slgwv's photos with the keyword: history

Ore crushing device, in which cams on a turning shaft raised and then dropped piston-like hammers, the "stamps", onto ore. They were notorious for making a tremendous racket, particularly since they tended to run 24/7. This one processed ore from the Golden Gate mine in extreme eastern California (not by the actual Golden Gate!), which was brought down by a tramway. The mine was active in the early 20th century--a bit late for stamp mills, which by then were being displaced by newer technology like cone crushers. This mill has been the object of some attempts at preservation: it's been stabilized by the cables attached to the posts in front, and has also had a lot of debris cleared off. Inserts are (1) an interpretive plaque, courtesy of E Clampus Vitus; (2) a close-up of the stamps; (3) a close-up of one stamp hopper, showing the manufacturer's name, based in San Francisco(!); and (4) the pulley in the middle of the camshaft. (3) and (4) are on the areas magnified.

On the camshaft between the 5-stamp banks on either side. Golden Gate stamp mill, California

Golden Gate stamp mill, showing one of the hoppers where the stamps stamped. The manufacturer's label reads, "Joshua Hendy Iron Works S.F. Cal." Yes, in the early 20th century there was heavy industry in San Francisco!

Golden Gate stamp mill. A ten-stamp unit--five on either side of the middle pulley!

Courtesy of E Clampus Vitus. We'll pay no attention to the fact that the writer confused "illusive" with "elusive"!