for Henry P. Cohen, Notary Public, 1864.  This legal document marks the day when Henry Cohen was made Notary Public of Storey County on April 21, 1864.  Two trusting fellows, D. Driscoll and D. E. McCarthy back a bond of $5000.  Evidently, this bond helps to keep the County Notary Public in line.  If he failed to uphold the law, then he and his two backers would be liable for a fine of $5000 payable to the U.S. Government.  Two attached pages contain three distinct documents each with an adhesive revenue stamp, the first of which is $0.50, the other two are $0.05.  Small tears along fold creases.  Very fine and readable.  Est. $100-200

1453.      Storey.  Virginia.  Ophir Cons. M&MC.  Cert.#160, incorporated in California  1879, datelined San Francisco. Issued 1879 to J. Applegate, trustee for 5 shares, uncancelled . Signed by H. Cox as president and J. J. Applegate as secretary. Printed by Britton & Rey.  4 x 9”.  Printed on yellow paper, with fancy masthead.  The Ophir was the first discovery on the Comstock and one of the great mines. It was staked by Penrod, McLaughlin, O’Reilly, and Comstock, then sold to Walsh, Hearst and others. It produced more than $15 million through 1921, and was probably the first mine on the Comstock to have ore shipped out for processing, before the roads to Virginia City were built in April, 1860. Cox was an agent for a Life Insurance Co. John Applegate was a clerk for the County Tax Collector in SF.  Rare. This certificate is one of 6 that we received with a statement that it is from the estate of Wm. Wright, aka Dan DeQuille. DeQuille wrote the Big Bonanza, a history of the Comstock Lode, while taking a sabbatical from the Territorial Enterprise. He was encouraged by Sam Clemens to write the history, and indeed worked on the book in the seclusion of Clemens’ home in Hartford, CT. It comes with a statement regarding its origin from one of DeQuille’s relatives. All of these certificates were in “street” name or free trading, not DeQuille’s, unfortunately. [ref: Pacific Coast Stock Register, 1878; 1879 SF Dir.] Est. $300-500

1454.      Storey.  Virginia.  Ophir MC.  Cert.#5997.  Incorporated in Nevada in 1921.  Issued to Wm. Cavalier & Co. for 1000 shares in 1935.  Cancelled by cancellation stamp.  Signed by vice-president William Kendall and asst. secretary M.R. Lincoln.  Rust border on yellow paper, no vignette.  No printer noted.  The Ophir was one of the first and most important mines on the Comstock.  The dump today is a senior center and a baseball field.  Vf.  4” x 9”.  Est. $15-30
1455.      Storey.  Virginia.  Ophir Mill Check, 1972.  Agency of the Bank of California.  W. S. Hobart.  Check #530.  Issued to Fred Boegle.  Signed by James G. Fair.  Imprinted revenue with a 2 cent Nevada State Revenue stamp overtop.  Cancellation punch with hole at left of center.  Extremely fine.  Est. $100-200

1456.      Storey.  Virginia.  Ordway & Clark, Grocers & Day Goods, Full Color Billhead, 1869.  At upper left is a vignette in red ink of a fancy horse drawn flat bed wagon in front of a store with mustard colored underprint.  There is a 2 cent revenue and a 2 cent Nevada revenue adhesive stamp affixed at left edge.  One of only three color billheads we have seen from Virginia City, but there may be more.  Extremely fine.  Very Rare.  Est. $75-150

1457.      Storey.  Virginia.  Original Keystone SMC.  Cert.#453.  Incorporated in California in 1877, issued 1880 to Joseph E. Smiley for 10 shares.  Signed by president Joseph Smiley and secretary G.B. Pratt.  Uncancelled.  Vignette of a keystone in the “O” of Original and a seal at the left.  Britton & Rey, printers.  Tan paper.  Couch and Carpenter do not list a production for this mine.  The stock traded for $3-$7 in the late 1870’s.  The Keystone is about one mile north of the Utah shaft, and out of the normal producing area of the Comstock.  The claim itself was directly adjacent to the Utah claim, but does not show up on the Becker map.  It was located in November 1859.  Reports from 1879 indicated expecting ore at a depth of 500 feet.  (Ref: Lord, Becker Atlas, Pacific Coast Mining Review).  A keystone is the for an important stone in a constructed foundation or wall.  It often was the locking stone of the largest stone that held the wall or foundation together. Very fine.  Est. $150-300

1458.      Storey.  Virginia.  Peytona Gold & Silver Mining Co.  Incorporated in 1862.  Issued to J. W. Peru for 500 shares, cert #586, in 1877.  Signed by Louis Vesarica vice president and Jno, W. Peas secretary.  No vignette.  Black border and print.  Uncancelled.  Printer - Britton Rey & Co, SF.  4 x 7.  The Peytona mine was 500 feet west of the Sacramento mill.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

1459.      Storey.  Virginia.  Piper’s Opera House, Real Photopostcards, c. 1910.  Lot of 4 pcs.  Three of the cards are black and white exterior shots of the Opera House taken around 1910(?).  One of them is by Frashers Fotos, the other two are not noted.  The fourth card is a modern color photo (Mirror Krome) of the interior of the Opera House taken by H. S. Crocker Co, SF.  There is a short historical write-up on the reverse of the card.  Very fine.  Est. $25-50

1460.      Storey.  Virginia.  Plutus G&SMC.  Cert.#57.  Incorporated in 1876.  Issued to E. A. Peck for 50 shares in 1878.  Signed by president H.A. Mashes and secretary E.A. Peck.  Tiny vignette of male and female quail at bottom center.  Fancy black print in masthead.  Stock Report Print, printers.  The company had a claim directly downhill from the great Con Virginia, as shown on the Becker map of 1883.  The company was not listed in Burchard, Pacific Mining Rev., nor was it listed as a trading stock on the Pacific Exchange in 1880.  They did have an office in San Francisco, run by E.A. Peck.  My best guess is that the Con Virginia litigated them out of business via the apex law.  Vf, dark spot across dateline and issuee.  4” x 9 1/4”.  Est. $150-300

1461.      Storey.  Virginia.  Program of the Picnic & Excursion Given by the Storey County Public Schools, 189x.  The front list the times for activities such as the 150 yard race at 11 am and the three legged race at 12:30 to name just a few.  The reverse has the Pavilion Programme listing different dances.  Minor water staining spots on front.  Very to Extremely fine.  Est. $50-100

1462.      Storey.  Virginia.  Rare Virginia City Billheads, 1873-74.  Lot of 10 pcs.  J. Waldstein & Co (2), Webb & Mullard Contractors, E. Kirschbraun Grocers, C. H. Clark & Co Grocers, Brown & Mahanny Printers, Bank of California Receipt, S. D. & C. C. Baker Grocers.  Most have acidified or are water stained and are delicate along edges.  Poor to fine.  Est. $100-200

1463.      Storey.  Virginia.  Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) Autograph.  December 12, 1900 post card from Sam Clemens to A. T. Gurlity, his attorney in New York. Sam writes on the back that he has just read “Library of Wit and Humor” and calls it the “most impudent swindle I have ever seen.” He is referring to pure and simple copyright infringement. Apparently Rudyard Kipling was in the process of suing the author and publisher of the work, and Clemens comments “If the Kipling contest gets the right verdict (trade mark)I may want you to take hold of it.”  Clemens fought much of his latter years with publishers who willingly stole his works.
This note is boldly and clearly signed “S L Clemens” at the bottom.  Clemens’ life in Nevada was the most important phase in his career, leading to countless tales of his ventures over the next 40 years. His wonderful work Roughing It published about 1872 recounted his early wanderings, jobs, successes and failures. As a prospector in Aurora, he leapt to the forefront as a writer for the Territorial Enterprise in Virginia City, where his humorous articles got him started. Est. $1500-2500

1464.      Storey.  Virginia.  Savage MC Receipts, 1873.  Lot of 2 pcs.  One IRS special tax receipt, undated, and one Quarterly Assessment of company net proceeds, dated June 30, 1873.  Both a bit rough, particularly the special tax receipt, with damage to left and right edges.  4 182” x 11” and 5 1/4” x 10 1/2”.  The Savage was in the gut of the Comstock.  The mine got its name from Leonard C. Savage, a Downieville miner who bought the claims in 1859.  The mine produced more than $17.5 million from 1863-1909.  It is flanked by the Hale & Norcross to the south and Gould & Curry to the north.  (Ref: DeGroot, C&C, Becker).  Est. $50-150

1465.      Storey.  Virginia.  Savage Mine Payroll Checks, 1866-1880.  Lot of 22 pcs.  Pay vouchers for the Savage Mine that are signed by the miners who were usually paid in gold or silver at the end of each month.  Over the nearly twenty year period of these checks, the average pay remained at $4 per day.  The Supers that signed the checks include:  Chas. Bonner (1866-70), T. B. Shamp (1869-72), F. J. McClelland (1870), James G. Fair (1872, 1875), A. C. Hamilton (1872-1874), S. T. Curtis (1876-77), M. G. Gillette (1879-80), Jno. P. Kelley (1880), P. S. Buckminster (1880).  Several of these Supers ran other very successful mines in the Comstock:  James Fair at the Con Virginia, Sam Curtis at the Ophir, Charles Bonner at the Gould & Curry (Spence, 1993).  Extremely fine.  Est. $100-250

1466.      Storey.  Virginia.  Savage Mine Store-House Keeper’s Daily Report, 1877.  The report notes the amount of materials received, the materials and the amount consumed.  Singed by store-house keeper M.A. Leavy.  1877.  XF.  Est. $25-75

1467.      Storey.  Virginia.  Savage Mine, Four documents related to the Company. The largest of these is a 10 x 17 accounting style sheet for bullion owned by the Savage Mining Co. assayed at the Gould & Curry Assay Office.  The data reports on ingots received from three different mills, the Santiago, Booth, and Mariposa mills. Virtually all of the ingots were running about .035 fine gold, and about .955 fine silver. 1867. There is an assay report for ores from the Savage from some very rich pockets running up to $170 per ton. This was considered “first class ores” by the mine superintendents. 1867. Letter on company stationery 1891, and assessment receipt for stock, 1891. All vf. Est $150-250

1468.      Storey.  Virginia.  Scorpion MC Letterhead and letter to the stockholders.  Letterhead is datelined San Francisco, Feb. 19, 1894, and is addressed to T. R. Hufer Esq.  The letter to the stockholders letter is dated 1864.  10 1/4” x 8 1/4”-11” x 8 1/4”.  The Scorpion claim was one of the few long claims staked in 1859, before district laws were emplaced.  The Lady Bryan Claim was also about 3000 feet long.  C&C recorded no production, although several resources stated activity.  Both vf, stains along right edge of stockholders; folds in letterhead.  Est. $25-50

1469.      Storey.  Virginia.  Six deeds dated 1876-1905, all but one pre-1890, for various properties in Virginia City. Some of the names involved are A. Williams, H. Baglin, Dennis Nevin, M. Welch, Chatteston, J. Wheeler. All vf. Est $150-300

 

 

1470.      Storey.  Virginia.  Society of Pacific Coast Pioneers, Lot of three scrip notes.  Two $5 and one $10 scrip notes, 1877, signed by R. Taylor and Sam Gowan.  All have a small “paid” stamp between the signatures.  The Society of Pacific Coast Pioneers was formed in Virginia City as a parallel to the Society of California Pioneers.  They had a building full of priceless archives from the Comstock that burned down. It was formed in 1872. To join, you had to be in the Pacific States or territories before January 1, 1851 or be a direct descendant. It was created for charitable purposes, to form a library, and collect and preserve history. They had 400 members with a 2 story brick building on B street which was entirely destroyed in the fire of 1875. After the fire they raised $19,000 mostly on these notes and rebuilt the building obtaining new collections. It is not known what happened to the collections after 1883. [ref: Angel] Est. $150-300
1471.      Storey.  Virginia.  Society of Pacific Coast Pioneers.  A $5 Bond issued in 1877, cert # 62, for payment in three years with interest.  Signed by R. H. Taylor president and Sam McGowan secretary.  Vignette of a bear with trees in background.  Black border and print.  Cancelled by PAID stamp between signatures.  5 x 8.  Extremely fine.  Est. $750-1000

1472.      Storey.  Virginia.  Storey County Bills for Services & Supplies, 1880’s.  Lot of +/-100pcs.  These are essentially accounts payable for the county.  There are a wide array of services and suppliers represented.  All in extremely fine condition.  Est. $50-100

1473.      Storey.  Virginia.  Storey County Courthouse Real Photopostcards, and the other of a men exiting the Sutro Tunnel in ore cars pulled by a mule.  Both have white order, and both are unused.  5 1/2” x 3 1/2” and 3 1/2” x 5 1/2”.  Xf.  Est. $25-50

1474.      Storey.  Virginia.  Sutro Tunnel Co. Broadside 10/4/1869.  The broadside is an attempt by Sutro to tell the public what was going on with the tunnel project. 7 x 16”, three columns, datelined Virginia City. Listed in Armstrong, Nevada Printing History, p 189. Scarce, but not rare. Often seen listed by book dealers as very rare at $500 up. This was a very informative piece published by Sutro that probably was included in an edition of the Territorial Enterprise.  Est $100-200

1475.      Storey.  Virginia.  Sutro Tunnel Company, First Issue.  Issued to Capt. John Day for 70 shares in 1868.  Cancelled.  Vignette of miner holding pick in upper left.  Signed by Adolph Sutro, although somewhat difficult to read due to cancellation marks.  Datelined City of New York.  6 ½” x 10 ¾”.  5” x 8 ¼” attached letter signed by John Day regarding the transfer of old shares to a new one.  Brown 25 cent revenue stamp at left.  John Day was the surveyor from 1862-1868.  An active miner, and at one time the president of the Sullivan Mining District near the town named after him, Dayton, NV, strangely Day is not listed in Kelly’s 1862 Nevada Territory Directory.  In 1860, Day suspended mining at Sullivan due to Indian trouble, during which time Major Ormsby and his volunteers were killed.  Left edge a bit rough, with the upper left corner damaged.  (Ref: Angel).  Est. $1500-2000

1476.      Storey.  Virginia.  Sutro Tunnel Photoposcards.  Lot of 10 identical cards.  Unused.  Scene of a mule pulling a miner’s tram from the portal of the Sutro Tunnel.  Seven miners are seated on the car.  Very fine.  Est. $75-150

1477.      Storey.  Virginia.  Union Cons. Mining Co.  Lo of 2.  Cert.#24657, 24663.  Incorporated in 1904.  Both are issued to R.L. Rader for 500 shares in 1927.  Both are signed by president Radar and secretary Lane.  Vignette of capitol building in masthead, and a vignette of a soldier on a rearing horse.  Black border on yellow paper.  Both are cancelled by holes.  4” x 9 1/4”.  The Comstock property had apparently been inactive since 1923.  In 1926 the company moved its activities to California, with the Oro Plata mine as the only active producer.  In late 1929, two years after issuance, it was reported in The Mines Hdbk that there were between 600,000 and 800,000 tons of ore developed at $30 per ton, mostly in gold.  (Ref: Weed, 1931, pp.679-680).  Est. $20-40

1478.      Storey.  Virginia.  Union Cons. Silver Mining Co.  Check No.23.  Paycheck issued to A Robertson for $124 in 1879 for “31 days’ work as a Miner…at $4 per day.”  Signed by Robertson.  Blue border.  Large tear from top edge to center, stains.  The union was at the north end of the Comstock. While much work was done there, about $2 million was produced [C&C]. Rare. Est. $25-50

1479.      Storey.  Virginia.  United States Mining Co.  Incorporated in Nevada Territory 1862.  Issued to Peter H. Pierce for 20 shares, cert #315,  in 1865.  Signed by president John. J. Huck and secretary J. W. Buffington.  Vignette at top of capitol building with people and horses in foreground.  Vignette at lower left of a military man on horseback.  Datelined San Francisco.  Black border and print.  Virginia District, Story (note the spelling) County, N.T.  Printer – Fishburne.  5 x 10 ½.  Uncancelled.  Faded brown, 25 cent revenue stamp at right.  Discoloration. We could find no information on this company. Not to be confused with
United States Gold and Silver MC in Lander County at the same time. No references to this company found anywhere, checking the same places as the Triton. Huch was a manufacturing chemist with Huck & Lambert in San Francisco. Buffington was a professional mining secretary and Peter Pierce was a baker with Chadbourne’s bakery in San Francisco. They did not have a separate office in SF. This is an interesting instance in which regular people bought western mining stock, and further shows why there should have been some knowledge of the company. (Ref: 1865 SF Dir., Mi & Sci Press, 1864)Est. $400-600

1480.      Storey.  Virginia.  Utah MC, incorporated in California 1905, issued 1906 to E. Fisher Trustee, for 200 shares, signed by Herman Zadig as president and A. W. Hamm as secretary. Printed by Orozco Litho. Very fancy masthead, but no separate vignette. Uncancelled. 5 x 9” Black on white. The Utah was basically the northern most producing mine on the Comstock, though it has no production record in Couch & Carpenter. Rare certificate. Est $100-200

1481.      Storey.  Virginia.  V & T Railway Ledger Sheet.  Detailed Statement of disbursements for Account of Contractors Carson and Colorado R. R. Co. printed at top of sheet.  Unused.  18 x 43.  Water stain at lower right corner.  Very fine.  Est. $35-75

1482.      Storey.  Virginia.  Van Wyck & Co Assay Office, 1864.  Lot of 2 pcs.  These receipts of bullion deposited with the company lists Virginia City, N.T. at left edge.  The Savage MC deposited 3400 ozs and 2400 ozs in December of 1864.  Van Wyck was one of the key assayers for the Savage MC.  In order for an assay company to survive in the highly competitive mining climate, even during bonanza times, assayers needed contracts with major mines to keep their businesses alive.  Van Wyck certainly had his hands full with the Savage, who had submitted their ores to more than a dozen different custom mills, unlike the Gould & Curry, who built their own mill in 1863.  On of the receipts was taped into a matting, which is now removed but the tape pieces are still adhered to reverse.  Printer - Enterprise Print.  Very fine.  Est. $75-150

1483.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Carson City Document Collection, 1870-1900’s.  Lot of ~100 pcs.  The collection includes county documents, billheads, receipts and correspondence.  Some of the billheads are delicate along the edges from acidification.  Fine.  Est. $200-400

1484.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Ephemera, c. 1920-1950.  Lot of 16 pcs.  1)  Paper label with “Nevada Day, Diamond Jubilee, October29-30-31, Meet me in Carson” with picture of train at center in blue ink, 4 x 6 (3 pcs.).  2)  Paper label with “Ship This Order Western Pacific and V & T Railway” with picture of two trains, one modern and passing easily an older train with the caption “It Cant Be Said That the V & T Isn’t Keeping Abreast Of The Times!” drawn by Ward Kimball, black ink on orange paper (4 pcs.); 3)  Paper label with Ship This Order V & T Railway, For Pick-Up Service Phone Reno 2-1432” with same picture of trains as described in #2, black ink on yellow paper (4 pcs.); 4)  Rail car metal seals with stamped serial numbers and stamped with V & T Ry., made of brass (3 pcs.).  All in mint condition.  Est. $100-150

1485.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Archive, 1870-1900.  Lot of about 50+ pcs.  Most of the documents are expense and freight bills, others are stubs or special freight way bills.  Very fine.  Est. $150-250

 

1486.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co Billhead Collection, 1880-1900.  Lot of 84 pcs.  There are 79 billheads for “Transportation of Merchandise from…” most are billed to the major mills of Virginia and Carson City.  Payroll check to E. L. Little, 1887.  Two receipts for payment by V & T to the C & C, 1900 and from V & T to Armour Packing Co, 1900.  Two freight bills, 1900.  Very fine.  Est. $150-300

1487.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co Billheads, 1880-81.  Lot of 8 pcs.  The first is a long eight page invoice from Huntington, Hopkins & Co, Hardware, Iron, Steel, Railway Supplies, of Sacramento, 1880.  These billheads at 8 x 10 and have a fancy masthead at top of each sheet.  The next is a billhead from George T. Davis, Grocers, of Carson City, 1882.  The last is from the Central Pacific Railroad Co for engine switching in Reno in Dec. 1881.  Very fine.  Est. $50-150
1488.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co Payment Allotments, all Signed on Reverse by H. M. Yerington, 1880-1900.  Lot of 34 pcs.  Several have the original billhead attached to the payment approval form.  Very fine.  Est. $200-4001489.                Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co Payroll, 1887 & 1900.  Lot of 4 pcs.  All are very fine.  Est. $75-150

1490.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co.  Incorporated in Nevada.  $1000 Bond, cert #638, issued 1874.  Signed by William Sharon president and Geo A. King secretary.  Vignette at top center of two Indians overlooking a complex scene with a mill, horse drawn wagon, train on tressell with classic Nevada backdrop.  Ornate black border and fancy masthead.  Cancelled by hole punches in signatures and ink near vignette.  Printer - Lith Britton, Rey & Co. SF.  41 of original 60 coupons cashed in.  Wrinkling of edges.  Small tear at top center edge.  Extremely fine.  Est.  $400-600

1491.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co., Archive, 1882.  Lot of 13 pcs.  This is a unique lot of V & T that includes the License for Carson City, 1882.  There is a timetable, payroll documents, a fancy travel ticket and many other papers.  All are signed by the rail magnate H. M. Yerington.  Very fine.  Est. $300-400

1492.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co., Notebooks, c. 1880’s.  Lot of 2 pcs.  Pocket sized notebooks that appear to be for someone who took care of invoicing or billing.  Pages are filled with numbers or names with various shipped materials.  One of the books is 3 x 7 and have of each rigid cover has been torn away.  The other book is missing the rear cover and the binding is very worn.  Fine.  Est. $100-200

1493.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co., Ticket Stub Books.  Lot of 3 pcs.  Three “Agent’s Stub-Book Ticket” for passenger travel on the V & T.  Most are one way tickets with destinations of Reno, Virginia and Carson.  Two of the books have many stubs that have a 1/2 punched in stub.  2 x 4.  All books indicate the cost of travel and identify if the passenger is an employee of a railroad company.  Booklets are complete and whole with original covers.  Very fine.  Est. $300-500

1494.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Documents, 1877-79.  Lot of 4 pcs.  A) ticket from Carson to Virginia, 1878, b) letter signed by Yerington to Thornton on V&T letterhead that he has drawn $1000, c) preprinted company manuscript check from 1879 in payment to Wells Fargo & Co. $1875 signed by Yerington  d) preprinted receipt from the Reno station for freight from Reno to Carson 1877 signed by Reddie. None of this material is common, and letters by Yerington on company stationery are somewhat rare.  Est. $100-200

1495.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad Ledger containing their dealing and accounts with the Central Pacific Railroad.  About 1000 way bills and receipts for shipments of goods on the two rail lines.  The documents are bound into a 14 x 17 book which is now missing the cover.  Receipts are in excellent condition.  Appears to be the Central Pacific’s records of V & T shipments with their line.  These receipts if separated sell for $15-40 each.  Very fine.  Est. $6000-8000

1496.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Payroll sheet for the Conductors & Brakemen.  Dated July 1884.  Twenty four different employees and their salaries and occupations are listed, along with their signatures for receipt of pay.  18” x 11 1/2”.  Est. $50-150

1497.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee RR Co. RNG revenue stamped check.  Paid to H.M. Yerington for $1000 in 1876. V&T emblem (vignette) at left.  Lith Britton, Rey & Co., S.F., printers.  Signed by H.M. Yerington as vice president and W.M. Thornton as secretary.  3 1/2” x 8”, xf. Very crisp. Yerington was president of the Virginia & Truckee RR. Here he writes himself a check for $1000 in 1876. The Company was formed in 1868 by the Bank of California interests. The Board initially had Wm. Sharon, W. Ralston, Bonner, Fry, Bell, Baldwin, Sunderland, Barron, Tritle as directors. The line was completed by the end of 1872 at a cost of about $3.4 million. By 1880, the company was doing more than $1 million a year. In 1880, he became a director, along with D. O. Mills, who had assumed the office of president. He later became president, and went on to finance several Nevada rail lines and other endeavors. This is a choice Comstock autograph piece issued to and signed by one of Nevada’s great railroad men. [ref: Angel, Myrick] Est. $100-150
1498.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia & Truckee RR Co.  Incorporated in 1868.  Unissued, uncancelled.  Vignette of two men watching steam train on mountainside rail.  Small vignette of a spread-winged bald eagle at lower right.  Black print on crème paper.  Britton & Rey, printers.  7” x 10”, xf. See above for story. Choice and Very rare. Crisp. Est. $200-400

1499.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Billheads & Documents, 1865-1922.  Lot of 6 pcs.  Two of the pieces are Christmas Cards from the Virginia City Bank, 1922.  McMillan & Adams Billhead, 1873 & 1874, grocers; Sanborn & Co Billhead, 1865, lumber dealers; V & T RR Billhead, 1883.  One of the Mcmillan & Adams billheads is acid with severe browning along bottom half and is delicate.  All others are very fine.  Est. $25-75

1500.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Churches, Real Photopostcards, c. 1910.  One of the cards shows the altar area of St. Mary’s Church with the caption “St. Mary’s In The Mountains, Built 1868, Burnt 1875, Rebuilt 1876, Virginia City, Nevada.  Photographer - Frasher Fotos.  The second card shows the “Interior St. Paul’s, Virginia City, Nev.”  Photographer - Zan T373.  The last card is “St, Mary’s in the Mountains, Virginia City, Nev.”  An exterior photo taken by Zan T-351.  Extremely fine.  Est. $25-50

1501.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Document Collection, 1875-1900’s.  Lot of 100 pcs.  This lot contains billheads, letters, letterheads, deeds and etc.  To many to list.  All fine to extremely fine.  Est. $200-400

1502.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Document Collection, 1879-1900’s.  Lot of 60+ pcs.  Includes assessment receipts, several letters from the desk of C. E. Mack, Judge in VC, postal receipts, telegrams, checks, billheads and claim deeds.  Very fine.  Est. $200-400

1503.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Insurance Documents, 1881.  Lot of 4 pcs.  Four of the documents are of a similar style but for different companies all signed by the agent A. L. Edwards.  These forms are receipts for premium payments.  The companies are Amazon, German American, Hamburg Magdelburg and Hartford Insurance Companies.  The fifth document is an application bond for $2000 for the German Fric(?) Insurance Co to operate within the State of Nevada and filed in Ormsby County.  The first four are 8 x 10; the fifth is 8 x 14.  Slight foxing along creases.  Very fine.  Est. $50-100

1504.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Mining Company Receipts, 1877-1890’s.  Lot of 13 pcs.  Savage MC (3), Ophir Silver MC (10), Union Cons Silver MC (1), Best & Belcher MC (1),Cons Imperial MC (1), Sierra Nevada Silver MC (1), Justice MC (1), Eureka Cons MC (1), Navajo MC (1), Caledonia Silver MC (1) and a receipt for stock purchases in Bodie and Chollar by Peter Wolff.  Very fine.  Est. $100-200

1505.     Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Photopostcard Collection.  Lot of 11 pcs.  There are eight black and white cards.  One shows a military staging area in VC, c. 1945.  One is of the Catholic Church.  One is a reprint of Emma Nevada, World Renowned Opera Singer.  Two cards show presentation pieces that were on display in VC.  Another shows the interior of St. Mary’s In the Mountains Church, by Frasher, postmarked Virginia City, 1948.  One is of the Gold Hill School, card #510 and the last B & W card show the “New Geiger Grade” card #553.  There are three color or colorized photocards showing scenes of the following:  Ward Shaft,  Silver Dollar Hotel, and an areal view of the city.  Very fine.  Est. $50-100

1506.     Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Photopostcards.  Lot of 3 pcs.  The first shows the interior of the Famous Crytal Bar, card #252.  The second shows “Territorial Enterprise, Mark Twain Editor 1863”.  This card is a reprint and is numbered 211.  The third care is slightly washed out and is of the Wells, Fargo Bldg Ruins.  This card is postmarked 1931(?).  Very fine.  Est. $25-50

1507.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Real Photopostcards, c. 1900.  Lot of 3 pcs.  The first is an overview of VC with Virginia City, Nev. From the Air, Eastman’s Studio, B-5286 written in white at bottom.  The second card shows the entrance the court house with “Storey County Court House, Virginia City, Nevada FrasherFotos” at bottom written in white.  The third card has “The Presbyterian Church-Oldest Church In Virginia City, Nevada-Built In 1867, Frasher’s Fotos, F3623.”  All photos are crisp, clear and bright.  Unused.  Extremely fine.  Est. $25-50
1508.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Snow Scenes Real Photopostcards, 1952.  Lot of 3 pcs.  One shows the Post Office with about 10 feet snow with a tunnel dug out to get into the building.  The second card is of the “Sazarac with the front door is hidden by snow.  The third is of C Street and another view of the Sazarac with a lot of snow around.  All unused.  Extremely fine.  Est. $25-50

1509.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City Surveys, 1862.  Lot of 5 pcs.  1)  Survey for D. W. Osborn by E. L. Mason; 2)  Survey for Isaac Gantz by E. L. Mason; 3)  Survey for J. D. Meagher by E. L. Mason; 4)  Survey for O. C. McDonald & Co by J. E. James and 5)  Survey for Austin & Gantz by E. L. Mason.  All have maps of the property with written descriptions of the bearings.  Extremely fine.  Est. $350-500

1510.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City, N.T., Checks, 186x.  Lot of 11 pcs.  All are unused.  Two varieties.  Paxton & Thornburgh, Bankers, on crème paper (2).  White & Murphy Gold & Silver MC, on blue paper (9).  Extremely fine.  Est. $75-150

 

 

1511.      Storey.  Virginia.  Virginia City, Nevada Territorial Surveys for Mining Companies.  Lot of 9 pieces.  1)For W. E. Bidleman, 7 Mile Canyon by E. L. Mason, 1862; 2)  For R. Smith located near the McClelland Mill and the Maine Mining Co; 3)  Plat survey 2 miles northeast of Virginia City; 4)  Plat survey in Brunswick Canon between Gold Hill and Virginia City; 5)  Plat survey for C. Garfield and Peter Daly near the entrance of the Great Central Tunnel; 6)  Survey for the directors of the Brunswick Silver Mining Co; 7)  Survey for Peter Daly, R. James, H. Layer and P. Sinclair; 8)  Survey for F. Sawyer & F. Roskill; 9)  Survey for J. D. Treat & J. M. Cushing.  The first eight surveys were conducted by E. L. Mason, the last is by Wm. L. DeWitt.  All range from 1861-1863.  Maps of the plats are shown on the survey sheets and include bearings and distances.  Extremely fine.  Est. $1000-1500

1512.      Storey.  Virginia.  Wells Fargo & Co.’s Bank.  Unissued check from the Hale & Norcross SMC.  No.682.  Purple print and border.  Printed by Bacon & Co.’s Print.  3 1/4” x 8”.  Xf, small fold near bottom left corner.  Est. $5-15

1513.      Storey.  Virginia.  Wells, Fargo & Co.  Five Receipts for sealed bags of coins, 1897 and one dated 1902.  Three of the receipts were for shipments from Virginia to Carson City.  One was sent from San Francisco and the last was shipped from Carson City to Reno.  3 x 8.  Purple print.  All receipts are signed by J. M. Benton.  Very to extremely fine.  Est. $75-150

1514.      Storey.  Virginia. Four Virginia, Nevada checks, 1866, 1880, 1900 and 1947. Sierra Nevada Wood & Lumber Co. 1880 RNG, signed by Overton on Nevada Bank of San Francisco; Consol. Cal & Virginia MC, 1900 RNX signed by Ryan on Bank of California; Con Virginia 1947 signed by Kendall on FNB Reno; Gould & Curry SMC, 1866, Nevada State Revenue stamp at upper left, signed by Louis Janin Jr., on Bank of California.   All vf.  Est $75-100