Presented in this lot is a Scarce Black Diamond Mining Company, Snow Creek, Montana Stock Certificate Book. The Black Diamond Mining Company was located in the mining area of Neihart, Montana. Rich veins of silver were mined in the Historic Neihart Mining District for a fifty-year period beginning in July 1881. Remnants of the first claim, the Queen of the Hills mine, are located just a few hundred yards north of where you are standing. During the peak of silver mining here (late 1800s and early 1900s), the Silver Dyke Mine was one of the world’s largest producers of silver ore. J. L. Neihart helped discover the district and soon founded the town bearing his name. In 1891, the Belt Mountain branch of the Great Northern Railroad was constructed, connecting Neihart to the Anaconda Company smelter at Great Falls. The line remained in operation until 1945. At one time, Neihart had fourteen saloons in one block, all of them located on the same side of the street. Respectable stores were located on the opposite side, and ladies never crossed over. By 1887 most of the richest and easy-to-reach veins of ore had been exhausted. By 1890, Neihart was almost deserted. In 1891, a spur of the Montana Central Railway reached Neihart, and a strong mining boom began. Neihart went through a series of booms and busts over the next half-century. Portions of Neihart have been abandoned, and ghost town ruins can be seen in the city's outer limits. Stock certificate book includes ninety-nine (#1-#99) issued certificate stubs, #100-#102 stubs were not recorded, #103-#499 certificates are unissued. #1-#39 were all issued on September 12, 1890, last recorded certificate was issued October 20, 1892. Stationer stamp located on inside cover, "John Morris Company, Stationers, Job Printers, Blank Book Manufacturers and Lithographers, Nos. 118 and 120 Monroe Street, Chicago, Job No. C14808 Ordered 8/26 1890. When another Book like this is wanted, it will be only necessary to send the above number and date. Order Duplicate Of This Book Three Months Before Wanted. To Prevent Warping Keep Under Weights Two Weeks. Books Should Season Three Months Before Using." Stock certificates have front face illustrations of mining operations and of the mining camps, a gold gilt emblem is surrounded by the illustrations. "Black Diamond Mining Company Mines Located at Snow Creek, Montana". is printed at the top, "incorporated under the laws of the state of Montana" is printed inside the upper decorative border. The leather / red cloth bound hardcover stock certificate book exhibits damage to spine hinges, scuffing noted to cover edges, soiling. Intact certificates and stubs exhibit age tanning and slight foxing. Book measures 8.5"W x 15.25"L x 1.5"D