Here we have a rare antique panoramic photograph of the Inyo Marble Company circa 1918. Based on my research, this beauty is a unicorn. I've looked high and low and I can only find a couple small photos of a slice of the full landscape of this panoramic. Then you have the unbelievable history of this mine, found in the same California county as Death Valley (see history links below). And now the image...even if you don't know the California mining history of this image, it is a phenomenal artwork to look at hanging on your wall. The detail and tone creates an unreal image.
The antique mining photograph was created by the Huddleston Photo Co in Los Angeles. Based on the photo number (8525), it was likely produced in 1918. On the reverse, it even has the price written in pencil...$1.75. I believe the photograph is a silver gelatin print.
Here is a great site with smaller images representing the history of the marble mine.
Here is an old photograph of a small part of the mine (also seen in the panorama), courtesy of thediggings.com.
Here is the Wikipedia page about Dolemite, California, which mentions Inyo Marble:
Dolomite is an unincorporated community in Inyo County, California. It is located on the Southern Pacific Railroad 6.5 miles (10.5 km) south of New York Butte in the Owens Valley, at an elevation of 3674 feet (1120 m).
Originally, in 1883, a siding on the Carson and Colorado Railroad, the town developed in 1885, when the Inyo Marble Company opened a quarry at the site.
Here are a few other links regarding the history of Inyo Marble Company quarry:
1. Quarries and Beyond
2. Inyo County Points of Interest
3. Carson Colorado
The framed panoramic mining photograph measures 44" wide x 11 1/2" tall. The photograph has some water damage on the left side. Upon inspecting the photograph after removing the backing, the moisture area is sticking to the glass. You might be able to slowly peel it away but I didn't want to risk tearing the photograph. The frame is solid but has some gaps and plenty of patina. Replacing the original backing isn't a bad idea. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO boxes). Free shipping on the rare mining photograph.
There is nothing like a rare piece of history that looks so good. A unicorn indeed.
