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Antelope Silver MC Stock, 1863 Mark Twain Connection [171857]

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Stock & Bond - Mining Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,400.00 USD
Antelope Silver MC Stock, 1863 Mark Twain Connection [171857]
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Antelope Silver Mining Company, incorporated in California around 1861, located in Esmeralda Mining District. Certificate no. 346 issued to Geo H. Parker for 1 share at $500 each on Mar 7, 1863 in San Francisco. Singed by president Alex Gamble and secretary Solon Pateco(?). Signed by Parker on reverse, not cancelled. Black border and print by Britton & Co. in SF. Fine Antelope vignette at top center.5 x 10 inches, folds, clean. This Stock Certificate is linked to Mark Twain, one of a few Aurora mines that Mark Twain became interested in. In a letter dated May 4, 1862, he wrote to his brother Orion: " Yesterday we took a spirit level and got the angle of the celebrated "Antelope" ledge, and tomorrow we shall commence a hunt after the second E. extension of it. We may find it and we may not. The thing has often been tried before, but with no success. If we find it, our fortunes are made - if we don't - they isn't. I have 5 feet in a spur of the "Antelope", which promises nothing save that it is an offshoot from a good family - and I am aristocrat enough to attach some importance to that sort of thing" On May 5 he writes, "Hunted for Antelope" today and found a ledge - but hardly think it is the right one. Four of us boys have dug two trenches, each 20 feet long and 6 feet deep, to-day, in the gravelly hill side. Finally, if we do find the "Antelope", we cant care a damn anymore" (Letters from Mark Twain Project) According to the Sacramento Daily Union, the company was incorporated around Feb 1, 1861 - this would put this stock certificate in Utah Territory!
The Antelope Silver Mining Co was one of the 3 largest mining companies in the 1860's.Alexander Gamble was a stockholder in two other rich mines in Aurora, the Real Del Monte and Wide West. He went from tags to riches on these stock and then back to rags.Franklin Collection. [ Esmeralda District California 1863