Catalog Archive
Auction 176, Lot 254

"[Lot of 3] Geology of the South Texas Oil Fields... [and] Steele’s Sure-Shot 640 Acres Royalty No. 3... /Lincoln D. Steele 1200 Acres All Winkler County Royalty No. 4 [and] Properties of the Ligon Company in the Great Oil Fields of Texas",

Subject: Texas, Oil

Period: 1923-29 (circa)

Publication:

Color:

Size:
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This lot contains three promotional pieces issued during the Texas oil boom of the 1920s:

A. Geology of the South Texas Oil Fields..., by Frank Sweet, dated 1925, black & white (7.9 x 9.4"). This small, but detailed, map shows oil wells and fields along with other geological features. Gas was discovered in this field in 1921. A few wells that followed led to oil production, but production in the field fell off rapidly. The map, along with a smaller one detailing the Carolina-Texas Field, was issued as part of a 4 page "option agreement" to purchase units of the Barnhardt Drilling syndicate at a discounted price. Sheet size measures approximately 8.5 x 14". No past sales records or institutional holdings located on OCLC. Condition: There is some light staining mostly on the smaller Carolina-Texas Field map and a few minor fold separations. (B+)

B. Steele’s Sure-Shot 640 Acres Royalty No. 3 Offered as a Bonus /Lincoln D. Steele 1200 Acres All Winkler County Royalty No. 4, circa 1929, printed color (9.9 x 7.4"). This small map features “The Great Hendricks Field” which was discovered in 1926 and brought a boom that saw Winkler County’s population grow from 86 in 1920 to 6,800 in 1930. The map shows oil wells and ownership in proximity to the three sections Steele was promoting. Includes the following note at bottom: “This map is true as to sections, etc., but is drawn in perspective---locations of wells, fields, etc. are approximate.” Little is known about Steele who promoted oil and salt dome projects in the 1920s. Condition: Issued folding with a few small fold separations that have been closed on verso with archival tape. (B+)

C. Properties of the Ligon Company in the Great Oil Fields of Texas, by M.H. Bennett, dated 1923, printed color (8.0 x 7.3"). This small map of Texas shows numerous oil derricks along with the holdings of the Ligon Company. Issued on a larger folded sheet (15.5 x 18.5") and surrounded by promotional text and illustrations (including verso), emphasizing the past successes of Joe M. Ligon, and offering an opportunity for riches in the new wells being drilled. The verso features a copy of the insurance policies Ligon took out payable on his death to the Ligon Company. It was a remarkably prescient move, as Ligon apparently died in 1923 shortly after this piece was issued. Accompanied by an order form. Condition: Issued folding with a few tiny splits at the fold intersections. (A)

References:

Condition:

See description above.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $210

Closed on 2/12/2020

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