Alexander Agassiz antique portraits (Calumet & Hecla mines)

Item Description

Alexander Emmanuel Rodolphe Agassiz (December 17, 1835 – March 27, 1910), was a marine zoologist, oceanographer, and mining engineer who made important contributions to systematic zoology (wikipedia). This set of three really beautiful antique photographs (signed by the photographers) came to us in Kay Robertson's mineral collection long ago. While known in other sciences, he seems forgotten by mineral collectors - and yet he was instrumental in the success of several Michigan specimen mines! We found a stellar article about his history and influence, a few quotes of which appear here from this site belonging to the US National Park Service, regarding the Keweenaw Peninsula mining park, https://www.nps.gov/kewe/learn/historyculture/alexander-agassiz.htm: "In 1866, Agassiz was asked to travel to Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula to investigate the Calumet Mining Company. This was a venture in which Quincy Shaw — married to Agassiz's sister Pauline — was a major investor. The mine sat atop the Calumet conglomerate lode, which, even then, was recognized as being one of the richest copper deposits in the area. Agassiz was so impressed with the mine’s potential that he borrowed money to invest in the company himself. Shaw and the other investors bought more land to the south of their original claim, and incorporated the Hecla Mining Company. Agassiz was named treasurer of both companies....Under Agassiz's guidance, Calumet and Hecla grew into a world-renowned mining company. It remained competitive even when it was being eclipsed in the 1880s and 1890s by new copper operations in Arizona and Montana." Fascinating!

These photographs are part of the 2024 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 19th, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.