Support provided by:
The Case:
A viewer from Colorado thinks he may have discovered a gem of Gold Rush memorabilia when he found an unusual drawing.
This drawing depicts four huge gold nuggets, weighing one, two, six and ten pounds. Someone has overlaid the nuggets with curious, almost cartoon-like pictures: a bag of gold dust, a scowling turtle, a Colt revolver, and the profile of a man’s grinning face. The signature, I.W. Baker, catches our contributor’s eye.
Could this be the Isaac Baker famous for his photographs of the Gold Rush? And did miners actually find gold nuggets that large? History Detectives visits Baker’s haunts in California and talks with Gold Rush curators to reveal the story behind this drawing.
Drawings and Photographs by Isaac Baker
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Doc Holliday's Watch
Was this watch a gift from the fearless frontier lawman Wyatt Earp to the gambler Doc Holliday?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Chinese Poems
Who were the authors of the poems describing bitterness and misery on the Angel Island detention center walls?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Koranic School Book
Why does this 200 year old schoolbook contain two translated passages from the Koran?
-
Also in Season 9
The Ni'ihau Incident
What do these metal parts reveal about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor?
-
Also in Season 9
Florida Map
How did this faded map help unlock the riches of the New World?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
McKinley Casket Flag
Did this flag once drape the casket of President William McKinley?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have an object from Expansion: 1801-1861? Submit your story now.
- Latest Commentthat's unique, if anyone has anything similar to this, then you should do what i do, share your artwork on Art Radio it is one the best up and coming social media platforms for musicians and artists. (2 days ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookHow much do you think it will be worth in 50 years? (2 days ago)
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Feature: