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Gould & Curry Mill CDV, Virginia City, Nevada, c.1864 [164579]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Gould & Curry Mill CDV, Virginia City, Nevada, c.1864 [164579]
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Very rare CDV by Lawrence & Houseworth showing the mill in full production, c.1864. "726. The Patio Process--Gould & Curry Mill." The patios are seen in the foreground. The Spanish used arrastre's to crush the ore from the mine, whereas here the more efficient stamp mill inside the building was used. The Arrastre was driven by a mule or oxen dragging a large rock (dragstone) around in circles over the ore which was spread out on a bed of flat stones. The Patio was large round circular area where mercury, salt and copper sulphate was mixed into the wet crushed ore from the Arrastre. Mules and oxen were again used to slowly mixing in wet crushed ore with mercury and the salts. Remnants of stamp. Great contrast, sharp focus. A choice view.

FH says this was the most important mill in the US at its time. This mill was built at considerable cost in 1862 and located at the confluence of Sixmile and Sevenmile Canyons. By the end of 1863, approx. $900,000 had been spent. Charles Strong was replaced as supt. by Charles Bonner, and the mill was reconstructed for a cost of $560,000. It used both stamping mills and a variant of the Washoe Pan Process (Veatch Process) along with Spanish style Patio Process. In 1866, it had 80 stamps and a 100-ton-a-day capacity. In 1871, the mill was sold to Parke & Bowie, but shutdown soon after. The Omega Mill was built on the same site in 1876. Comstock historian Elliot Lord had harsh words about the first mill, calling it "the most conspicuous monument of inexperience and extravagance ever erected in a mining district." [Ansari]

Date: c.1864
Country (if not USA):
State: Nevada
City: Virginia City
Provenance: