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Ore Wagons at Lundy, Cal. Gouache Painting, c1880 [192449]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Ore Wagons at Lundy, Cal. Gouache Painting, c1880 [192449]
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When I write descriptions, I often use words such as "spectacular" and "Fabulous." Sometimes these comments and adjectives are used in a manner that comes from direct experience. Such is the case here. I was lucky enough to work the Lundy area for nearly a year, as our company reopened the May Lundy mine haulage drift about 1980-1981, and I spent the better part of a month underground sampling and looking at the geology of the mine. We also were the last to reopen the main dirt road to the mine, now washed out. At the time, it was privately owned. I also spent a lot of time on both sides of the mountainside looking at the other mines and prospects, including the Gorilla, which was owned by one of the actors of the "Lassie" series. At the time, at about $300 gold, it was barely sub-economic. It would be potentially economic today.

This gouache, image size 14 x 10.5" in a Victorian frame, was painted about 1880 showing covered ore/supply wagons and a 12 horse team in Lundy Canyon. Those of you who have been to Lundy know this view well - the steep, granite and red-orange meta-sediments on the east wall of the canyon. It is unmistakable, and unmistakably beautiful.

California geologist H. A. Whiting described it well in 1888: "The steep granite walls of Lake Canyon tower to the height of from two thousand to two thousand five hundred feet above its floor, in which, like emerald jewels, are set three alpine lakes..." (p367 in Eighth Report of the State Mineralogist, 1888)

One of the interesting features of the district was that ores from near surface deposits high upon the granite hillsides were transported down the mountainside by a fantastic tram system, some of which is still present today.

There is no artist shown on the obverse, and we have not dismantled the entire framed piece to look for other clues as to artistry. It comes from the estate of Otho Lundy, namesake of the town and geographic area, though the mining district is known as the "Homer Mining District."

Interestingly, Otho's name is written crudely on the back, but we don't know if he was the artist. He was a mere 27 years old when he staked claims in the region, according to Patera, in his work "Lundy", 2000.

This is a true museum piece. It belongs in a place of prominence, and needs to be published!

PS. I had the extreme pleasure to view the original records of production of the district many years ago, which show a far greater return in gold and silver than any other reports.
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Date:
Country (if not USA):
State: California
City: Lundy
Provenance: