Fascinating Lot on California Oil

"[Lot of 4 - California Oil]",

This lot focuses on California oil near the turn of the 20th century and includes 1 stock promotional item and 3 books:

A. Map of Kern River Oil District, by Standard Consolidated Oil and Land Co., circa 1901, black & white, (7.8 x 10.2"). This promotional map offers stock for sale at a "nominal figure" and promises "immense fortunes" in the Kern River District. According to newspaper reports of the time, it appears that the company didn't have title to the properties advertised but sold substantial amounts of stock before the perpetrators of the scam disappeared. Condition: Issued folding with a few tiny splits at fold intersections and light toning. (B+)

B. The Gas and Petroleum Yielding Formations of the Central Valley of California, by W. L. Watts, published 1894, black & white (6" x 9.3"). 100 pp. with 4 small folding maps and 5 plates. Condition: (A)

C. The Santa Clara Valley, Puente Hills and Los Angeles Oil Districts Southern California, by George Homans Eldridge & Ralph Arnold, published 1907, printed color (5.5" x 9). 266 pp. with 41plates and maps including the large Geologic Map of the Santa Clara Valley and Adjacent Oil Fields, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, California (47.5 x 12.2"). Condition: Plates and maps are very good while the paper covers are chipped with insect damage. (B+)

D. Oil and Gas Yielding Formations of California, by W. L. Watts, published 1900, printed color (6" x 9"). 236 pp., numerous illustrations and 14 small folding maps. Maps and plates are generally very good. Covers are somewhat worn and edges are bumped. (B+)

References:

Condition:

See descriptions.