"Tsumeb in O.M.E.G.'s Times", by Ilse Schatz, is a collection of local history essays spanning the region's pre-colonial period, the founding of the mining town of Tsumeb, and the events during two world wars.
Every mineral collector who has been engaged in the hobby for more than a few minutes has heard of Tsumeb, the exotic African mine that is like no other. Three hundred and forty-five different mineral species have been found there, many for the first time, and many specimens of these are the world’s finest for their species. It is the “type locality” from which 72 different minerals new to science have been described. The mine is no longer operating, but in its heyday it poured out great specimens by the tens of thousands.
The O.M.E.G. had hired the government mining engineer from Windhoek, Mr. Theodor Gathmann, as the first mine director for the newly opened mine in Tsumeb. Since there was no water in Tsumeb at the time, he and his family were to initially move to Otavifontein. With several oxcarts, each harnessed to 18 oxen, he set out from Windhoek on November 18, 1903, with his family and all his belongings, which included a piano. The family consisted of the couple, their three children, Mrs. Gathmann's sister, Gretchen Kühnhold, and two bamboos, one of whom occasionally took care of the dog "Bob."
The foresight of the founder of the Tsumeb Museum, Ilse Schatz, has ensured the existence of numerous documents, diaries, and records from the history of the mining town of Tsumeb in northern Namibia. Her father-in-law, Gustav Adolf Schatz (1887-1960), was the last director of the Otavi Mining and Railway Company (O.M.E.G.) in South West Africa. In this now rare book, the author has compiled numerous, chronologically ordered articles on Tsumeb, the mine, the O.M.E.G., and its citizens, and has provided them with numerous illustrations from the collection. A look at the table of contents is worthwhile!
This is an extremely rare copy of this precious work, hard to find even in National and University Libraries - and the only complete copy selling on internet.
"Tsumeb zu O.M.E.G.'s Zeiten."; Text in German; Original publisher's paperback; Collation complete - Title page, xii, 194 pages, with numerous photograph illustrations; Overall in near fine condition. Paperback binding with minor shelf wear, little label with a price to the rear board, the content is bright and clean without any faults.
IMPORTANT information regarding shipping: Shipping to South Africa possible via national post ($40) or Fedex/DHL Express service ($80-100). Shipping to EU & UK via registered Airmail trackable parcel ($30-40). Shipping to US via USPS ($40). For other countries please ask.
- Binding Condition: Very good
- Overall Condition: Near fine
- Size: 21 x 15 cm
