I just bought this counterstamp at a fixed price sale from Steve Hayden. He told me that it was formerly in Dave Bowers collection, so this is the third one in my collection that he once owned. I love having the provenance on pieces I buy, especially knowing it came from the former holdings of such a prominent numismatist. The piece is listed by Brunk (M-512) but is unattributed, or I should say was unattributed. As a "bonus" Steve also told me that Bowers had attributed it to a Philadelphia clock and watchmaker named John McManus. That's the only info he had to pass on to me, so I decided to research the man myself. I found from old Philadelphia city directories that there were clockmakers with this name listed in 1840 only and again from 1855-1859. I don't know if they were father and son or another relation, but because of the time span they were likely different people. I would date this stamp to the 1855-1859 time period, because even though the coin has seen heavy circulation, the stamp is in relatively good condition, probably grading VF. Yes, counterstamp collectors do grade the coin as well as the counterstamp. In any case, I thought it was a neat piece. Thanks for looking. Bruce
Bruce: Great piece. I agree, having the provenance is a wonderful addition to the piece. I try to do the same with all books that I purchase, I collect them and most are used, so I try to keep a record of who owned them, where they were from (geographic locale) and any other info that I can find.
I have quite a few reference books too Frank, but never though to keep track of who owned them before me. As far as my coins and paper, I always note past owners if I know them, and not just well known collectors like Bowers, but anyone. They're all just as important to me. Thanks for your comments. Bruce
Bruce My pleasure. As for the books, sometimes there is interesting info there. I have some that were the original copies from WHitman's library.
Now that's something really nice to have Frank. I don't have anything like that, but I have signed copies of some of Bower's and Brunk's books. Also one by Brian Kanzinger, the Civil War Token guy. I also have a few of the old Star catalogs that Max Mehl issued in the 30's. All interesting books filled with the knowledge and insight of some of the best numismatic minds of our time and of times past. Bruce
Very nice pickup Bruce! Even better that you now have it attributed and it was once owned by Bowers. Id say this one is pretty much a homerun! Thanks for posting it! Mark
