48 U.S.C. § 1413

section 1412 of this titleApril 2, 1872If the discoverer dies before perfecting proof of discovery or fully complying with the provisions of , his widow, heir, executor, or administrator shall be entitled to the benefits of such discovery, upon complying with the provisions of this chapter. Nothing herein shall be held to impair any rights of discovery or any assignment by a discoverer recognized prior to , by the United States.