Jim,

It could be earlier, who knows? But there was a professional paper, (actually a book) published by the USGS on this area that states the big rush in that area was pre war 1940's.

I would have thought that if it was an earlier claim marker the prospectors from the forties would have found it and maybe knocked it over. Then, on the other hand, this valley is so well hidden, maybe they never stumbled onto it.

The only reason I was able to get as far up in the narrow wash as I did was because of that little Suzuki Samurai. It's probably the closest thing to an ATV you can get.

I couldn't make out the writing on the tobacco tin, but you may be right, I mean it sure looks old to me! (That's sorta' dumb, I guess all rocks are old.)

Take care Jim and I'll keep you posted as to whether they left any gold there.

Let's be careful out there!

Doc