September 16, 2020 09:00 AM PDT Annex
23
The Miner's Own Book: Containing Correct Illustrations and Descriptions of the Various Modes of California Mining
The Miner's Own Book, Containing Correct Illustrations and Descriptions of the Various Modes of California Mining, Including All the Improvements Introduced from the Earliest Day to the Present Time. San Francisco: Published by Hutchings & Rosenfield,146 Montgomery Street, Whitton, Towne & Co. Printers, for. Clay and Sansome Streets. 1858. Collation: [1] title, [2] contents, [3] note by the publishers, [4] blank, [5] 6-32 text. 9 x 5 5/8 in. Binding: tan pictorial wrappers. Cover title within rules; engraving of a miner. Adits. On verso of front wrapper and recto and verso of back wrapper. Copy comes with protective slipcase; dark blue leather backstop over green cloth boards. Backstrip: gold stamped title and date with raised bands. Illustrations: 27 wood engravings. References: Cowan I, p. 154; Cowan II, p.431; Graff 2813; Greenwood 967; Howes M 639; Kurutz 444; Norris 547; Rocq 15965; Streeter 2839; Wheat, Books 141.
James Mason Hutchings published this wrapper bound title to render "familiar, through correct views and descriptions, everything connected with the immense mining operations of the State." He also stated that he thought it was the first book of its kind ever published. Much of information contained therein originally appeared in his magazine, Hutchings Illustrated California Magazine for the years 1856 and 1857. It certainly stands as a landmark book in washing away whole hillsides via hydraulic mining. Hutchings credited Edward E. Matteson with introducing this new technology at American Hill, Nevada in 1852. While focusing on modern mining, the text does cover methods and tools used during the early period. Charles Christian Nahl, the great Gold Rush artist , supplied many of the illustrations. One of the engravings show Chinese miners working a cradle. These illustrations are now recognized as classics. Nahl came to California during the height of the Gold Rush and made observations and sketches that later appeared in pictorial newspapers and magazines and oil paintings.
The rear wrapper is a striking advertisement for the great California pioneer photographer R.H. Vance. It includes a beautiful engraving of his gallery at the corner of Montgomery and Sacramento Streets in San Francisco.
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:
Considering its age, the wrappers and text leaves are in excellent condition.
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Estimate:
$1,000 -
$2,500
Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium
$2,420
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%.
