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Varney Folding Miner's Stick CO - Denver, - 1911 - 2012aug - Mining Hard goods/Important Mining Publ

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Varney Folding Miner's Stick CO - Denver, - 1911 - 2012aug - Mining Hard goods/Important Mining Publ
Invoicing and lot pick up will NOT be available at the live auction.
The Varney Patent folding stick, known as a “pocket stick” is one of the most mechanical of all miners’ sticks. A sliding thumb button raises and lowers the hook and the spike folds through a slot in the thimble, to be secured by a rotating triangular clasp. Even though Varney was a major manufacturer of candlesticks, his invention of the folding model came near the end of the candlestick era, when candles were being replaced by carbide lamps. This was not a big seller. Piece is 6” long folded, 9.75” unfolded. Made of cast steel at handle, spike, and hook and a riveted sheet steel thimble. Stick is nickel plated. Stamped VARNEY PAT. 12-12-11. Wilson 243, RCS 35. From Eichler`s notes: “A pioneer mining man died at his home, 3205 Lake place, on Feb. 1, after a lingering illness, In the early development of several of the largest producing mining camps of the state he took a part. Mr. Varney was born in Windham Center, Maine, in 1850. In 1870 he moved West and went to Creede, where he conducted one of the first assay offices in that camp. Later he went to Cripple Creek, where he tried his fortunes for a time and then went to the Boulder mining field. He lived in Longmont for a period and moved to Denver in 1885, establishing a small manufacturing plant." - Ken & Rosemary Roberts Collection -59136