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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;BRandM, post: 1222997, member: 22729&quot;][ATTACH]129958.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]129959.vB[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>Although not rare, counterstamps on Flying Eagle Cents are fairly uncommon. This one is only the second example I have in my collection. The issuer is Hermann Wettstein, a Harvard, Illinois jeweler and watchmaker circa 1870&#039;s / 1880&#039;s. His stamp is a typical style and size used by jewelers of his time to mark their products. It&#039;s not known if he manufactured his own watches and jewelry, or simply was a retailer of other&#039;s wares. In any case , little seems documented in regard to his business, even the years he was active. I have a feeling he may have been in business before 1870 because of some of the coins he stamped. They include a single Large Cent, Flying Eagle and Indian Head cents, Shield Nickels, S/L Dimes and Quarters, and even several Canadian coins. In all, about 35 examples are documented, so as counterstamped issues go they should be considered common.</p><p><br /></p><p>Wettstein was born in Prussia in 1840. He arrived in this country in the summer of 1848 with his large family consisting of mother, father, and 9 or 10 children. They settled in Milwaukee, but he and his brother Otto removed to Illinois sometime in their early to mid 20&#039;s. Both were jewelers, but in different cities. Hermann practiced in Harvard and Otto in Rochelle. Hermann was granted several patents during his lifetime, one being for a portable fire escape in February, 1885.</p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;I thought this was an interesting &quot;calling card&quot; from a little remembered Illinois businessman. I hope you like it and thanks for looking.</p><p><br /></p><p>Bruce[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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