United States Mining Co. Stock: Rare Printer, Unique Vignette 1864 [164768]

Rare Territorial company stamp with mining vignette inside, misspelled county. "Virginia District, Story [sic.] County, N.T." (printed at top). Incorporated December 3, 1862. #108, for five shares issued to C. A. Crane on May 25, 1864 in San Francisco. Signed by president Israel W. Knox and secretary J. M. Buffington. Black border and print. Two vignettes: U. S. Capitol building (center) and battle scene with George Washington(?) on horse (left). Designed and Engraved on Stone by Fishbourne, SF. Notes and examples by Fishbourne included. 25 cent stamp at bottom right with bold circular cancel from Buffington. Also, a rare stamped United States Mining Company circular stamp bottom middle. Inside the double circle is a horse pulling an ore wagon away from a mine tunnel. This is most probably quite unique. We [Holabird Western American Auctions] have previously offered a different variety of this stock, but not this one! Pinholes, folds, toning. Lots of assessments, but no work - until 1868. The Daily Alta California reported a large tunnel was being dug. In May it collapsed at the 50' level and the company went dark! Includes research on the mine. Designed and engraved by Fishbourne. Examples of his engraving included. Virginia City Nevada Joe Elcano Nevada Mining Stock Collection