Does anyone know anything about Chief Coiner Franklin Peale's "Noisy Couch"?
Longacre
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I was reading The US Mint and Coinage, and there is one chapter that gives a lot of information about the former chief coiner of the mint (from the 1800's) called Franklin Peale. Anyway, besides doing pretty shady things like coining medals for his own profit, having mint workers do repairs on his house during work hours, etc., he invented what was referred to as "the noisy couch", which he kept at the mint. The book states,
"when sat upon, its cushions emitted a great trumpet blast, ostensibly as an alarm. It had taken four of the mint's workmen two weeks to build the piece, which was thereafter used to terrify children and annoy female visitors. The sofa cost nearly $200, and originally adorned Peale's own office. Later it was appropriated by his old friend (Mint) Director Patterson."
I actually laughed out loud when I read this (the person sitting next to me on the plane probably thought I was some sort of nut or something). Anyway, does anyone else have any information about this couch and more information on its purpose?
"when sat upon, its cushions emitted a great trumpet blast, ostensibly as an alarm. It had taken four of the mint's workmen two weeks to build the piece, which was thereafter used to terrify children and annoy female visitors. The sofa cost nearly $200, and originally adorned Peale's own office. Later it was appropriated by his old friend (Mint) Director Patterson."
I actually laughed out loud when I read this (the person sitting next to me on the plane probably thought I was some sort of nut or something). Anyway, does anyone else have any information about this couch and more information on its purpose?
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
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That is pretty funny! I guess he had a great sense of humor.
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
When I was a kid we had a "Noisy Cushion" that was always good for a chuckle.
Herb
Never heard of the one from the story
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since 8/1/6
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Actually I think this series is on schedule to follow the national parks quarters. Or is it the series to "Honor Past COAC Members" that is scheduled to follow the national parks on our quarters?
That may have come from this pamphlet:
"The Proceedings of the Late Director of the Mint in Relation to The official Misconduct of Franklin Peale esq. Chief Coiner, and other abuses in the Mint" Published in Priceton NJ, 1853. Reviewed by Prof. R.S. McCulloh, formally the Melter and Refiner of the Mint.
I only have copies of Longacre's deposition from that pamphlet. Perhaps someone has a complete copy.