North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Wild West Wonders: May Collector's Auction Event

Sat, May 18, 2024 11:00AM EDT
Lot 559

1888 Illustrated Digging Gold Among the Rockies

Estimate: $250 - $500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
For your consideration is this 1888 of “Digging Gold Among the Rockies” by G. Thomas Ingham, Esq., Hubbard Brothers, Philadelphia publishers, Edgewood Edition Illustrated. "Digging Gold Among the Rockies or Exciting Adventures of Wild Camp Life in Leadville, Black Hills and the Gunnison Country” provides a graphic history of the various discoveries of gold and silver in the United States, the development and extent of our mining industries. As a Deputy Mineral Surveyor for the United States during the late 1800s who was involved daily with the technical aspects of mining, Ingham infuses this book with a wealth of facts and a truly colorful history that defined the mining industry of the time. "Digging Gold Among the Rockies" provides a brief history of the discovery of gold and silver in the eastern United States and California, but quickly claims the Colorado Rockies and the Black Hills of the Dakotas as its primary focus. In this fascinating book, Ingham explains the differences between placer and lode mining and the equipment used for each. He writes about the first discoveries, early mining laws, mine locations, mining terms, towns that sprang-up in the mining areas, and the contagious boomtown atmosphere that was everywhere. He explains the salting of mines, warns of robbers and thieves and the dangers of gambling and drinking, and also includes short biographies of some of the mining giants of his era. Yet, even with mining being central to this work, Ingham still takes the time to describe the pleasures he experienced while hunting in the mountains and fishing in the area's clear, rushing streams. This reddish-brown cloth bound gold gilt stamped illustrated hardcover is in nicely preserved condition, scuffing exhibited to edges, gold gilt faded on spine. Intact pages exhibit age tanning and slight foxing throughout. Measures 5"W x 7.5"L x 1.5"D.