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Pillar of the Community
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The CWT Book by Kanzinger doesn't spell out the compositions of the following varieties. Nor does Rulau's 3 or 4th editions. Can someone please fill in the blanks?
RI700E-2a -- Rev 1264, Copper, Plain edge, R2
RI700E-2b -- Rev 1264, Brass, Plain edge, R3
RI700E-2bp - Rev 1264, Silver-Plated Brass, Plain edge, R3
RI700E-2c -- ?
RI700E-2d -- Rev 1264, Nickel, Plain edge, R8
RI700E-2e -- ?
RI700E-2f -- ?
RI700E-2g -- ?
RI700E-2j -- Rev 1264, German Silver, Plain edge, R8
Thanks,
Cheetah Edited by CheetahCats
03/29/2011 04:12 am
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Pillar of the Community
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4415 Posts |
Hi Cheetah ... The lower case letters are the key to the metallic content of CWT's. Here's the rundown that others may see as well ...
a = copper
b = brass
c = nickel
d = copper-nickel
e = white metal
f = silver
fp= silver plated (some of Gay's CWTs were silver plated)
g = lead
h = rubber
i = zinc
j = German silver
k = gilt
m = tin
Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish between the brass and copper specimens. Rule of thumb in such cases is that the token is copper. I've also seen copper plated (ap) CWT's. Hope this helps ...
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Pillar of the Community
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It does, thanks.
As per the token, Frank L. Gay was a bookseller, stationer, and merchant in Providence Rhode Island during the Civil War era. He also was an active participant in philanthropic activities and education initiatives.
Numerous clippings and advertisements can be readily retrieved online.
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Nine varieties of Frank L. Gay's Store Card have been documented thus far. Below please find a recent acquisition of type RI700E-2bp. I estimate its grade at Extra Fine.
This particular variety is listed as R-3, and was struck on silvered brass. It was photographed using incandescent lighting.
Thanks,
Cheetah
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Pillar of the Community
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The ability to reference and document our early tokens online in a matter of minutes never ceases to amaze me. In doing this, the tokens and medals are effectively framed in time, in history. Looks like another effective job of "framing" the token on your part, Cheetah.
The planchets used by Gay are to my experience the smallest in diameter and most thin of just about any CWT merchant. I have seen a few sutler tokens that rival it in that regard.
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Pillar of the Community
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731 Posts |
Quote:
The ability to reference and document our early tokens online in a matter of minutes never ceases to amaze me. In doing this, the tokens and medals are effectively framed in time, in history. Looks like another effective job of "framing" the token on your part, Cheetah.
Thanks Exo.
Quote:
The planchets used by Gay are to my experience the smallest in diameter and most thin of just about any CWT merchant. I have seen a few sutler tokens that rival it in that regard.
The 2bp specimen was average thickness IMO.
That said, below please find two additional specimens: the 2a and the 2b.
The 2b is quite thin, indeed! It reminds me of earlier French billon from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. (sou marques, deniers,etc.) So thin, in fact, that everyday commerce would probably bend them.
- CheetahEdited by CheetahCats
04/03/2011 08:49 am
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Pillar of the Community
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There are large cent collectors, some EARers I've encountered, who tend to collect by color. "Gay" rainbow in this display.
The 2b variety was likely among the later of these tokens struck. Its' lettering is mushy in comparison to the others; this, suggestive of worn dies. Oftentimes, the diesinkers of that era would rework/recut the dies to sharpen the strike. I'm nevertheless drawn to these primitive CWT's. While they lack the superior artistry of design that say a Lovett or a Merriam accomplished, these primitives do evoke a sense of history ... a call for necessity money in that era. This issue has to be among our nation's earliest "Good Fors." I can't help but wonder what went through the head of this unknown Rhode Island diesinker/engraver as he fashioned "Redeem.ed *" into the die? Could there be some hidden meaning within? Interesting to contemplate, this ...
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Pillar of the Community
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4415 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
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731 Posts |
I agree. The 2b was a later die stage. And indeed, lol, the guy seemed to be into colors. Research I didn't put into the post includes the fact that in the late decades of the 19th century, he was competing in florist contests:  Edited by CheetahCats
04/03/2011 11:06 am
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Replies: 7 / Views: 2,485 |
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Posted 03/29/2011 1:31 pm
