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
The Oakland Museum of California's art collection documents the history of California and the West from the early 1800’s onward. View some drawings and photographs by Isaac Baker in their collection.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Season 9
African American Comic Book
Did the makers of this 1950s comic book have more than romance on their minds?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Cast Iron Eagle
Did this 12-foot-high eagle once grace the old Grand Central Station in Manhattan?
-
Related Investigation
Chinese Opium Scale
Could this really be an opium scale from the Chinese community of Montana?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Annie Oakley Coin
Was this coin a target for one of the Wild West's most popular female sharpshooters?
-
Related Investigation
George Washington Miniature
Did the artist paint this portrait from life, and what is its surprising connection to the abolitionist White Matlack?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Booth Letter
Did the father of John Wilkes Booth threaten to assassinate the President?
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.