The Holtermann Collection, the biggest specie in the world

The Holtermann Nugget wasn't a true nugget but it was the biggest single piece of ore ever dug up - a huge specimen. There are some of the photos of that era at Hill End in NSW.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-24/holtermann-collection/4591220

Cat

Part of the Holtermann Collection is also available at a current Exhibiton at the State Library of NSW

http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/events/exhibitions/2013/holtermann/index.html

They were supposed to have pulled a bigger speci out a couple of weeks later but a bit fell off when they were bringing it up, so they just broke it up.

I have a great book, with the Holtermann collection photo's, forget the name.

A very comprehensive and interesting read about the history of the Hill End - Tambaroora Goldfield is the Hill End Story written in 3 volumes by A H (Harry) Hodge.
The auther was born in Hill End in 1904 with the first edition of each book being 1964. '65 and '72.
He records that in 1872/3 there were 255 mining companies active on the field.

Many years ago I was given a print copy of the Holtermann Panarama Sydney 1875. Made up of 23 adjoining photo's, five where the harbour bridge now is are enlarged to show great detail. It measures about 5'x2'

In regard to the Holtermann Nugget, the auther records that (Oct. 19th. 1872)
"A shot on that date had disclosed a wall of gold seven feet in height and a monster specimen of gold and slate was blasted from this face. It was originally 5'6" in height and 3'6" at its widest part and averaged 4" in thickness but parts broke off.
Raised with great difficulty up the shaft, which had to be widened at intervals to allow its passage upwards, the specimen was borne by 12 men, including my grandfather, up to the crest and thence by cart into town.
Slung up in a tree behind the Commercial Hotel it was exhibited to large crowds, proceeds going to the Hospital Fund"

It later made up part of a 270ton crushing which yielded 15,650oz. at an average of 59oz./ton.
Mike