September 16, 2020 09:00 AM PDT Annex
32
DeGroot, Henry P. Recollections of California Mining Life
DeGroot, Henry P. Recollections of California Mining Life, Primitive Placers and First Important Discovery of Gold. The Pioneers of the Pioneers - Their Fortune and Their Fate. Written for the Mining and Scientific Press. Published by Dewey & Company Publishers, Office Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, Cal., 1884. The following is printed on the front cover: Copyright, 1883, by Dewey & Co. Collation: [1] title, [2] illus., 3-16 text (in double columns). 9" x 6". Binding: Original blue-grey pictorial wrappers. Cover title, within ornamental borders. Engraving of miner on the front wrapper; engraving of quartz mill on rear wrapper. Wrappers are in superb condition with minor staining on edges. The pamphlet is inserted into a modest but protective folder of tan paper over boards. Illustrations: engravings on front and rear wrappers; 4 full-page engravings within the text.
Rather than writing a personal account, DeGroot presented an excellent general history of gold discoveries in California prior to 1848 with explanations why such finds did not warrant more attention. He arrived in San Francisco in February 1849 but decided to focus on its colorful and sometimes challenging past rather than mining. He also wrote poignant profiles of gold discoverer James Wilson Marshall and Captain John A. Sutter at whose mill Marshall saw something shining in the ditch. DeGroot focused on not only the first months following this world-shaking discovery but also the fate of Sutter, Marshall and other early settlers as the world stampeded into California.
The black and white illustrations engraved by Anthony and Baker, depicting Sutter's Mill, different forms of mining, and the town of Rabbit Creek, are from drawings by Charles Christian Nahl. They are among the finest delineations of life in the diggings.
References: Cowan II, p.162-163; Decker 32: 51; Kurutz 175; Norris 948; Rocq 15772; Streeter 2985; Wheat, Books 56. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $25.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance. Witherell's strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell's. All lots are sold "AS IS" under terms and conditions. Please be advised we do not provide porters nor packing materials for pick ups.
Condition:
Text leaves have minor foxing.
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Estimate:
$1,000 -
$2,500
Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium
$605
09/16/2020
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Consign With UsWitherell strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, or wire transfer for foreign payments. Please note we do not accept credit cards. This auction has a buyer's premium of 15%.
