This outstanding and unusually formed crystallized gold nugget is the property of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS). The history of the nugget is rather obscure. The story has it that it was picked up ( date about 1857) in a sluice box at the Georgia Hills Mine in Jim, California, by a fourteen year old girl. Upon her death at the age of 75, a son or brother pledged the nugget for a loan from an engineer from the Division of Mines. The nugget was foreclosed by the engineer. He wanted to recover his money and offered it to C. D. Woodhouse, who regularly visited the Division of Mines. Mr. Woodhouse purchased the nugget for $300.00 in 1937. It was shown to the CFMS and a decision was made to purchase it in June of 1938. The CFMS made its final payment in 1940. Mr. Woodhouse's attempt to obtain further information on the nugget was unsuccessful. The purchase price was $300.00, but its value as a unique specimen, like anything that cannot be duplicated or replaced, can be considered in the realm of "priceless." Physically, the Golden Bear is a magnificent specimen and is readily recognized by its characteristic shape. It is on exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, but each year it is put on display at the annual convention show. Weight:.......... 1 oz. 19.2 grains Troy Maximum Height: .. 2 1/4 inches Maximum Width:... 1 5/16 inches Small replicas of the Golden Bear Nugget are used as CFMS pins and lapel buttons. This replica with the silver gavel is used as a pin for the past Presidents of the individual Member Societies and Clubs, and with a gold gavel for past CFMS Presidents. |