H88.77.1

Shovel. Description: Shovel, wood handle, metal blade riveted to separate metal pieces which are in turn riveted to the handle. End of shovel is worn away from use. Dimensions: Length: 50 1/4" History: Found in a mine in the Candelaria mining district of Nevada by the donor who was doing mine survey work. References/Remarks: Exhibit: "Silver in the Golden State", Sept. 1986-Sept. 1988. (Norm Wilson, 5/97) The angle of this shovel is shallow; it is meant for digging down or creating a hole. Other shovels have a sharper angle and are meant for digging across, as in shovelling up loose ore from the floor of a mine tunnel and putting it in the waiting mine cart or bucket. This shovel has an odd pattern of wear: the tip is worn away but the back of the shovel is hardly worn at all Note the sharp edges on the rivetted handle attachement.

Used: Candelaria | Nevada | Silver mining