American carpenter (1810-1885) who discovered gold in California's American River while constructing a mill for John Sutter, setting the stage for the California Gold Rush. Rare off-white 5.25 x 2.75 souvenir autograph card featuring an image of Old Sutter Mill, neatly signed in black ink, "Ja's, W, Marshall," with printed text below reading, "The Discoverer of Gold in California, January 19th, 1848." The card is corner-mounted in an impressive clothbound presentation folder, displayed with a small gold nugget and four tiny gold coins. In fine condition. Marshall never profited from the discovery, and later turned to selling these souvenir cards to supplement his income as he aged.
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