| Description |
Lot of 11 Iron Punches with Connecticut Copper Ornaments. The narrow steel punches include nine small symbols (cinquefoil, trefoil, club, etc.) associated with the peripheral legends of Connecticut coppers. Also included is an "N" punch with a broken right upright, and an "S" punch certainly not used to make Connecticut dies since that letter does not appear with their legends. Richard Picker tested the punches on a washer (not included) that was then impressed into a lead disk, which is included. A wavy copper disk is also included, and bears impressions from some of the punches. Further accompanying the lot is a typewritten memo from Colonial dealer Picker to Eric P. Newman, dated 3/11/1961, and a three-page letter from Colonial collector Ted Craige to Eric, dated April 18, 1961; both letters discuss the pros and cons of authenticity regarding the punches. The 15-piece lot thus includes 11 punches, two letters, one lead disk, and one copper disk. Considerable conversation and questions have surrounded these punches over nearly six decades. They were recently tested, revealing nearly pure iron composition. Some people have speculated that they are original punches used to create Connecticut copper dies, while others suggest that they are 20th century bookbinding tools. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15519 (realized $192).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11636 |
