Subject: Gold Rush

Militia Buckle - Dug...California gold rush era militia buckle from the 1850s. The set was found in Placer county, California. The wreath is embossed BONDY BROTHERS & CO. on the belt loop cross bar. This is the only early militia wreath made that was stamped with a maker's name. The Bondy Brothers (Adolph & Joseph...possibly Leopod also) business was in New York selling accoutrements and supplies to the military and miners during the gold rush. As with other New York businesses, that were trying to capitalize on the gold rush market in California, the Bondy's opened a store in San Francisco to sell goods that were manufactured at their New York business. William Taussig & the Pollack brothers were other gold rush-based businesses that manufactured in New York and sold in San Francisco to the gold rush market. As the gold rush market declines, in 1859, the Bondy Brothers move their business to 6 Dey Street in New York City and begin to manufacture shirts. 1863 New York Directory lists Adolph dealing in shirts and Joseph working in whalebone. Whalebone. The 1875 New York directory shows both Adolph and Joseph move to 25 Howard Street and are working in ribbons. The ribbons could possibly be for Civil War veteran organizations or some sort of trimmings on hats or clothes. was used in the manufacture of ladies corsets. In the US, from 1873 to 1879, 18,000 businesses went bankrupt, including 89 railroads. Ten states and hundreds of banks went bankrupt. Unemployment peaked in 1878, Hard times for the citizens of the United States and the Bondy Brothers trying to make a living manufacturing and selling ribbons. The last listing for the Bondy Brothers appears in the 1878 New York City directory listing them as commission merchants and manufacturing ribbons in New York City and residing in New Jersey.

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.

This handwritten letter, dated June 11, 1849, is from P. Selling in Macon, Mississippi, to M. B. Cohen in Mobile, Alabama. The letter discusses financial matters, specifically mentioning a sum of $100 to be directed to Dorchester and placed to P. Selling's credit, requesting information via 'arnoch'. It also notes that John Selling departed New York on May 21st for California aboard the Steamer Crescent City, heading towards Chagres and Panama. The reverse side features the address to M. B. Cohen and a clear 'MACON MS' postal cancellation mark. **3.

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 stereoscopic photograph, created by the Keystone View Company, depicts a bustling scene outside two frontier-style establishments in Sheep Camp, Alaska, during the late 19th-century Gold Rush era. The image shows the "Seattle Hotel" and "T. Lubelski General Merchandise," which appear to be combined mercantile and lodging facilities. Numerous individuals, likely gold seekers or "argonaughts," are gathered around the stores, some with bundles and supplies, suggesting active trade and preparation for travel. Goods are displayed openly outside the stores. The stereoview card features an orange border with the publisher's name, "Keystone View Company," on the left side, and copyright information "Copyright 1898 by B. L. Singley" along with "Meadville, Pa. St. Louis, Mo." on the right side. The reverse side of the card includes an informational description titled "(26)" by John P. Clum, U. S. P. O. Inspector and Lecturer, noting that in Sheep Camp's early days, establishments often combined general merchandising, drug store, restaurant, and lodging, with goods displayed openly due to the trust placed in dealers by the gold seekers. This description is copyrighted 1900 by B. L. Singley. **3.

This is a $1,000 bond certificate, number 99, issued by The Mariposa Land & Mining Company of California on December 15, 1875, in San Francisco. The bond promises seven percent interest, with the principal payable on January 1, 1886, and interest payable semi-annually on January 1st and July 1st. It is signed by S. Heydenfeldt as President and L. Leavitt as Secretary. Nineteen coupons remain attached to the bottom of the certificate. The document features an ornate border and detailed text. A prominent top vignette depicts John Marshall at the gold discovery site at Coloma, Sutter's Mill in January 1848, showing a lumber mill and a tail race. A bottom vignette illustrates cowboys and Native Americans in a landscape. The reverse side includes a Trustee's Certificate issued by The Farmers' Loan and Trust Company of New York, confirming the bond's terms.