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CALIFORNIA PART 2: Inyo County through Mariposa County

INYO COUNTY

294. Inyo. Darwin Ore Bag, c.1900. New Coso/ Mining Co./ Keeler, Cal. Coarse weave ore bag, 14 x 24". Fine. The New Coso district is at Darwin, a remote mining camp 24 miles from Keeler. Among the major mines were the Defiance, Lucky Jim, and Christmas Gift mines. They were major silver-lead producers for more than a century. In recent years, the Anaconda Co. operated the mines with a large floatation mill. There is a great book written on the area by Robert Palazzo published by Western Places. Much is also written of the area in many of the Burchard volumes, including a map of the district in Burchard, 1883. The bag was marked Keeler because it was the rail stop for the Carson & Colorado RR., and probable site of the company's local office. I was lucky enough to work the Darwin area for several years and have many stories to share with those interested. We almost put the key mines back into production in 1987, and still wish I had, but we didn't get the deal, and that's another story. Anaconda hadn't discovered all of Darwin's secrets. - fh. Est. $200-300.

295. Inyo. Death Valley Photo. Photo of human bones. On reverse: "Tommy Floos parished in Death Valley 1909 in Aug. This picture was taken just as they found him 3 weeks later. His pal Emery Bodge parished with him. Dick Hibbard came across the Valley 3 weeks later and found the boys laying along side of the trail." Est. $50-150.

296. Inyo. Keeler Ore Bag, c.1900. "Ventura Mg. Co./ Keeler, Calif." Coarse canvas ore bag in reasonably good condition. 13 x 24". Est. $200-300.

297. Inyo. Ore Bag, c.1920. "Big Horn Mine/ Lone Pine, Cal." Large stenciled block letters. This bag is in such good condition that it looks fake. But there are no signs of aerosol, and the lettering is done in paint, not permanent marker. It is unused. 13 x 25.5. This was not one of the mines listed in Burchard, 1885, but the names may have changed in 35 years or so. Est. $200-400.

298. Inyo. Panamint Ore Bag, c.1900. "St. John/ Mining Co./ Lookout." Coarse weave canvas ore bag. Black block letters. Some holes, but OK. 14 x 21.5". The Lookout district, also known as the Modoc district, is on the eastern slope of Lookout mountain near Panamint Valley, 12 miles from Darwin. This area is one of the most rugged prospecting areas you can imagine. The Panamint range was the most rugged area I ever worked in more than 25 years of mine exploration and development-fh. [ref: Burchard, 1883] Est. $200-400.

Scott Family Archive
The following lots are all from the Scott family archive, active in the Bishop-Big Pine area for more than 20 years.

299. Inyo. Big Pine. Anna Scott Archive,c.1896-1922. This archive chronicles the lives of an Inyo Co. family through Anna Scott, daughter of Benjamin Franklin Scott, who died in 1913. Anna married Freeman Mitchell in 1904 in Big Pine. And when Freeman died in 1908, Anna remarried to Francis Smith in 1911. There are twenty(21) one letters to and from family members, fifty one(51) photographs, and sixteen (16) other documents tracing the family's life in Big Pine. Detailed genealogical records accompany the archive.
Francis Smith's family lived in Big Pine and worked at various mines, such as the White Mountain Camp, Mammoth, and other local places. The archive includes 5 letters addressed to Freeman c.1900 (one with two photos of the White Mountain Mine area). One of the White Mountain letters says, "your father just handed me a bingle which I will enclose. It is good at the Butler Hotel." This is referring to a Butler Hotel token sent to Freeman; 15 letters to Anna or relatives
c.1895-1925, including on letter from Mammoth (1897) which states, "This is the worse place I ever saw...[and hope to be]"; two detailed note groups showing family genealogy; a letter from Woodmen of the World, regarding payment to Anna after Mitchell's death; 7 invitations for various family related events; both of Anna's marriage certificates; one small photo album of Mitchell's family in Patagonia, AZ. and Big Pine, c.1900; 16 photos (some identified) from Scott's album; 3 photos of agricultural work at Big Pine of Bishop, c.1905; 2 photos of the Holland family in Bishop, c.1900; 3 group family photos including the Big Pine family house; approximately 25 photos of the Scott family in Big Pine, including portraits, house scenes, etc.; and 5 miscellaneous documents. Est.$1000-2000.

The following are all separate lots from the Scott archive, not included above.

300. Inyo. Big Pine after a snow storm, by B.F. Scott, c.1900. Seems to be a main street, maybe downtown Big Pine. Photo is mounted on black matting. The clarity is not good, but it adds to the snowy setting. Provenance: Scott Family Archive. Very fine. 5 x 5.5". Est.$100-200.

301. Inyo. Big Pine Church. c.1900. Corner view of chapel with bell tower in the foreground. Photo is a bit washed out but in very good condition. Mounted on black matting. 4.5 x 5.5". Est.$200-300.

302. Inyo. Big Pine family. At the home of Henry Freeman and Anna Scott Mitchell; Mrs. Raphel Rossi is standing in the door, Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Felix Rossi to her left. Taken by Mr. Murphy. 1906. The image in the photo is cropped by a scallop design, mounted on gray matting. Bottom left corner cut away, but very fine. Est.$100-300.

303. Inyo. Big Pine in winter. The photo was taken in 1906 of Benjamin Franklin Scott in front of his Harness Shop. To the right of Scott are two boys sitting on a hitching post. Very fine condition except fro some damage to the lower left side. Mounted on gray matting. 9 x 11". Est.$300-500.

304. Inyo. Big Pine School group photograph. The girls are featured in the front, and seem to be the youngest of the group. One girl in front is shielding her eyes from the sun. Some very small children are captured in the photo to the right of the group, probably not meant to have been in the picture! There are a couple of small spots where the image has been rubbed (?) away, or worn away at the upper right. Photo is mounted on brown matting and is in extremely fine condition. c.1900. 3 x 4". Est.$50-100.

305. Inyo. Big Pine. Photo of a man driving a covered wagon drawn by four horses. c.1900. Cannot see the driver's face, due to the shadow cast by the cover. Probably taken in summer. Minimal water damage, but very fine. Mounted on black matting. 4 x 5" Est.$200-400.

306. Inyo. Bishop or Big Pine. Corner view of a church with large gothic-like tower at the front. Two other buildings in the background. Some minor discoloration at upper left edge, but very clear and fine. c1900 5 x 4". Est.$200-400.

307. Inyo. Bishop School group photograph. 42 fairly young children, with varying older ages interspersed. Teacher, or head master standing to the right. The matting gives the name of the photographer, F.E. Bosworth, "The Traveling View & Portrait Artist." The photo is a bit washed out, but in good condition. Some dark spots and minor warping due to water damage. 5 x 8". Est.$50-100.

308. Inyo. Bishop Family on the 4th of July. This mint photo features a young man, sitting on the steps leading to the porch, where a woman and man are standing amidst celebratory decorations. c.1906. The photo is mounted on black matting, and is in mint condition. 5 x 5". Est.$50-100.
309. Inyo. Four Photos. The first photo is a duplicate photo of a man driving a covered wagon, from the lot above, c.1900. This photo is much more washed out than the other, with more water damage. Some scarring to the matting, and two tears on photo at left. 4.5 x 5.5". The second is a group of 4 horse drawn wagons, c.1900. All are posed as if going somewhere, on an outing. Very washed out, but in very fine condition. Minor discoloration at upper right corner, and a dark spot at the top, center. The third photo is of the Scott and Mitchell families, featuring Benjamin Franklin and Eliza Jane Scott at left, Anna Elizabeth Scott Mitchell (daughter), Henry Freeman Mitchell (husband of Anna), and Frank Holland Scott (son of Benjamin and Eliza) at right, and baby Freeman Scott Mitchell, at two months old, in buggy in front. They are all posed in front of Scott's Harness Shop in Big Pine, 1906, 6 x 9". The final photograph in this lot is also taken in front of Frank Scott's Harness Shop, but in Bishop. Some writing on matting noting the figures in the picture (Frank Holland Scott, and B.F. Scott), c.1900, 5.5 x 8.5". With only 15 miles separating the two towns, it appears that Scott ran two separate shops, one in Big Pine and one in Bishop. Both storefronts are distinctly different, as can be seen in the previous lot. Est.$600-1000.

310. Inyo. Group Photograph at Big Pine School. Group of 98 students of varying ages and teachers posed in front of schoolhouse. c.1900. Photo is a bit washed out, but very clear. Some dark spots along the edges, and water damage to the matting, but otherwise in very good condition. 9 x 11". Est.$100-200.

311. Inyo. Bishop. Photo of B. J. Scott featured in carriage, parked in front of his harness shop in Bishop. Several men and a dog, including a man with a bike, are standing on the porch of the shop. Off to the left are two Mexican men also posing for the picture. Very charming picture. They seem to have been all just passing by when the photographer yelled "Stop!" The photo is in extremely fine condition, but the matting is a bit discolored. c.1900. Est.$200-400.

312. Inyo. School Group Photograph, c.1900. Group of children and adults of varying ages standing in front of what appears to be the school house. In the front is a row of scowling boys, which adds to the charm of this photo! Small piece missing from the right edge, but in very good condition. 5.5 x 8.5". Est.$50-100.

313. Inyo. Big Pine. Photo of members of the Scott and Mitchell Families. B.F. and Eliza Jane Scott, Frank H. Scott, Anna E. Scott Mitchelland husband Henry Freeman Mitchell and son Freeman Scott Mitchell. Matting is marred at the bottom edge. 6 x 9". Est.$100-300

End Scott Archive.

314. Inyo. Big Pine. Butler Hotel Souvenir Paper Fan, c.1910. "For your comfort, this fan is presented to you by the management of the Butler Hotel, Big Pine, Cal…Harry H. Temperly, Prop." Chromo-litho of lady on opposite side by the American Art Works, titled "105-Summer Blossoms." 3" tear near base and several folds. Edge wear. Stick in tact. Very nice advertisement from the hotel built by Tonopah's discoverer, Jim Butler. Est. $75-150.

315. Inyo. Bishop area. Carson & Colorado Railroad. Small half sheet with manuscript notes in D. O. Mills' handwriting noting the shareholders present for a meeting of the Carson & Colorado Railroad about 1880. Among those present were John J. Valentine, president of Wells Fargo & Co., H. M. Yerington, president of the Virginia & Truckee RR, Frank Bell, cousin of Alexander G. Bell and governor of Nevada. 2pp, rough right edge. Est. $100-150

316. Inyo. Bishop? Poleta Parlor NDGW (Native Daughters of the Golden West) Ball Ticket, Sept. 22,1893. Black print on green paper. 2.5 x 4. Very fine. Poleta was a small mining camp on the south slope of the White Mountains south of Big Pine They would not have had their own section of NSGW, and the name is probably from the Bishop or Big Pine group. Please see story on Native Sons of the Golden West at the beginning of the NSGW section after the California listings. Est. $50-150
317. Inyo. Bishop. Wilshire Bishop Creek Co. Incorporated in Arizona in 1910. Issued to Jabez Burgan, Jr. for 200 shares in 1910. Certificate number 645. Signed by Vice-President H. R. Kearns and Treasurer J. B. Hollingwell. Uncancelled. Blue border on white paper. 6 x 8. Printer - Snyder & Black, NY. The company operated a mine owned by Rocky Point Consolidated Mines Co. at the headwaters of Bishop Creek, 16 miles from Bishop. They had a 50-ton mill that was to be increased to a 100 ton capacity. Idle for several years, but reported production of 6,196 tons in 1915. Troubled by lawsuits from stockholders to gain access to company's books. "The company frequently appears in print, and the stockholders appear to have a long wait before their officers get down to actual mining and an attempt to pay dividends." (Mines Handbook, 1920, p. 434.) Minor tears at bottom edge, extremely fine. Est. $50-100

318. Inyo or San Bernardino. California Lime Co. Incorporated in Arizona. Issued to L. E. Aubrey for 40,000 shares in 1907. Signed by President Albert Switzer and Secretary C. K. Loomis. Uncancelled. Two vignettes: upper left, bust of woman; bottom middle in gold, head of a bald eagle. Black border with gold underprint and seal. 8-1/4 x 11. Printer - Goes. We could find no reference to this company among our resources. The nature of this certificate…lime...indicates it was a limestone deposit, commonly used in cement production. Lime deposits typically had to be near rail heads. Both of the above counties had numerous lime deposits near railheads, but our library is lacking in industrial mineral references. The California Dolomite Co., possibly related, was mining at Silver Peak, San Bernardino Co in the 1940's to 1950's. Limestone and dolomite are very closely related chemically. [ref: CDMG Vol 49 No. 1, 2; 1953] The 40,000 shares indicates a significant investment in the company. Yellowing at edges, creases, minor tears at folds, fine. Est. $25-50

319. Inyo. Cerro Gordo. Cerro Gordo Ore Bag, c.1900. "Union Mine/ Owenyo, Calif." Coarse weave. Rough in spots with a few holes, but fine. 14 x 22. The Union mine was historically one of the most important mines in Cerro Gordo, though production waned by 1900. They would have had an office at Owenyo on the north side of Owen's Lake. Steamers used to cross Owen's Lake with bullion headed for Owenyo and the Railroad. A number of years ago a gentleman found a small cache of eleven lead-silver ingots that had been on a boat that sunk in the lake. Several of these are now on display in various museums around the west, including the Kautz Ironstone mining history room in Murphy's, Cal. Owen's Lake is now a dry dustbowl, courtesy of Wm. Mullholland and the Los Angeles water system, circa 1910. Cerro Gordo is another of the great Inyo mining camps worthy of a more lengthy story. [ref: Burchard, Raymond] Est. $200-400.

320. Inyo. Cerro Gordo. Four Metals Smelting and Mining Co. Incorporated in Arizona in 1906. Issued to W. J. Marsh for 702 shares in 1909. Signed by President H. T. Welch and Secretary A. R. Short. Uncancelled. Vignette behind masthead of mill with tramway extending up mountain that is probably a specific depiction of the Cerro Gordo tram. Black border with green underprint and gold seal. 8-1/4 x 11. Printer - Goes. The company's property included the Union mine, developed by an 800 ft shaft. Produced silver lead ore from 600 ft and 800 ft levels in 1910 (Mines & Copper Handbook, 1916, p. 502 & USGS Bull. 540, pp. 97-105) Folds, extremely fine. Est. $200-400

321. Inyo. Cerro Gordo. Newtown Mining Co. Lot of 2. Incorporated in Nevada in 1889. Unissued. Datelined Carson City, NV. Black border. 4-1/4 x 9-1/2. Printer not noted. No mines owned by this company are listed in the 1894 and 1896 volumes of the Calif. State Mining Bur. Reports of the State Mineralogist. The Newtown was a consolidation of many of the key Cerro Gordo mines. Extremely fine. Est. $25-50

322. Inyo. Cerro Gordo. Newtown Mining Co. Incorporated in Nevada in 1889. Certificate number 54. Unissued, unsigned, and uncancelled. Datelined Carson City, Nev. No vignette, black border on vanilla paper. 4 x 9. No printer noted. See above lot for the story. Very fine. Est. $10-20

323. Inyo. Copper King. Mazourka Copper Co. Incorporated in Delaware in 1917. Issued to R.C. Shallberg for 100 shares, cert #778, in 1920. Uncancelled. Signed by president Bertrau O'Lahtunbriger (?). Vignette of spread-winged bald eagle perched atop globe. Brown border with black print. 8.5 x 10.5. Marks left where adhesive repairs were made at edges, and over dateline. The company owned 12 claims including the Copper King group in Inyo County about 3 miles from Kearsarge. The ore is said to have 1-3% copper, $3 silver and $2.50 gold/ton. (Mines Hndbk, 1925, p.582) Fine. Est. $100-150.
324. Inyo. Coso. Coso Uranium, Inc. Incorporated in California. Issued to William R. Staats & Co. for 100 shares in 1956. Signed by President (illegible) and Secretary Wm. J. Jans. Cancelled by rubber stamp. Vignette of bald eagle flying. Green border, black print on white paper. 8 x 11-1/2. Printer - Jeffries Banknote Co., L.A. We could find no reference to the company among our resources. A number of mines in the district were exploiting iron, mercury, and molybdenum deposits. (Calif. Div. of Mines, Journal of Mines and Geology, vol. 34, #4, pp. 425,459, 460, 471, 485 Uranium occurrences may have been associated with intrusive rocks that hosted these deposits. Uranium mining saw a boom in the 1950's though 1970's, and many uneconomic occurrences spawned numerous companies hoping to prosper. A few pinholes upper left corner, extremely fine. Est. $25-50

325. Inyo. Death Valley. South Pacific Mining Co. Incorporated in New York in 1881. Issued to J. A. Baker for 100 shares in 1882. Signed by President G. Haight and Secretary J. A. Baker. Uncancelled. Unusual vignette of two-part underground scene of miners loading two mule drawn ore cars and miner operating a jack leg. Black border on white paper. 6-1/2 x 11. Printer - Homer Lee Bank Note Co., NY. J. A. Baker was the namesake of Baker, California. Located in the old Salt Springs area in Death Valley. In 1881 J. M. Seymour and C. A. Luckhardt, gave this worthless property an exotic stage name, added to the board some respected individuals not previously associated with mining scams, and promoted the property until it became the speculative favorite of Broadway. The price went from $1 par to over $14. They made millions at the expense of unsuspecting market players and investors. (Lingenfelter, 1986, Death Valley & the Amargosa, p. 158-159). Extremely fine. Est. $100-300

326. Inyo. Death Valley. Autograph. F. M. "Borax" Smith. West End Consolidated Mining Co. Lot of 2. Incorporated in Arizona in 1906. Two certificates dated 1914 and 1925 signed by President F. M. "Borax" Smith. One of them is signed by Searles as secretary. The West End Consolidated Mining Co. operated successfully in the Tonopah district until the end of 1926 when it ran into serious financial difficulties due to law suits over apex rights. Smith was ousted at that time, having served as company President for over 10 years. The company produced about $15 million and was the fourth largest producer in the district. Smith is best known for his development of borax deposits in Death Valley and parts of Nevada. The 1914 certificate is also signed by Dennis Searles who with his brother is the namesake of Searles lake where they discovered borax in 1863. Large rubber stamp imprint partially obscures Smith's signatures. Est. $75-150

Inyo. Death Valley RR Co. Please see California Rail section at end of CA geographical section.

327. Inyo. Death Valley. Scotty's Castle. Tourist brochure, rubber stamp dated Oct 15, 1954, and three black and white real photo postcards. One photo of Death Valley Scotty standing outside next to an elaborate door; a second of him seated inside with two other people, "the Johnsons"; and the third, a view of his room in the castle showing portrait of Buffalo Bill Cody on wall. Copyright emblem on each photo "Frashers fotos, Pomona, Calif". This attraction is located in Death Valley National Monument. Walter "Death Valley" Scott was a former champion rough rider with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. He and A. M. Johnson, a Chicago millionaire who visited Death Valley for his health, purchased what was then known as the Staininger Ranch in 1923 and began building the "castle". It is said to have cost as much as two million dollars and was intended as a retreat for these two men, but gradually became an overnight spot for prospectors and travelers. As word of the elaborate facility spread, it became a world renowned attraction. Est. $50-150

328. Inyo. Death Valley. Tecopa Consolidated Mining Co. Incorporated in South Dakota in 1907. One issued to Monger, Davis and Lang in 1913 for 100 shares. Different corporate signatures on each. Vignette of Chief Tecopa top center. Orange border on white paper. 9 x 11. Printer - Union Litho. Co., L.A. Tecopa is a small community on the southern fringe of Death Valley. Active as early as the 1870's, the Tecopa (also spelled Tecopah) company controlled the Tecopa, Noonday and Gunsight mines. Though the mine did well early on, with good profit, they were able only to sell ore when the smelters in Salt Lake were operational. By 1908 they claimed to have $3 million in ore blocked out. In 1909 a rail line was built to the mine (Tecopa Railroad). The next active period for the mine was 1913-1929. For a brief four years, Tecopa led California in silver-lead production. Over its life, this mine was Death Valley's largest producer, having recovered more than $4 million from its ores. (Mines Handbook, 1931, p. 674; Lingenfelter, 1986, Death Valley & the Amargosa, p 356-359.) Very fine. Est. $150-300
329. Inyo. Death Valley. Tecopa Consolidated Mining Co. Incorporated in South Dakota in 1907. Issued to Joseph McMurray for 100 shares, cert #3147, in 1910. Signed by Nelson Graves Jr. president. Vignette of Chief Tecopa top center. Orange border on white paper. Datelined Rhyolite, Nev. 9 x 11. Printer - Union Litho. Co. See above lot for the story. Very fine. This cert is the rarer of the two. Est. $200-400

330. Inyo. Georges Creek. Poll List of the Election Held in Georges Creek Precinct, Nov. 3,1896. The document is 8 pp., with the voter inspectors, judges, clerks, etc. and the names of all 46 voters in the election. 14 x 8.75. Very fine. George's Creek is near Big Pine. Est. $100-200.

331. Inyo. Greenwater. Furnace Creek Copper Co. Incorporated in Washington in 1906. Issued to William H. Crocker for 333 shares in 1910. Dateline Spokane, WA. Certificate number 20483. Signed by Vice-President W. Meyer and Secretary J. J. Stewart. Uncancelled. Vignette of woman holding shield and flag with bald eagle at her side. Black border with green underprint and seal. 8 x 11. Printer - Goes. The company had 3000 ft of workings on 21 claims two miles west of Greenwater. One of the "pioneer" mines of the Greenwater District. "Predictions, April, 1907 that production would begin immediately, were utterly unwarranted, and the property, though by no means devoid of promise, has yet to prove that it is a mine" (Copper Handbook, 1908, p. 701-2). "The camp is entirely deserted, and property. . . is worthless." (Copper Handbook, 1912-1913, p. 377; also described in Lingenfelter, 1986, Death Valley & the Amargosa. ) Very fine. Est. $25-50.

332. Inyo. Greenwater. Greenwater Copper Mines & Smelter Co. Lot of 3. Incorporated in Delaware in 1906. Issued in 1907. Certificate numbers 238, 3870 & 4047. Signed by President R. Miller and Asst-treasurer Albert Hiers. Uncancelled. Black border with green underprint. 8 x 11. Printer not noted. A securities holding company only, with offices in Tonopah, NV. Owned stock in a number of Greenwater promotions all of which were dead by 1912. Lost $170,000 through the failure in 1910 of a firm in which they had invested heavily. Owned the OK and Supply groups, gold mines at Dale, CA. Was later reorganized as Greenwater Copper Mining and Smelting Co. All very fine. Est. $50-100.

333. Inyo. Greenwater. Greenwater Copper Mines and Smelter Co. Lot of 2. Incorporated in Delaware in 1906. Two certificates issued in 1909 and 1914. Both signed by Treasurer Lloyd E. Marsden, one by Vice-President W. H. Drayton 3rd and the other by Charles R. Miller. Both uncancelled. Black border with green underprint. 8 x 11. Printer not noted. See lot above for the story. Very fine. Est. $25-75

334. Inyo. Greenwater. Greenwater Saratoga Copper Co., incorporated in Wyoming in 1906, issued 1906 (cert #32) to H. P. Trenfolm for 1000 shares, signed by H. Bragdon as vice president and Robert Todd as secretary. Bragdon was president of Goldfield Consol. At one time. They had five claims next to the Red Boy with a 550 foot deep shaft. [ref: Copper Handbook, 1908] Est. $100-200

335. Inyo. Independence. Independence Dairy/ Debs Yandell/ Independence (in double ring circle)// (Same). Red silkscreen pint milk bottle. Circa 1920-30. Extremely Rare. Mint. Est. $100-200.

336. Inyo. Independence. The Old Corner Token. The Old Corner / (symbol) / Jenkins / & / Brierly // GF / 2 1/2 ¢ / IT. Aluminum, round, b/b, 20 mm. Rare. Est. $100-300

337. Inyo. Lee. Hayseed Mining Co. Lot of 2 pcs. Inc. 1907 in South Dakota. Issued to S. J. Hernstadt for 1000 shares in 1907. Certificate number 190. Datelined Rhyolite, Nev. Signed by President Sam. S. Lindsay and Secretary J. A. Largent. Uncancelled. Black border on white paper. Includes unused billhead of the company. Located 30 miles south of Bullfrog at the eastern foot of the Funeral mountains. The Lee mining district was discovered by two brothers, Gus and Richard Lee, in November 1904. The Lees staked two claims, the Hayseed and the State Line. In May, they optioned the Hayseed to Goldfield speculator W. F. Patrick for $75,000 with 10% down. Patrick died suddenly two months later and the boys found they got to keep both the Hayseed and the $7,500 down payment. This certainly beat selling the mine, so they eagerly optioned it again, and again, and yet again, collecting another $7,500 to $10,000 on each round. The only problem was, they didn't bother to wait for one option to expire before letting the next one. Litigation over the Hayseed was finally settled in February, 1907 and the Hayseed Mining Company was formed by Rhyolite promoters. Assays reportedly up to $123,000 per ton fueled excitement about the property. (Lingenfelter, R. E., 1986, Death Valley & the Amargosa, Univ. Calif. Press, Berkeley, pp 278-279). Est. $100-200
338. Inyo. Lone Pine. Lone Pine Dairy/ Farm/ Lone Pine, Calif. (picture of mountains & pine tree in green// 5 cent deposit. Green silkscreen on pint milk bottle. Some light stains, but no chips or scratches. c.1920-25. Rare! While I worked in the Owen's Valley for a number of years, there were very few local milk bottles ever found. We were lucky to get these two consigned. (see also Independence) Est. $100-200.

339. Inyo. Poleta. Manuscript letter from Frank Wines datelined Poleta, May, 1901. The note reflects that Wines has sent in an interest payment on his note to the Bullion & Exchange Bank. 8 x 10", two holes punched at top for filing. Poleta was a small mining camp in the White Mountains, more known today for beryl and limestone in places, than gold or silver, though that is what they were after. Est. $20-40

340. Inyo. Skidoo. Granite-Contact MC. Certificate number 121. Incorporated in South Dakota in 1906. Issued to Clara K. Modorosz for 100 shares in 1906. Signed by vice-president Clay Tallman and secretary J.J. Fagan. Vignette in upper left corner of men working in mine, two men loading ore bucket; all four corners feature a small vignette of miner using pick-axe; right and left borders have a small vignette of man holding ore in his right hand. Black border and print with green underprint. Discolored areas at the top edge, evidence of repair. 8 x 11. Mine was located at Skidoo, Inyo County. 1908 is the only listing for this company (Mines Handbook, p.882). Owned 8 claims, all unpatented. The ore was said to be auriferous and argentiferous copper ore, on which very little work had been done and presumably idle. Fine. Est. $100-300.

341. Inyo. Wild Rose & Skidoo. Wild Rose Mining Co. Incorporated in South Dakota in 1906. Issued to Florence C. Bruin for 1000 shares in 1908. Certificate number 547. Signed by Vice-President J. M. Pike and Secretary W. W. Curtis. Uncancelled. Vignette, top center, of mill buildings and steam train with ore cars in rugged canyon; upper left corner of 3 miners inspecting an ore sample; upper right corner of 2 miners filling ore bucket, 3 miners in background . Black border with gold underprint and seal. 5 x 10. Printer - Goes; Tudor Press, Boston. The company's mine office was a Hoveck and their property in the Panamint Mountains. It was developed by two shallow shafts that showed good assay values in copper, gold and silver. (Mines Handbook, 1910-1011, p. 1821). Listed in the 1912-1913 volume of the Mines Handbook as dead. Hole punches for binding at left edge, extremely fine. Est. $100-150.

Please see California RR Section for Death Valley RR Bond, and WF Medals Section for Zabriskie Medal.

KERN COUNTY

342. Kern. Kern River Gold Quartz Mining Co. Incorporated in California. Issued to Matilda C. Goodwin for 1000 shares in 1896. Signed by President James Edwards and Secretary (illegible). Uncancelled. Seven vignettes: one in upper left corner of five miners working underground; remaining six of single miners at four corners and sides. Black border and green underprint. 8 x 10. Printer not noted. The Kern River mining rush began in 1855. The gold discovered was so far south of the southern mines that thousands flooded the trails to the Kern River in hopes of striking their fortunes. While much placer gold was found, the boom was short lived. But prospectors soon hit the hills looking for the lode of gold that supplied the placers, and found it. By the mid 1890's, there were about 50-100 lode gold mines in the Kern River area near Kernville. The Kern River Gold Quartz MC appears to be one of the many lode gold mines located in hopes of exploiting gold in the quartz veins. Unfortunately, the detailed reporting done by the California Bureau of Mines and Geology stopped about 1896, the year of the company's activities. While the district produced significant amounts of gold, it was not enough. And with the discovery of the gold at Randsburg about this same time, all the miners left camp for the spoils of the Yellow Aster. Very fine. Est. $150-250

343. Kern. Isabella. Keyes Mining Co. About 60 pages of yellow daily time slips with names, work type, location and hours worked. Date from 1937. 5-3/4 x 8-1/2. About 50 white pages, typewritten, two-week time records. Date from 1937. 8-1/2 x 11. Est. $50-150
344. Kern. Randsburg. Consolidated Mines Co. Lot of 2. Incorporated in California in 1902. Two certificates, one issued to Wm. Dissman for 1000 shares in 1915. Signed by President W. H. Herren and Secretary F. H. Ellis. Uncancelled. Vignette of bald eagle clutching shield and arrows. Black border with red underprint and gold seal. 8-1/4 x 10-1/2. No printer noted. The second certificate issued to E. H. Schiek for 1000 shares in 1920. Signed by President W. H. Herren and Secretary F. H. Ellis. Uncancelled. Vignette of bald eagle perched on rocky crag. Green border and underprint. 9 x 12. Badly torn at folds, yellowing at edges, good. Property located at Randsburg is developed by a 500 and 350 ft shafts. The mine was idled in 1918 owing to low grade (ref. Weed 1918 & 1920) Exploits a vein containing gold and tungsten ore. Operated a 5 stamp mill, mining with pneumatic equipment. Folds with some tearing at edges, yellowed along top edge. Poor. Est. $100-200

345. Kern. Randsburg. Consolidated Mines Co., Incorporated in California, issued 1912 to S. H. Ellis for 1000 shares, signed by O. J. Lehrman as president and Geo. W. Beck as secretary. Eagle vignette, no printer, light orange background. 8 x 10". Orange seal with weak embossing. Uncancelled. Three assessment stamps on the front and 4 document transfer stamps on the reverse. Poor condition. Tears along folds and left edge. Worn. Nothing missing. This certificate is different from the lot above. See lot above for the story. Est. $25-50

346. Kern. Randsburg. Rand Mountain MC. State and date of incorporation not shown. Issued to Pat Reddy in 1897 for 266 shares. Certificate number 13. Datelined Carson City, Nev. Signed by President M. Kennedy and Secretary T. W. C. Connor. Uncancelled. Vignette of bale eagle with globe, arrows, shield and olive branch. Green border with black print on white paper. 8 x 10. Randsburg was discovered in 1895 by singleton, Burcham and others. They formed the Yellow Aster Mining Co. which held the Olympus group of mines. Famous western lawyer Pat Reddy tried to buy part of the Yellow Aster and was refused. This company is probably a result of his efforts to obtain neighboring properties to use as bargaining chips. The Yellow Aster was a very profitable, small and closed gold mining corporation, and Reddy wanted in. Reddy was the famed one-armed gunfighter turned lawyer of the eastern Sierra, who got his start in Virginia City along with famous Nevada lawyer William M. Stewart. Reddy lost his arm in a gunfight in Virginia City in the early 1860's. He had his own law firm and defended murderers in Inyo and Mono counties for a number of years, losing only one case. He was such a successful lawyer that Inyo county asked him to become the District Attorney so they would quit losing to him. [ref: Palazzo] Est. $100-300

347. Kern. Rand. The Yellow Aster Mining and Milling Co. Lot of 5. Incorporated in Nevada in 1897. 5 certificates. Vignette of bald eagle perched on rock with steam train, ships, fort and capitol dome in background. Black border with orange underprint. Some with revenue stamps. 8-1/2 x 10-1/4. Printer - Goes. This was perhaps the most important gold mine of the late 19th century in southern California. It came on the heels of the great Cripple Creek discoveries and preceded the Tonopah and Goldfield bonanzas by several years. It represented a completely different kind of discovery and development learned only from years of experience and outright toughness and business acumen. In 1895, three prospectors, John Singleton, Fred Mooers and Charles Burcham, located the claims and named it after the famous Rand Mining district of South Africa. We located a fourth partner is who not listed in the historical records, but clearly in the company records. He was John H. Miller and was involved from the very start. He may have been a silent backer or a prospector who aided in the initial discovery. This and associated mines nearby produced more than a million ounces of gold making the Randsburg a world class district. Glamis Gold still operates an open pit mine in that area. This lot contains certificates issued to each of the founders of the Yellow Aster offering a complete collection of these very lucky and very rich miners. (For a more detailed description of the people involved see Fred Holabird Americana, Filer I Auction Catalog, 2000, p.82). Very fine. Est. $750-1250

348. Kern. Rand. Yellow Aster M&MC. Incorporated in Nevada in 1897. Issued to John. C. Robinson for 50 shares, cert # 213, in 1907. Signed by Mooers 2nd vice president and R. L. Burcham secretary. Vignette of bald eagle perched on rock with steam train, ships, fort and capitol dome in background. Black border with orange underprint and gilt seal. Cancelled by rubber stamp. Stub glued at left edge. 8 X 11. Printer - Goes. See above lot for the story. Very fine. Est. $100-200

349. Kern. Rand. The Yellow Aster Mining and Milling Co. Two receipt slips from the company for dividend payments. One signed by John Singleton, one of the original discoverers of the Yellow Aster mine. See above lot for the story. Very fine. Est. $50-100
LAKE COUNTY

350. Lake. Knoxville. Homestake MC. Lot of 4. Incorporated in California in 1877. Certificate number 18579 Issued to Hoge Underhill & Co. for 100 shares in 1927. Cancelled. Signed by Edward H. Clark as president and H. Moeler. Vignette of two Indian figures looking over busy valley. Blue border and underprint with black print. Hole punches at sides noting cancellation. 7.5 x 11.5. Certificate number 020408. Issued to De Coppet & Doremus for 10 shares in 1939. Cancelled. Printed corporate signatures. Vignette of two Indian figures looking over busy valley. Green border and underprint with black print. Hole punches at either side noting cancellation. 7.5 x 11.5. Certificate number 26270 Issued to Logan & Bryan for 35 shares in 1930. Cancelled. Signatures by president Edward H Clark and secretary R.A. Clark appear to be printed. Vignette of two Indian figures looking over busy valley. Fuchsia border and underprint with black print. Hole punches at sides noting cancellation. 7.5 x 11.5. Fractional script number 406 Issued to W.A. Jennings for 75 hundredths of a share. Cancelled by stamps and holes. Signed by president (?) Omm and secretary Fred Gluck. Orange border and black print. Cancellation stamps across certificate, and holes punched through countersignature at right. 8 x 11. See lot below for story. All are very fine. Est. $50-75.

351. Lake. Knoxville. Homestake Mining Co. Incorporated in California in 1877. Issued to H. A. Witten & Co. for 250 shares in 1981. Signatures of President and Secretary printed on certificate. Cancelled by hole punches through President's signature. Large vignette top center of two Indians on bluff overlooking valley viewing steam train, placer miners in river, suspension bridge over another river with boats below, farmland and distant city; flanked by two seated allegorical males holding sledge hammer and pick. Orange border and underprint. 8 x 12. Printer - ABN. This company was founded by George Hearst, father of William Randolph Hearst. George became wealthy from his early involvement with the Comstock and other mining ventures in the west. He, along with several others bought a mine at Lead, South Dakota in 1876 that became the world famous Homestake mine. This mine operated from about 1877 through 1999; more than 120 years. During it first few years of operation, the mine made Hearst more than $4 million. The company still operates and has mines in Nevada and at many other locations throughout the world. One of their open pits is in Lake County at the McLaughlin deposit at Knoxville. Several ink smudges, very good. Est. $25-50

LASSEN COUNTY

352. Lassen. Hayden Hill. Hayden Hill Consolidated Mining Co. Incorporated in Idaho in 1931. Issued to Edgar R. Villee for 500 shares in 1952. Signed by President M. W. Onstine, other signatures illegible. Uncancelled. Green border with black print on white paper. 9 x 11-1/4. Printer - Goes. The company had mines in Idaho and Lassen County. The California property was mined by open pit methods but has been shut down for several years. The district produced more than $2 million in gold. Wrinkling at edges, folds, very fine. Gold was discovered here in 1870 by a party of Clergymen camped while in route from Susanville to Adin. They spotted native gold in the bottom of a spring and recovered $500 from it. Within three years numerous small prospects and mines were in place, and by 1890 the two key mines were the Brush Hill and Golden Eagle. A nice early photo of the mining camp can be seen in USGS Bull 594 p 33, 1915, Some Mining Districts in Northeastern California and Northwestern Nevada. Est. $25-50

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

353. Los Angeles. Bank of America. Issued to Stanton & Co for 1 share in 1930. Corporate signatures printed on certificate. Cancelled by hole punches both ends. Vignette of bald eagle perched on shield with ships and steam train in background. Black border and blue underprint. 7 x 10-3/4. Printer - ABN. This is one of many banks incorporated in the last century that is still in business today. Extremely fine. The Bank of America was limited to Southern California until about 1925, when a succession of bank mergers began that eventually led to the merger of the Bank of Italy and The Bank of America by 1927. The merger gave the banks more than 250 branches, and one of the largest combined deposit accounts in the country. [ref: Cross]. Est. $25-50

354. Los Angeles. Bank of Italy Coin Bag. May have held gold. The Bank of Italy was the predecessor to the Bank of America. Red print. 5.5 x 10.5". Fine. Est. $50-100.
355. Los Angeles. Bank of Lower California Scrip. Magdelena, Lower California, good for $0.10 in gold coin. Extra fine. Est. $50-100

356. Los Angeles. Bituminous Lime Rock Paving & Improvement Co. Incorporated in California in 1887. Issued to C. T. H. Palmer for 100 shares in 1893. Certificate number 54. Datelined Los Angeles. Signed by President Dobinson and Secretary G.G. Johnson. Uncancelled. Black border. 6 x 10. No printer noted. We could locate no information on this company among our references. Bitumen is a natural organic material that occurs in the form of oil seeps at the famous La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. This material is also common in limestone, to which it gives a fetid odor. The company may have tried to use the public awareness of bitumen provided by the Tar Pits to a promotional advantage by including this characteristic of their product in their company name. Yellowing at edges, extremely fine. Est. $75-150.

357. Los Angeles(?) Carolina Gold Mining and Milling Co. Incorporated in California. Issued to B. J. Loomis for 1364 shares in 1906. Signed by President H. Parrish and Secretary W. G. Cline. Uncancelled. Vignette of four miners working underground. Green border and underprint. 8 x 10. Datelined Los Angeles, usually an indicator that the company had operations in the southern California desert or southern Nevada desert. Printer - Cunningham, Curtiss & Welch Co., L.A. We could find no information on this company, not listed in various issues of the CDMG Reports and Bulletins, Mines Handbook nor in Mines & Mi. Res. of San Diego Co. Minor yellow stain left side, very fine. Est. $25-50

358. Los Angeles. Central and Pacific Improvement Corp., incorporated in California1912, issued 1915 to Arthur Harris for 200 shares, signed by A. H. Raphael as president and C. Roy McKeon as secretary. Goes form, printed by Mitchell & Knox, LA. Brown border, 8 x 10", no vignette. Scrolled masthead. No info on company or people. XF. Est. $10-25

359. Los Angeles. Cover and Letter. Dated 1881. Addressed to Robt. Steele, Lincoln, Sacramento Co., CA., from Mary Knight Los Angeles. Chatty letter about friends and how she is looking forward to seeing her friends soon. 8 x 5. Very fine. Nice postmark. Est. $20-40.

360. Los Angeles. Covina Citrus Association. #281. Incorporated in 1895. Issued to Mrs. Eliza Thomas for 4 shares in 1899. Signed by S.M. Jamison as president and W.E. Chesebro as secretary. No vignette. Black border. Sale of shares indicated by red writing through middle, 1900. For more than 50 years, orange and other citrus were a staple crop in Southern California. Then the urban explosion caused the demise of the orange groves. Very fine. 5 x 9.5. Est. $75-150

361. Los Angeles. General Cinema Corporation. Incorporated in Delaware in 1950. Unissued. Corporate signatures printed on certificate. Hole punched. Vignette of two allegorical women sitting astride company logo. No border, green underprint and strip at left edge. 8 x 12. Printer - Security-Columbian U. S. Banknote Co. The company appears to have been a subsidiary of R. J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. Very fine. Est. $10-20

362. Los Angeles(?). Golden Harvest Mining Co. Lot of 2. Incorporated in California in 1903. Issued to Henry M. Sanford for 1000 shares in 1904. Certificate numbers 240 & 319. Signed by President G.A. McElfresh and Secretary O. P. Conaway. Los Angeles, Cal in seal. Uncancelled. Seven vignettes: one in upper left corner of five miners working underground; remaining six of single miners at four corners and sides. Black border with green underprint and seal. 8 x 11. Printer - Goes; Out West Co., L.A. We could find no reference to this company among our resources Extremely fine. Est. $50-100.
363. Los Angeles. Gotbed-Herron Co., inc. in CA, 1909, issued 1909 to Alex Solano for 3 shares, signed by William Gotbed, pres and Fred Herron, sec.. Gold seal, industrial girl at left on machine and fly wheel, Goes format, uncancelled, tears and wear along folds. 8 x 10" Fred Herron was a stock broker in Los Angeles, son of Rufus Hills Heron, an oil and businessman. The two men probably formed a brokerage or investment company of some sort with this company. [ref: History of Los Angeles, by Spalding, 1931] Est. $20-40

364. Los Angeles. Howard Park Co. incorporated in California 1905, issued 1905 to John Campbell for 10 shares, signed by George Burton as president and Paul H. Black as secretary. Liberty at upper left. Green background and seal. Uncancelled. Stub attached. Revenue stamps on front (1,2,2,5,10) Goes format by Out West Co., LA. Tears to corners, folds, otherwise fine. The Howard Park Co. appears to related to Fred H. Howard, who was a florist. They had the largest nursery on the Pacific Coast and also the largest landscape business, according to History of California by the Historical Record Co., 1915. As the major landscape artists, it highly likely that they were partners in a park company formed to landscape municipal parks and large private property holdings. Est. $25-50

Los Angeles. Los Angeles & Vernon Street Railway Co. Please see California Railroad section at the end of CA geographical section.

365. No lot.

366. Los Angeles. Los Angeles Street Improvement Bond. Issued in 1931 for $32.73. Signed by Treasurer M. S. Powell. Cancelled by hole punches. Vignette top center of Calif. state seal. Orange border with yellow underprint of county courthouse (?). 12 of 30 coupons remaining. 9 x 16. Printer - C. S. Hutson & Co. Bonds such as this are issued from time to time to finance various municipal projects in many metropolitan areas of the U. S. Very fine. Est. $10-25

367. Los Angeles. Los Angeles Street Improvement Bond. Issued in 1931 for $376.84. Signed by Treasurer M. S. Powell. Cancelled by hole punches. Vignette top center of Calif. state seal. Orange border with yellow underprint of county courthouse (?). 26 of 30 coupons remaining. 9 x 16. Printer - C. S. Hutson & Co. Bonds such as this are issued from time to time to finance various municipal projects in many metropolitan areas of the U. S. Very fine. Est. $10-25

368. Los Angeles. Ocean Park, California Souvenir Spoon. Ocean Park is the site of the famous amusement park about 1900. This is a unique spoon with a scalloped-shell-shaped bowl in gilt with the handle shaped like a fishing rod with three fish hanging down and the fishing line wrapped around the handle. 5". Very nice. Est. $50-100.

369. Los Angeles. Paramount Pictures Corporation. Incorporated in New York in 1949. Issued to De Coppet & Doremus for 20 shares in 1965. Corporate signatures printed on certificate. Cancelled by hole punches. Vignette of two allegorical women seated, leaning against the company logo. Purple border and underprint. 8-1/4 x 12-1/4. Printer - Security Banknote Co. Extremely fine. One of the great Hollywood production companies. Est. $10-20

370. Los Angeles. Southern California Checks. Lot of 3 pcs. Farmer's & Merchant NB, Los Angeles, 1916; First NB, Los Angeles, 1882; Riverside Banking Co, Riverside, 1889. Very fine. Est. $20-40

371. Los Angeles. Store Room Check. Cashier at Pico House, Los Angeles, 1879. Very fine. Est. $25-50

372. Los Angeles. Trade Card from Los Angeles. Full color cartoon of two large headed men, the proprietor of the Standard Hat Co., looking pleasingly at the patron trying on a top hat in the mirror. "The Only Exclusive Hat Store in the City." Very fine. Evidence on the back that it may have been adhered to something. 3 x 4. Est. $15-30
373. Los Angeles. Two Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoons from the Los Angeles Area, c1900-1915. One spoon with a plain bowl and "Los Angeles" embossed on handle, along with pictures of San Gabriel Mission, Angels Flight, City Hall, County Court House, Woman's Club House and Palm Drive. The other spoon has "San Gabriel Mission, Los Angeles, Cal" and a picture of the Mission embossed in the bowl. "California" and California Bear on handle. "July 10, 1903" engraved on back of handle. 6" each. Est. $50-100

374. Los Angeles. United Profit Sharing Co., incorporated in California 1933, issued 1933 to Eunice Calder for one share, signed by H. Bugeir as president and Theio Brewer as secretary. Blue border, light blue background, eagle vignette. Uncancelled. 6 x 10". Printed by Chipron Stamp Co, LA. No information. Looks like a scheme. Est. $10-25

375. Los Angeles. Wheeler Expedition Card. Yank Holland, C.E. Care of Lt. Wheeler, Los Angeles, Cal. 1.5 x 3" glossy calling card for Wheeler's civil engineer. From Wheeler's expedition of 1866. Some discoloring at right. I have forgotten the provenance of this card, but it may have been from Sutro's personal card collection, which we handled a number of years ago. Est. $50-100

376. Los Angeles. Altadena. Masonic Penny, 1956. Made A Mason / in / Altadena Lodge No. 678 / Entered 0-26-55 / Passed 2-13-56 / Raised 5-21-56 / Compliments / (dash) of (dash) / J. Herbert Hall Co. // Masonic imagery - seeing eye, tools etc. Round, b/b, 35 mm. Est. $10-20

377. Los Angeles. Azusa. First National Bank of Azusa. Incorporated in California. Issued to James Slauson in 1920 for 30 shares. Corporate signatures illegible. Uncancelled. Vignette of flaming torch with clouds in background. Brown border, underprint and seal. One each red 10 and 50 cent documentary stamps affixed to left side. 8-1/4 x 10-3/4. Printer - Goes. One of thousands of banks across the country that provided service to local inhabitants. Folds, minor wrinkling and yellowing at edges, tears at folds. FNB Azusa was one of 20 national banks incorporated in 1906. Their first president was W. R. Powell; the capital was $25,000, a trifle by today's standards. They absorbed the United States Bank of Azusa in 1916. [ref: Cross, Financing an Empire, v2, 1927]. Est. $25-50

378. Los Angeles. Catalina. Catalina View Oil Co. #57. Incorporated in California in 1922. Issued to Meta M. Moore for 2500 shares in 1927. Uncancelled. Signed by president J.W. Jameson and secretary J. Hull. California State Seal in masthead. Green border and underprint. Some wrinkling at lower left corner. Very fine. Est. $25-50.

379. Los Angeles. Catalina. Lot of 7 Catalina Water & Power Co. stock certificates, #'s 20-26. incorporated in Arizona in 1911. All are issued to A.H. Thompson for 500 shares in 1911. Cancelled. All are signed by president A.H. Thompson and secretary Philip Contzen. Vignette of river running through valley, with mine and mill at foot. Fancy floral design around vignette, in masthead. Orange border. Three small cuts in center. Very fine. Est.$100-200

380. Los Angeles. Los Angeles. Dept. of Water & Power Medal. Medal promoting the Department. (Star/ Los Angeles / (star) / Department of Water and Power / very "modern" building (i.e. not the most attractive building in the world) / Administrative Center / Dedicated 1965 // (star) / Water for Life / (star) / Power for Progress / D W P / Service Since 1902 with symbol for water and light. Rectangle with curved corners, 30mm. Est. $10-20
381. Los Angeles. Pasadena. Check from the First National Bank. Datelined Pasadena, Sept. 29, '90. Issued to A. R. Metcalf for $506.80. Signed by John Allin. Vignette of bank building on left end of check. 3 x 8. Creases at ends, extremely fine. Allin was one of the original Board of Directors. The FNB was formed in November, 1884. On the original Board of Directors was P. Green of the Green Hotel, Allin (this check) and five others. It was known as the Pasadena Bank. In May, 1886, it was chartered as the FNB of Pasadena. It was located on the corner of Fair Oaks and Colorado in the Los Angeles House building, a popular hotel. A new building was built for the FNB about 1886 next to the hotel. It was one of the first banks in Pasadena. [ref: Reid, 1895] Est. $25-50

Los Angeles. Pasadena. City Railway Co. of Pasadena. Please see California Railroad section at end of CA geographical section.

382. No Lot.

383. Los Angeles. Pasadena. Hotel Green Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon. The handle is a full view of the hotel with the words "Hotel Green" and "Pasadena" embossed on handle as well. The bowl is embossed with five ostriches commemorating the ostrich farm in the arroyo. "July 12, 09" engraved on back of handle. Est. $75-150

384. Los Angeles. Pasadena. Autograph W. W. Wrigley. Wrigley Pharmaceutical Company. Incorporated in Delaware in 1920. Issued to Emerson & Stevens Mfg. Co. for 30 shares in 1929. Signed by President W. W. Wrigley and Secretary E. W. Williams. Uncancelled. Vignette of tube of "Spearmint Tooth Paste" top center. Orange border and underprint on white paper. 8-1/4 x 11-1/2. Printer - Security Bank Note Co., Phila. Wrigley built a fortune from his famous chewing gum. He had an estate on Catalina, and another in Pasadena, California. The Wrigley mansion is located on Orange Grove Ave. in Pasadena. Extremely fine. Est. $75-150

Los Angeles. Pomona. Pomona and Elsinore Railway Co. Please see California Railroad section at the end of CA geographical section.

385. No Lot.

386. Los Angeles. Venice. California Northern Corporation. Incorporated in Nevada in 1929. Certificate of percentage interest issued to Hattie M. Bullard for 1/3 of one unit of a well in the Venice Oil Field. Signed by President O. F. Darling and Asst Secretary C. Kenworth. Green border and underprint. 7 x 11. Printer - Francis H. Webb, L.A. Printed on certificate, "oil production of oil and hydrocarbons substances produced, saved and sold from said Lindblade-Pentiss Well No. 5, and from said well only, to be drilled on lots Nos. 16, 17 and 18, or any of them, of Block 14 in the Silver Stand Tract, County of Los Angeles, State of California, as per Map Book 7, page 86, Maps of Records, Los Angeles County. " Folds, Extremely fine. Est. $25-50

387. Los Angeles. Venice. California Northern Corporation. Incorporated in Nevada in 1929. Issued to Hattie M. Bullard for 100 shares in 1930. Signed by President O. F. Darling and Secretary H. J. Steiner. Uncancelled. Vignette of bald eagle clutching arrows and shield. Black border with gold underprint and seal. Datelined Los Angeles. 8-3/4 x 11-1/2. Printer - Knight Courina Co. See lot above for the story. Yellowing along left fold, very fine. Est. $25-50

MADERA COUNTY

388. Madera(?). California-Nevada Exploration Co. Incorporated in California in 1910. Issued to George Drausfield for 200 shares in 1912. Signed by President Wilkie P. Garrison and Secretary Andrew Leuzinger. Uncancelled. Vignette of bald eagle perched on dome of as building, factory and ships in background. Green border and underprint. 8-1/2 x 12. Printer - Goes. We could find no reference to this company among our resources. May possibly be a resurrection attempt of the California-Nevada Copper Co. that was failing about this time. That company, organized in 1906 in Maine, had offices in California and had a G. B. Garrison on the board who may be a relative of W. P. Garrison. The Copper Co. had a mine at Daulton in Madera County, CA. and at Juneau, Alaska. Extremely fine. Est. $25-50
389. Madera. Mud Springs Mining Co. Incorporated in California in 1925. Issued to Mrs. Belle good for 50 shares in 1926. Signed by President C. F Danforth and Secretary-Treasurer (illegible). Uncancelled. Vignette of bald eagle perched on dome of building. Black border with gold underprint and seal. 5-1/2 x 10. Printer - goes and The Crown Printing & Engraving Co. The company had 4 claims, including the Mud Springs Mine and 2 mill sites. Developed by an old 300 ft shaft on a 2 to 7 ft vein in granite. The mine was operated on a small scale from 1912 to 1922 by previous owners and reportedly had a production of $400,000. The company's charter was forfeited in 1928. The 1931 Mines Handbook assumed the company was dormant at that reporting. Extremely fine. Est. $25-50

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

MARIPOSA COUNTY - For an overview of the Fremont Estate, please see our Filer I auction catalog.

391. Mariposa. El Capitan MC. Incorporated in California in 1907. Issued to Lena Stanch for 200 shares in 1911. Signed by President Edward A. Carwin and secretary J. J. Bryan. Uncancelled. Three vignettes; top center of hills with small mining operations in lower part, town at top; top left and right, scenes of miners working underground. Gold border, underprint and seal. 8-1/4 x 11. Printer- Goes. The company is written up on pp 85 and 131 of CDM&M Volume 24, 1928, but we were unable to find a copy. The company probably took their name from El Capitan in Yosemite Nat'l Park. Folds, chipping and pinholes at upper left corner, yellowing at edges, fine. Est. $50-150

Mariposa. Native Sons of the Golden West. Please see the extensive NSGW section following the California section. This material directly relates to those California Pioneers who may have been involved with these gold rush documents in this section.

392. Mariposa. Occidental GMC. Certificate number 156. Incorporated in 1877. Issued to the Estate of Adelaide S. Hayes, Deceased for 4937 shares in 1956. Uncancelled. Signed by president Douglas A. Hanson and N.E. Wreturen. Black and white photograph of mine in upper left corner in place of vignette. Black border and print. Some black ink writing in right margin, but very fine. 8.5 x 10.5. The mine is located 3.5 miles southwest of Coulterville on the Crown lead. The Occidental was mostly a surface prospect, leased to several different parties, with little to no production. (Crawford, 13th Annual Report of the California Mining Bureau, 1894) Very fine. Est. $25-50.

393. Mariposa. Two Yosemite Post Cards. One 1944 colorful linen card: "Greetings from Yosemite National Park" with images of Yosemite in the letters of the word Yosemite and a bear. 5 1/2 x 3 1/2. The note starts: "Dear Lu Lu…" and is dated November 12, 1944. It was sent from Weed, California. The stamp is a green 1 cent stamp with Statue of Liberty and has "For Defense" at the bottom. The other card is printed on the front of and advertisement for Jersey Coffee and shows a partially destroyed forest through which you can see Nevada Falls, Yosemite Valley. 3 1/4 x 4 3/4. Very fine. Est. $10-20

Mariposa. Yosemite Short Line Railway Co. Please see California Railroad section at the end of CA geographical section.

Mariposa. Yosemite Valley Railway Co. Please see California Railroad section at the end of CA geographical section.

394. No Lot.
395. No Lot.

396. Mariposa. Hite's Cove (?) Hite Gold Quartz Co. #377. Incorporated in New York. Issued to C. H. Ingalls for 100 shares in 1881. Uncancelled. Signed by president Wm. S. Clark and secretary John R. Mothrurll. View of El Capitan in Yosemite, with wagon and grazing horses at the valley floor. Black border. A long producing mine at Hite's Cove. The famous mining engineer John Hays Hammond said it was the first legitimate gold mine he saw in operation. Hite was married to an Indian woman who showed him the rich outcrop that later became a mine. The Hite Gold Quartz Co. failed by 14883, and the property was returned to J. R. Hite (Sources: John Hays Hammond autobiography, 1937 and Burchard, 1883, p.172). 6.75 x 10.5. Est. $200-400

397. Mariposa. Hite's Cove. North Hite & Yosemite Gold Mining Co. Organized in New York in 1880. Issued to G. W. Reynolds for 100 shares in 1880. Certificate number 539. Datelined New York. Signed by President Edward H. Shoonen and Secretary Lindley Teaman. Uncancelled. Three vignettes: top right 4 miners working on surface, bagging ore, mountains in background; at left edge, miners working underground with two at surface hauling up ore bucket; at bottom center small vignette of mule deer. Red border and underprint. 7 x 11. Printer - Snyder & Black, NY. John R. Hite discovered gold here in 1862. Ore was initially processed with arastras until a mill was constructed in 1866. A twenty stamp mill was in place by 1874, and by 1888, a 40-stamp mill was operating. Total production from the property was estimated at $3 million. (Gudde - California Gold Camps, p. 157; 8th Report of the State Mineralogist, 1888, CDMG, p. 344.) Extremely fine. Est. $200-400.

398. Mariposa. Hites Cove. North Hite and Yosemite GMC, incorporated in New York 1880, issued 1880 to T. A. Salter for 100 shares, signed by Edward Spooner as president and Lindley Freaman as secretary. Printed by Snider and Black, NY. Orange border and background. Surface and underground mining vignettes, attractive. Uncancelled 6.5 x 12". See lot above for the story. XF. Est. $200-400

399. Mariposa. Hite's Cove. South Hite Gold Mining Co. Incorporated in California in 1881. Issued to Alex Bacon for 100 shares in 1881. Certificate number 1217. Signed by Vice-President S. D. Osborne and asst. Secretary J. F. Towle. Vignette top center of 5 miners working underground. Black border on vanilla paper. 6-1/4 x 10. Printer - Maverick & Wissinger, NY. John R. Hite discovered gold here in 1862. The South Hite mine was next to the Hite mine, 16 miles northeast of Mariposa. It was heavily prospected, but little mining was done through 1882. A 500 ft shaft was sunk, and levels driven every 100 ft, but no appreciable ore was found. This was often the case in the sophisticated prospecting of the nineteenth century. Public companies raised significant capital to do work on mines next to or near good gold producing mines in the hope of finding a continuation of the rich ores on their property. But it was still a gamble and at the time this certificate was issued through at least 1888, no production was made. (Gudde - California Gold Camps, p. 157; 8th Report of the State Mineralogist, 1888, CDMG, p. 344.) Minor smudge and wrinkle upper right corner and top edge. Extremely fine. Est. $150-300

400. Mariposa. Hornitos. Hornitos Gold Mining Co. Incorporated in California in 1913. Issued to Smith Anderson for 600 shares in 1915. Signed by President H. W. Morris and Secretary A.C. Morison. Uncancelled. Three vignettes; top center of hills with small mining operations in lower part, town at top; top left and right, scenes of miners working underground. Gold border, underprint and seal. Two 5 cent and one 2 cent, red revenue stamps top left. 8-1/2 x 11. Printer - A. Carlisle & Co. SF on Goes border. In 1913, the company took over and put into operation the Ruth Pierce gold mine near Hornitos after being idle for some time. Three foot vein was developed by a 550 ft shaft with 2500 ft of workings. The company installed a hoist, compressor and a 10 stamp mill. The company was succeeded by the Ruth Pierce Mining Co. about 1921. (Mines Handbooks; 1920, p. 451 & 1925, p.569 & 614) Slight yellowing at edges, extremely fine. Est. $25-50

401. Mariposa. Hornitos. Ruth Pierce Mine. Two typewritten reports, 3 pages each, by A. C. Morisou summarizing the potential of this mine. Reports, written in 1938, are based on Morisou's personal working experience at the mine from 1914-1916. During this period, the Hornitos Gold Mining Co. was operating the mine, so Morisou was employed by them (see certificate of this company above). Pages are yellowed, fine. Est. $25-50
402. Mariposa. Mariposa. L'Aurifere Compagnie Universelle Des Mines D'Or de la Californie. Founded by an act in Paris, January, 1850. Capital Stock 800,000 Francs. Ten Franc certificate. Signed by the principals (illegible) with an embossed oval seal at left. Uncancelled. The rough translation of the name is "The Auriferous Company" which refers to placer gold, or gold mined in streams and rivers. I suspect this company of being a lease on the Mariposa Estate by Fremont's lawyers Hoffman and Robert, perhaps one of their first such companies. Printed on green paper. This is one of the earliest California gold rush certificates known. Est. $300-500

403. Mariposa(?). Mariposa. La Californie. Vigourel & C.ie. Incorporated in France. Issued in 1850 for 10 francs. Certificate number 79. Datelined Paris. Signed by Le Gerant, Vigourel. Uncancelled. Black border with gray underprint on white paper. 7 x 9. Printer - Germain Sunier, Paris. This company was formed "Pour l'exploitation des mines d'or e de mercure" or the exploitation of gold and mercury mines. It is among the earliest known California gold mining companies on stock certificate. The location of this company's property or the location of the areas they prospected is unknown. However, they may have been involved on the Mariposa Estate as part of Hoffman's efforts to lease parcels of John C. Fremont's properties. Extremely rare. We have never had this certificate before. There was not one offered in the Filer I auction and have not seen it reported in any other sales or auctions that we are aware of. Miner stains. Very fine. Est. $700-1000

404. Mariposa. Mariposa. Le Globe, Comptoiv des Mines d'Or. Capital stock 6 million shares. A society (company) formed for the exploration, research, study, exploitation (Mining), and mining machinery manufacture and any other related ventures that the Company chooses to endeavor in California. Ten Franc certificate. Issued April, 1850. Seal in blue ink at lower left. Signature illegible. Printed in French. The back of the certificate states that 20% of the funds will go to administration, and 80% to work. They expected 75% of their money to be spent in getting to California. They expected a 5% dividend per semester. We were unable to find a specific mine called "Globe" in the central Mother Lode region. In all probability, this company never reached the shores of California to mine their lease on the Mariposa Estate or elsewhere. This is one of the earliest California certificates. We did not have one in the filer I Sale. Est. $400-700

405. Mariposa. Mariposa. Le Nouveau Monde. May, 1850. Pink (rare color), uncancelled. 6 x 10". This was the first company formed by John C. Fremont to develop the Mariposa Estate which he purchased from the Mexican government in 1847. The company was one of only three European efforts directly associated with Fremont to ever set sail for California. Their royalty to Fremont was one-sixth of the gross production. William K. Smith was the superintendent, having operated the Vaucluse Mine in Virginia for the Liberty Mining Co. (Spence, 1984). Later, James Rickard, T. A. Rickard's (famous mine engineer) grandfather was the superintendent. The London Times called this company a "nefarious scheme," though they were a legitimate gold producing company with working gold mines. They also took over the assets of the first Merced Mining Co. The stock was sold in London and France. [Filer I] Est. $200-400

406. Mariposa. Mariposa Le Nouveau Monde. Autograph; John Taylor. Lot of 2. Incorporated in France in 1851. Two white certificates, the first signed by John Taylor, the second is signed by a family member Richard Taylor. John Taylor and his son were both mining engineers. The senior Taylor was one of the most respected mining men in England when the California gold rush broke out. He was hired by Le Nouveau Monde to run their California operations, and was one of only two outfits from Europe to actually make it to California. Taylor was successful for the company, and his family liked it so much in California that they stayed. The son went on to purchase the Kellogg Humbert firm which were the largest assayers in the state, though it had changed hands and names two more time s before they took over. To add to the business, the Taylors also incorporated a full service assay equipment business, the largest on the west coast, and in America. Uncancelled. Black border on left end, black print on blue paper; black and red border left end, black print on white paper. 6 x 10. See above lot for the rest of the story. Extremely fine. Est. $300-500

407. Mariposa. Mariposa Le Nouveau Monde. Blue certificate. Signatures are difficult to read. Black on blue paper. Uncancelled. 6 X 10. See above lot for the story. Very fine. Est. $150-300
408. Mariposa. Mariposa. Mariposa Commercial and Mining Co. Incorporated in California in 1887. Issued to Coleman Jennings for 480 shares in 1919. Signed by President Edward H. Benjamin and Secretary H. G. Sevrinson. Black border and print on white paper. 5 x 9. Printer - Britton & Rey, S. F. Owner of the "Mariposa Estate" or "Grant" a tract of 70 square miles. The important mines included the Pine Tree, Josephine, Princeton, Mariposa, Mount Ophir, Lewis, Georgiana, Ludwig and Texas. Ores from various claims were mined and hauled by wagon to a 5-stamp mill on Missouri Gulch and crushed. (13th Rpt Calif. State Mineralogist, p. 220). Extremely fine. Rare. Est. $75-150

409. Mariposa. Mariposa. Mariposa Land & Mining Co. Incorporated in California. Issued to Van Schaick & Co. for 100 shares in 1873. Certificate number 540. Signed by President ? Brumagim and Secretary Garry Fendorf. Uncancelled. Vignette of California State seal. Red border with orange underprint. 10 x 12. Printer - P. W. Derham, NY. One of the companies formed to operate the Mariposa Estate, originally the Mariposa Land Grant, owned by John C. Fremont. The Josephine, Pine Tree, Princeton and numerous other mines comprised the estate. The Mariposa Land & Mining Co. was organized in 1871 to relieve debts and the company was again reorganized in the 1880's under the name Mariposa Mining and Commercial Co. Slight yellowing at edges, very fine. Est. $300-500

410. Mariposa. Mariposa. Mariposa Land & Mining Co. Incorporated in California. Issued to Fred P Brumagim for 20 shares in 1882. Signed by vice President J. H. Brumagim and Asst. Secretary Robert Cranford. Uncancelled. Vignette of California State seal. Red border. 8 x 12-1/2. Printer - National Bank-Note Co., NY. See above lot for the story. Folds, some wrinkling and stains at right edge. Est. $300-500

411. Mariposa. Mariposa. Philadelphia and California MC, issued December, 1859 to T. W. Neill for 400 shares, signed by Pearson Serville as president and Bettle Paul as secretary. Uncancelled. Signed on the reverse by Neill and witnessed by C. E. Buck. None of these people are listed in Bancroft or DAB. They are all probably men of Philadelphia where this issue was sold by Fremont's attorneys. It is John C. Fremont's first public company based in America that had procured a lease on part of the Mariposa Estate. Uncancelled. Extremely fine. Est. $400-700

412. Mariposa. Mariposa. West Mariposa Quartz Mine Co., ten share certificate, issued November, 1851 to the holder, signed by Charles Stewart as president and Edward Belcher and A. Moore as Directors. Printed by at Lincolns-in-Fields (England) on cloth. 7.5 x 7.5" Slight foxing, some ink stains at right and far left. No vignette. Uncancelled. This property was a British financed venture on the Santa Maria mine, located on the Mariposa Estate, controlled by John C. Fremont, through lease agreements arranged by his lawyers David Hoffman and Richard Robert in Britain. Est. $300-600

413. Mariposa. Mariposa Estate. The Anglo-Californian Gold Mining Co. Registered in London in 1851. Issued to Mary Topham for one share in 1852. Signed by corporate officers (illegible). Uncancelled. Black print on white paper. 7-1/2 x 8. One of the original Fremont-Hoffman ventures. This was the largest foreign issue of a California gold rush venture of which we know. The company sold virtually thousands of shares in a venture of which little or nothing is known. This is the most common California gold rush certificate to survive. The company began as the Anglo California gold Mining and Dredging Co. and was Hoffman's second venture. Extremely fine. Est. $200-400

414. Mariposa. [Salt Lake County, UT.] Yosemite MC. Inc. in Maine in 1909. Issued to Norman D. McCutcheon for 1 share in 1914. Signed by President James P. Graves and Treasurer Sydney S. Milett. Uncancelled. Black border with green underprint. 8-1/4 x 10-3/4. Printer Goes. We include this mine in California because the popular name of Yosemite is associated with California, and was used elsewhere as well. In this case, the name was used for a Utah mine. The company had 12 claims including the Yosemite, the Cluster group and the Mississippi claim, said to have produced $1 million gross. Located near the mines of the Bingham Mines Co. Development included two tunnels. Ores carried silver-lead with some copper ore on one of the working levels. (Mines Handbook, 1916, p. 1245.) This is not a California stock, but may be of interest to California collectors because of the name. Minor yellowing and smudges at edges. Est. $25-50

Mariposa. Railroads. Please see California Railroad section at the end of the California geographical section.