2349

Kent's Patented Improved Gold and Silver Processing c. 1864 [194263]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
Kent's Patented Improved Gold and Silver Processing c. 1864 [194263]
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This document details the cost savings and improved ore extraction by Edward N. Kent a chemist and superintendent at the United States Assay Office in New York City. It expands the Freiberg Process of dry processing ores to a salt solution process that reduced furnace costs, improved percentiles of extraction, reduces labor and lead loss in the furnace processing, and minimized pyrite contamination. Lead then, is used as the element that carried the gold and silver extraction. The document uses known western states independent mine operations to calculate the savings. This four page document is technical but readable to the layman. It was estimated that up to twenty-five tons of ore could be processed in one operation. A frail document with minor tears at the folds. The New York Assay Office handled gold ore assays from the state of California at that time. Roughly $2M of gold per month was shipped from California for smelting at a loss of about 12% expense in the 1850's where ore shipments were shipped around the Cape Horn of South America. The Panama Canal would not be finished for another sixty years. Eventually, San Francisco would get its own mint in 1854. The Edward N. Kent patent is dated November 15, 1864. 8 in. X 10.5 in. Very readable and rare document. Please see photos for details.
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Date: 1864
Country (if not USA):
State: New York
City:
Provenance:

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