Original lithography stone block with lettering in different directions and in reverse. Shows an engraving vignette of Niagara Falls; reverse side has five images, including two images showing buildings and stores, one with signs stating: Oregon Block, Popular Clothing Co., and Young Hotel. 10x12" and approximately 3" thick.
Wording includes: "Niagara Fire Insurance Co. of New York, Established A.D. 1850, Cash Assets Exceed $4,500.000.00. Pacific Coast Department, Joint Managers, Edward Parrish, W.A. Thornton, S.E. Cor. Pine and Sansom Sts., San Francisco, Cal. The London Assurance Corporation, Cash Assets $20,000,000, Assets in U.S...$3,025,792.46, in active business 188 years." Plus an official seal "Established by Royal Charter, 1720."
Condition:
Darkening and chips around edges (as expected), dark stains (from reproducing images), soiling; a very good to near fine specimen of an original lithograph stone block; somewhat heavy, weighing over 30 pounds.