This is an interesting counterstamp I bought several weeks ago. I was attracted to the nice oak leaf pattern stamped around the rim as well as the multiple names on the coin. It's not presently listed by Brunk, Rulau, or anyone else that I know of. I always enjoy the challenge of attributing coins with more than one counterstamp. Generally when multiple names appear together such as on this example there's a connection, but not always.The individuals either worked together, had a business or fraternal connection, or were simply friends. Apparently, in this case the four men worked together at a factory in Meriden, CT. circa 1850's I believe the four were Joel W. Yale, William Hamilton, George Hobart (not sure about this one), and Ruel H. Perkins. Perkins and Hamilton were machinists, Yale was a molder (moulder), but Hobart's trade isn't known. It's just a guess as to where they worked, but I believe it was at the Meriden Britannia Co. They were the largest employer in the most important industry in early Meriden. The men had the skills that were needed by Britannia manufacturers. The Oak leaf mark also indicates to me it's origin in that industry. Britannia makers often used what were known as figural or graphic marks to represent their company's name on their products. This is likely such a mark. I thought this coin had an interesting history behind it so decided to post it for you to see. As always, comments are welcomed, and thanks for looking. Bruce
You've made me very envious of your collection, Bruce! I love the history that comes with the pieces. I have only a few counterstamped coins and tokens but haven't devoted any time to them. The work you do with your's is admirable!
Thanks Barry, I appreciate your comments. The history and the challenge of uncovering that history are what interests me about these pieces too. As many of these that I've done over the years, I never tire of investigating new ones. I even have a handful of incomplete files that go back 8 or 10 years. I never give up on a project once I've started on it. Bruce
