Subject: Gold mines and mining

Bill of exchange issued January 19, 1858, by the San Francisco branch of the Rothschild Bank to Natan Meir Rothschild, payable to Franz Joerger for 2500 florins. The bill is signed by B. Davidson, agent for the Rothschilds. The document is printed lithographically with delicate decorations on colored paper and stamped to prevent forgery. The note shows evidence of being filled out by hand. It is in good condition with minor imperfections.

Billhead of Weil & Levy, perfumery business located at the corner of Sacramento and Battery Streets in San Francisco, California. Dated September 8, 1865. Payable in gold coins. The billhead is part of the archival collection Arc.MS.56, Box 11.

This ledger, spanning from November 20, 1859, to December 1860, documents the business transactions of Block & Levy Co., a general store in San Rafael, California. The nearly 200 pages record purchases of various goods, including whisky, clothing, shoes, food, and gunpowder, by residents of San Rafael and the surrounding area. The ledger is signed by Emanuel Block III and Samuel Levy on the frontispiece and includes entries by D. Block, Maurice L. Levy, and Philip Rothschild. It offers a unique glimpse into the economic life of early San Rafael and represents the earliest known account book of a Jewish store in the California Gold Fields.

A half-page business letter written by Marcuse Bros. to J. W. Brown, Esq. on March 29, 1865, in Marysville, California. The letter acknowledges receipt of a payment and expresses hope for future business. It includes a 2-cent revenue stamp.

Brass store card issued by Joseph Brothers, jewelers and general importers in San Francisco, California, circa 1850s. Obverse features the firm's name and address (149 Montgomery St., San Francisco, Cal.), describing their services as watchmakers, jewelers, opticians, and general importers. The reverse indicates that they were the "cheapest house in California for good watches, diamonds, jewelry, silverware, cutlery, etc." The card measures 29mm in diameter. Joseph Brothers were prominent California Gold Rush jewelers, known for commissioning California small-denomination gold coins as early as 1852. This store card dates from the late 1850s, after their move from 175 Clay Street to 149 Montgomery Street. The card is considered exceedingly rare.

A two-page handwritten letter from Leon Salomon to "Friend Graffe" dated November 15, 1864, in Virginia City, Nevada. The letter discusses Salomon's financial difficulties, mentions several prominent citizens of Aurora, Nevada (a nearby mining town), and alludes to rumors circulating in San Francisco. The letter is written on lined laid paper with a "Pacific Mills" blind stamp.

A three-page manuscript letter written by S. D. Pardee of New Haven, Connecticut to his son, Benjamin S. Pardee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 15, 1849. The letter discusses the California Gold Rush, focusing on the tragic loss of life within the Montague Company, a group of New Haven merchants and tradesmen. It also recounts a humorous incident involving a group of 'Jews' who mistook some early-morning bank activity for a robbery, leading to a comical scene involving swords and mud.

Full-page map of California Gold Fields with a facing page of statistics. The map is a copy of Boynton's Stylographic Map. Published January 1, 1854.

This pamphlet, published by S. Blum & Co. in Cordova, Alaska around 1900, provides an "Outfitting List" for miners, whether working placer or quartz claims. The list details equipment and supplies necessary for mining operations in Alaska. S. Blum & Co. was the successor to A. Levy & Co., and operated as bankers and general merchants.