April 12, 2019 Gold Rush, Western, & Native American, Las Vegas
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2019
Circa 1870's, Inlaid 14K gold quartz Match Safe with striker on bottom. Multi-colored diamond pattern with center section of grey gold quartz. Grey gold quartz inlay on top of hinged lid. Engraved detail throughout with some period wear to highlights. Great historical association to early Virginia City, Nevada and the famed Comstock Lode. Period engraving on the reverse reads: "Presented to (F?) Anderson by his Friends of the Sutro Tunnel, Feb 11, 1874". The Sutro Tunnel is a drainage tunnel connected to the Comstock Lode in Northern Nevada. It begins at Virginia City, Nevada and empties approximately six miles southeast near the town of Dayton, Nevada. The tunnel was proposed by Adolph Sutro in 1860. He promoted the drainage tunnel to allow access to deeper mineral exploration in the Comstock. Flooding and inadequate pumps had inhibited some exploration until that time. By 1865, Sutro's idea had gained the approval of state and federal legislation. The mining interests of the Comstock initially supported the project, but later opposed the idea. They feared that an alternate access point to the Comstock minerals would threaten their monopoly on the mining and milling of gold and silver in the Comstock. Nonetheless, Sutro formed the Sutro Tunnel Company, selling stock certificates to raise funds for its construction, which began in 1869. Financing also came from local miners motivated by the prospect of improved mine safety. This motivation was further advocated (perhaps exploited) by Sutro after the Yellowjacket mine disaster where dozens of miners were burned to death because they could not escape. Great early Comstock Lode piece.
Condition: (Excellent).
Item Dimensions: 2 - 1/4" x 1".