William (1858) Jones Sold at Auction Prices

Early California memorial plaquette in case

Early California memorial plaquette in case dated November 4, 1850, embossed red leather mourning case with framed silver-over-copper panel incised: In Memory of William Jones Who Died at Cold Spring, El Dorado County, California, Nov. 4, 1850, Aged 45 Years, Engraved by Judd C. Potter the opposing side with another small plaquette incised: From Jane H. Jones, Mogadore, Portage Co, Ohio, March 16th 1863, J.C. Potter En. H3 3/4" W3 1/4" Other Notes: On January 24, 1848 gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in El Dorado County, California and the ensuing California Gold Rush brought speculators from all over the world. William Jones was most likely one of these 49ers who made the trip from the east. After his death, his wife Jane H. Jones (1808-1876) memorialized him in this plaquette engraved by Judd C. Potter (also of Ohio.) Mr. Potter also engraved a plaque inside the lid of the case marking the day and place Jane gifted the memorial in her husband's honor. Jane died in 1876 and is buried in Portage County, OH.