1899 Gold Bullion Memorandum for Refining
A Great Gold Mining Related Document from the 19th Century
7.95 ounces before melting, 7.55 after melting
Gold Fineness 837
Gold Value $130.62 (approx. $17.30 per ounce)
Also silver 60 cents
Selby Smelting & Lead Co.
416 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California
May 31, 1899
for dust + amalgam
Don't forget to check out our other Selby item:
The Selby Smelting & Lead Company was a major player in the industrial history of the West Coast, particularly in California. Its story, spanning over a century, is filled with innovation, growth, and ultimately, a fall from grace due to environmental concerns. Here's a summary of its journey:Early Years (1852-1875):
- Founded in 1852 by Thomas H. Selby and Peter Naylor, initially as a metal import business.
- 1865: Expanded into smelting operations, focusing on lead, with branches in Marysville and Stockton.
- 1865: Constructed the iconic Selby Shot Tower in San Francisco to produce lead shot for ammunition.
- 1869-1871: Thomas Selby served as San Francisco's mayor.
- 1875: Incorporated as the Selby Smelting and Lead Company after Naylor's death and Thomas Selby's son Prentiss took over.
Growth and Expansion (1875-1930):
- Acquired the Pacific Refinery and Bullion Exchange in 1879, becoming the only private refinery on the West Coast.
- Refined gold, silver, and lead in addition to lead shot.
- Played
a crucial role in supplying metals for construction and infrastructure
projects during the California Gold Rush and beyond.
- Expanded operations to include mines in Mexico and Canada.
Environmental Concerns and Decline (1930-1976):
- Concerns about air and water pollution began to rise in the early 20th century.
- 1948: Major air pollution episode in Vallejo, California, linked to Selby Smelting's operations, led to lawsuits and regulations.
- 1976: Due to mounting environmental concerns and stricter regulations, the company ceased operations.