Featured in this lot is this atlas from the United States Geological Survey titled, "Geology of the Comstock Lode and the Washoe District" compiled by George F. Becker circa 1882. Following the Comstock Lode's discovery in 1859, thousands of prospectors descended the slopes of Mount Davidson in western Nevada, which at the time was part of Utah territory, sparking the second major mineral rush in American history. The United States Geologic Survey published this atlas in 1882, but the silver rush had mostly passed by then. Silver production peaked in 1877. Nevertheless, this did not stop Nevada from earning the nickname "The Silver State". Under the direction of Clarence King, the atlas's publisher, George F. Becker designed the maps, and both men were employed by the U.S.G.S. Maps of mining claims, shaft cross sections, and horizontal projections indicating the locations of mineral deposits are all included. The maps of the mines themselves, which show various tunnels and shafts color-coded, are arguably the most interesting. Much of the survey work was done by King himself between 1867 and 1872 during the Geological Exploration of the Fortieth Parallel (better known as the King survey). The atlas shows a black hard cover with the title and authors in gold gilt, while the spine shows the title and author written in white. Overall the atlas shows good condition with some wear present to the spine and corners of the book from its age and use over the years, but no signs of obvious damage is present. The atlas measures 20 1/8" L x 18" W x 5/8" D and weighs 7 pounds and 8 ounces.