Rare Nevada discovery

[Digger Bob]

In a little known and short lived gold district, in a remote corner of Nevada, I recently came across this rare piece of mining history. This is in better condition than I have seen in any museum. Even more amazing that it has remained here, untouched, for almost 100 years at 9000' elevation. The heavy winter snows should have collapsed it years ago. It was so well hidden, it was only visible from a small section of road and that at a distance. To get up close, one would have to quad cross country or hike in. The old road was washed out, over grown, and almost unrecognizable. The face plate below the stamps reads," Union Iron Works, San Francisco, Cal. 1913".

This a full 10 stamper, looking ready to pound again. All it needs is a little welding, a few nails, some grease, and a new drive belt (ok, maybe a little more than that). But still, an unusual find, even for Nevada. I have more pictures if anyone is interested.

Digger Bob

 

[Ray-Mo.]

Very nice piece of history,Ray.

 

[Slopoke]

Very cool Digger. At 9,000 feet, that one is up there.
Last time I saw one of those, in the wild, had to be 30-35 years ago
on private property up by Yreka, CA.

Slopoke Bob

 

[James02]

Great pictures, please hare the rest. Thanks - Jim

 

[snakejim]

Amazing find. Thanks for sharing!

 

[1859large]

Do you think it was ever used? The photo with the stamper on the lower right does not show any accumulation of waste rock or sand.

A short lived gold rush near my summer house resulted in a few shafts driven in the 1890s and a water driven stamping mill was built but actually never operated. I have been trying to find just where it was built to see if any "potential" ore was left behind.

A nice find.

Happy trails

1889