A cohesive archive of personal artifacts belonging to Captain Henry Hiram Ellis (1828–1914), early California mariner, Gold Rush pioneer, and author of From the Kennebec to California. The group spans his maritime, fraternal, and civic life, including fine jewelry, portrait miniatures, and family relics.
Highlights include a 14K gold Masonic ring inscribed Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit (8.4 g); a low-carat gold portrait miniature brooch of Captain Ellis accented with pearls and red stones (11.1 g); a low-carat gold mourning brooch with portrait and reverse hair art (16 g); and a California Masonic pendant engraved “H.H. Ellis” (14K, 5 g).
Also present are a daguerreotype of Austin Ellis by C.M. Howe, identified by Henry H. Ellis as his late brother; a 1902 Sons of the American Revolution medal by Tiffany & Co. inscribed “H.H. Ellis / Cal. 1902”; a Victorian figural “Cigares” humidor with dog finial (9 × 7 × 8 in.); a pair of Hiatt handcuffs with keys; and four books and ledgers relating to California and maritime history, including Ellis’s From the Kennebec to California (1959) and Pendleton’s History of the San Francisco Fire Department (1900). The lot concludes with assorted lockets, silver spoon, photographs, and family documents from the Ellis archive.
Provenance: Henry H. Ellis Archive; Al and Carol Cali Collection.
Pickup & Shipping: This lot is available for free local pickup in Sacramento, CA. For crating and freight delivery we suggest Capital Crating. For blanket-wrapped delivery within California, contact Delbert McCrea at (831) 566-6088. For cross-country shipping, CCC Transport can be reached at (920) 450-5027.
Condition
Fine to fair overall with light wear and toning consistent with age and handling.