1949? M-38 Lincoln, CA **Status Unknown**

16 Comments

1. steveMarch 28, 2018 at 11:47 AM

   I heard once the hood ornament was given to those who completed the rubicon trail!?
2. David EilersMarch 28, 2018 at 2:38 PM

   Steve, I will have to go back and look, but I think it was related to that and a special offer by Four Wheeler Magazine. I'll update this when I figure it out again. - Dave
3. David EilersMarch 28, 2018 at 2:58 PM

   So, I take back the magazine reference. I don't know where that came from (mysteries of my brain). Anyhow, according to one commenter at the jeep forum http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/gold-miner-hood-ornament-65457/index3.html: "My granddad was Chuck Walker, the one that Walker Hill on the Rubicon is named for. He was friends with Mark Smith and they started jeeping together back in the 50's. He was one of the original members of a jeep club called The Sierra Treasure Hunters and they used to give out awards that had this miner on them. The members back then also put them on the front of their jeeps as a way to signify they were with the Jeep club." It appears the Sierra Treasure Hunters club is still around (http://www.sth4x4.com) and has been since 1963. I'll email the club members to see if I can learn more. - Dave
4. JoeBApril 8, 2018 at 2:05 PM

   Reproductions of this hood ornament are still being sold. Google "Gold Miner Hood Ornament".
5. JimmmmmmmApril 8, 2018 at 3:57 PM

   I spy locking hubs on the rear end, tanks under both seats, and a overdrive lever.
6. David EilersApril 8, 2018 at 5:35 PM

   Jimmmmmmm, the shiny miner distracted me from all those goodies :-)
7. David EilersApril 8, 2018 at 5:42 PM

   JoeB, that was a very helpful google string. One of the results revealed the best history I've found yet. Thanks!
8. Dan B.April 8, 2018 at 10:45 PM

   Gold miner history: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/gold-miner-hood-ornament-65457/#/topics/65457?page=3
9. David EilersApril 8, 2018 at 11:01 PM

   Thanks Dan ... I believe I have the full history. See tomorrow morning's post. :-)
10. Joe in MesaApril 9, 2018 at 12:39 AM

    Currently 2 for sale on eBay! Search "gold miner trophy". And they are NOT the same design. Unfortunately the one like this (above) is missing the pan.
11. David EilersApril 9, 2018 at 12:45 AM

    I found a place that is selling them new for $29 (includes shipping). I've seen that one without the pan. More Monday morning.
12. JohnApril 9, 2018 at 9:04 AM

    I think m-38 Jeeps were 1950/1952.
13. David EilersApril 9, 2018 at 3:07 PM

    John, You are correct. I meant to add a question mark to the "1949". - Dave
14. Bruce GolderApril 9, 2018 at 9:09 PM

    In the late 70's I was living in Yuba City, Ca. and was a member of the "Yuba Sutter Four Wheelers" I recall seeing a number of similar renditions of these on various 4x4 rigs. I don't recall exactly where I saw them for sale, but they weren't hard to find.
15. Dante SacomaniJuly 6, 2018 at 10:31 PM

    need more pics if this jeep is still for sale, every thing working more info please.
16. David EilersJuly 6, 2018 at 10:55 PM

    Hi Dante, I haven't seen this one relisted recently. I've updated the post. If I see it relisted, I will drop you an email. - Dave