Among the most elaborate fraternal swords made by M.C. Lilley of Columbus, Ohio between 1900-1925, with finely enameled, gilt and plated mounts and elephant grip incised with a crown, laurel wreath and the owner’s initials. The blade finely gilded and etched B.C. YATES. In its en suite scabbard. Retains its cloth bag and leather carrying case likewise inscribed B.C. YATES LEAD, S.D. First quarter of the 20th century. Overall length 98.5 cm. _x000D_
B.C. Yates was superintendent of the Homestake Mining Company, Lead, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota; his first publication regarding the mine was recorded in 1904. Homestake was the largest gold mine in North America, founded in 1876 as was the infamous town of Deadwood which was founded on Lakota land as a result. The Homestake Mine closed in 2002. Condition I_x000D_
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