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Rawhide & Goldfield, Nevada Archive – Souvenir Booklet, Negatives, and Ephemera, ca. 1908

A historically rich archive documenting the short but dramatic boom years of Rawhide and Goldfield, Nevada. Includes a 1908 first edition Souvenir of Rawhide – Nevada’s Great Gold Camp published by N.E. Johnson, Rawhide, Nevada; approximately 20 billheads, envelopes, and receipts—primarily from the Rawhide Water and Reduction Company—along with other town-related correspondence and documents. Also present is a detailed blueprint map titled Pipe Line of Rawhide Water Company, and a group of approximately 40 original negatives, many depicting street scenes, mining operations, and local events circa 1908. Almost all negatives are identified, housed in original Trans Continental Advertising Bureau (Sacramento) paper sleeves.

Rawhide was one of the last great mining booms of the early 20th century, springing to life in late 1906 after a gold and silver discovery by prospector Jim Swanson and partners. Fueled by heavy promotion from speculators such as George “Tex” Rickard, the camp’s population soared to over 7,000 within two years, complete with banks, hotels, saloons, and multiple newspapers. In September 1908, a devastating fire destroyed much of the business district; though rebuilding began, the camp never fully recovered. By 1910, Rawhide’s population had dwindled, marking the end of its brief but storied reign as “Nevada’s Great Gold Camp.” Surviving original photographs, maps, and ephemera from this period are scarce, making this archive a valuable record of the town at its peak.

Provenance: Estate of Ron Lerch.

Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Sacramento. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $35 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined lot shipping available.

Condition:Booklet in very good condition with light handling wear; ephemera showing age toning, minor tears, and edge wear; many negatives with damage including emulsion loss, scratches, and corner losses; blueprint with fold lines and minor edge tears.

Time Left:
8 D, 17 h, 58 m, 18 s
Current Bid: $25
Estimate: $250 - $500
Required Bid: $50
Activity: 1 Bids
 

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