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Lot 332
[WESTERN AMERICANA - GOLD RUSH]. Double-sided illustrated broadsheet promoting businesses in Nevada and California, incl. the mining town of Bodie, CA.
Sale 1250 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography
Nov 30, 2023 10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
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Estimate
$1,000 - 1,500
Price Realized
$1,386
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[WESTERN AMERICANA - GOLD RUSH]. Double-sided illustrated broadsheet promoting businesses in Nevada and California, incl. the mining town of Bodie, CA.

Double-sided broadsheet, approx. 11 x 18 inches, printed on cardstock (toning to edges, some some creasing and tearing to edges, occasional spotting throughout). With ink stamp for H. L. Leavitt's "Leavitt House" in Bridgeport, CA to one side.

Broadsheet features copious advertisements for establishments primarily in the mining town (now popular ghost town) of Bodie, California, as well as businesses in other parts of Mono County and elsewhere in California and Nevada. Highlights include ads for J.M. Benton's Livery and Stage Stable, with mention of notable driver Hank Monk and rare illustration of said establishment; L. Hollander Diamonds, Watches, Jewelry, Silverware, Clocks, Optical Goods and Jewelry made to order, with illustration of "Lady Elgin" riding an eagle carrying an Elgin watch in its beak; J. L. Coleman and J. C. Kemp's Occidental Gallery, with an illustration of one cherubic figure using a camera to take a portrait of another, seated, cherubic figure flipping through a photo album; and Peter Tautphaus's Miners' Market claiming to sell "All Kinds of Meats," with illustration of a steer. 
Perhaps most interesting is the oval ink stamp of California pioneer Hiram Leavitt and his Leavitt House (now the Bridgeport Inn). At the time, Leavitt ran a stage coach shop out of the Leavitt House, which is advertised on the broadsheet, so it is possible this sheet was used in his place of business to advertise to potential travelers and fortune-seekers. 
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
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