The discoverer of Gold in California that sparked the gold rush in 1848 was James W. He served under John C. Fremont in the bear flag revolt before going to work for John Sutter in 1847. In his later years, Marshall had these cards made to sign and sell to the public to supplement his income. His autographed cards are rare and even more rare are examples in nice condition. This is in great condition with bold signature and what is probably his fingerprint from the messy iron ink used to sign his card. I had another Marshall signed card years ago with a fingerprint (or thumbprint). The old quill pens were dipped in iron ink and was messy to use. Getting ink on you finger and thumb was almost inevitable. Almost the size of a post card at 3″ x 5-1/2″. Only the signed card is included, Thanks. The item “California gold rush San Francisco James W. Marshall autographed card” is in sale since Monday, June 22, 2020. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Western Americana\Antique Western”. The seller is “atthediggings” and is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. This item can be shipped worldwide.