LOT Holabird-Kagin Americana  /  Mueller ~ Schmidtmann Western Americana BONANZA  / 

1117

Bullion City,NV - Elko County - c1885 - Exceptionally Rare Mining Camp and Smelter Photograph :

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Photographic Images Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Bullion City,NV - Elko County - c1885 - Exceptionally Rare Mining Camp and Smelter Photograph :
Lot of four cabinet cards depict the rarely seen Bullion City. Photographs measure 8 1/4”x5”, tan single mattes 8 1/2x5 1/4” (3), generally medium contrast—some minor yellowing, and focus is sharp to good. The photographer, James H. Crockwell, learned photography in 1883 and worked with George Ottinger of Crockwell & Ottinger. He advertised himself as a specialist in “Mining and Contract Viewing a Specialty” c. 1886. He shows up in Bishop’s Creek, California in 1887 and Virginia City, Nevada in 1888. After 1888, he reappears in Utah and then Chicago World’s Fair, 1893. He retired circa 1900 (Mautz). Given the timeframe of Crockwell’s life, these photographs are probably during the late years of Bullion City. Discovery of silver in 1869 gave rise to the Railroad Mining District on the east side of the Piñon Range, 27 miles southwest of Elko. The mining district was only 14 miles from the newly completed Central Pacific Railroad. The city began operation in 1870 and continued with success until 1884. During its 14 years of success the mine produced $3 million in silver, lead, copper, and gold. In 1886 the mine shut down, but was revived in 1904 and renamed Bullion (Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps). 1) Is probably of the smelter that built in 1870 and improved upon in 1872 by the Empire City Mining Company. The photograph suffers from some yellowing and there are a couple water drip stains. Wagons of ore can be seen in the background, the smelter in clear view and the miners are posing in front. 2) Is in the finest condition of the photos with high to medium contrast and sharp focus making it very nice. It is of a railroad district hillside camp composed of wooden structures. A stage sits next to the heavily rutted wagon road. A mine shaft is centered in the background. 3) Depicts what is probably the city. This photo suffers from some tears; a section of the upper part of the photograph has been torn off and there is a tear on the lower right. The photo is also yellowed and has a few brown spots. 4) Shows a young boy sitting on a bench. Behind him are some mining structures and a water tower. This photo has a grey matte, a black streak on the upper left, a small tear on the middle left, and also suffers from some foxing.

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