4292

California Gold Rush Money Vest, c1850s [168004]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
California Gold Rush Money Vest, c1850s [168004]
SHIPPING & HANDLING: The customer is responsible for all shipping and packaging charges. We offer shipping service as a convenience to our buyers. Items are not shipped until the invoice and shipping charges are completely paid. Shipping costs will be calculated and billed separately after your items have been paid for. Purchases will be shipped via our approved, insured carriers: FedEx, UPS, USPS or DHL. Pick up is available from our Reno office, once you have received your invoice post auction
Ornate small leather money vest intended to hold gold coin and be worn under clothing. 2 identical side by side panels 15.5" x 8.5" attached at the center with a 2" wide stretch bands. At the shoulders were clips (classic California Gold Rush Style) for straps that went over the shoulders, under the arms, and reattached on the front of the vest below the armpits. The nature of the construction of this vest is such that my opinion (F. Holabird) is it was worn on the back because the straps would be invisible under a coat or shirt, and the vest itself would be completely invisible. At least 2 other vests of similar construction have surfaced in the last 2 decades at the Grass Valley Gold Rush Show. This vest is missing the shoulder straps and has been professionally mounted on custom plexiglass. It contains 3 flaps per side and a total of 5 pockets on each side with a button attachment above each pocket and reinforced leather holes.

Vests constructed specifically to carry gold and jewelry were known as "Gold Porters." Research of gold porters is exceptionally difficult; the term was not well used either in NY or CA markets. In SF, gold porters were advertised by Taussiag, Pollock & Co. (in Parkers 1852-1853 SF Directory on page 33 of the advertisements, page 198 of 226 if you are using the digital search program).

This is an exceptional California Gold Rush rarity. None were found on the SS Central America, though their leather construction would have disappeared quickly under water.

Date:
Country (if not USA):
State: California
City:
Provenance: