New counterstamped coin, seated liberty dime with an interesting patent mark
Billet7
Posts: 4,923 ✭✭✭
I recently purchased this 1883 seated liberty dime with the counterstamp, "HMQ, Design Pat. Jan 29, 1889."
After spending some time researching at the patent office, I came up with this patent,
Nutcracker
Description
It refers to the invention of the famous nutcracker "workhorse" we all know and love. This patent is for the first nutcracker that he designed and patented. You probably own a nickle plated nutcracker like this, but the original was springless, and I believe was also missing the nickle plating.
Henry M. Quackenbush began his career working at the Remington Arms company in New York, and soon founded his own company, the H. M. Quackenbush Company, which still exists today. He was a prolific inventor, some of his most famous inventions are the "steel-springed nutcracker" the "Extension Ladder" many guns and air rifles, and was one of the driving forces behind the standardization of rifle guages.
The counterstamp on the coin in question is probably a jewlers punch that Quackenbush had produced so he could mark some of the first nutcrackers he made. I would imagine this coin was done as a test punch. I have yet to track down a first generation nutcracker produced by HMQ, but I would not be suprised to find this stamp on these items. As you can see in the photos, the later generation crackers have HMQ engraven into the spring section (1917 version.)
The patent stamp definately originates with Henry Quackenbush and his nutcracker, I am just not sure if the punch was ever used for his products. If anyone comes across a first generation HMQ nutcracker (1889-1916), let me know. I have been searching, but they are apparantly quite uncommon (or worthless, so no one bothers to sell them as an antique
)
After spending some time researching at the patent office, I came up with this patent,
Nutcracker
Description
It refers to the invention of the famous nutcracker "workhorse" we all know and love. This patent is for the first nutcracker that he designed and patented. You probably own a nickle plated nutcracker like this, but the original was springless, and I believe was also missing the nickle plating.
Henry M. Quackenbush began his career working at the Remington Arms company in New York, and soon founded his own company, the H. M. Quackenbush Company, which still exists today. He was a prolific inventor, some of his most famous inventions are the "steel-springed nutcracker" the "Extension Ladder" many guns and air rifles, and was one of the driving forces behind the standardization of rifle guages.
The counterstamp on the coin in question is probably a jewlers punch that Quackenbush had produced so he could mark some of the first nutcrackers he made. I would imagine this coin was done as a test punch. I have yet to track down a first generation nutcracker produced by HMQ, but I would not be suprised to find this stamp on these items. As you can see in the photos, the later generation crackers have HMQ engraven into the spring section (1917 version.)
The patent stamp definately originates with Henry Quackenbush and his nutcracker, I am just not sure if the punch was ever used for his products. If anyone comes across a first generation HMQ nutcracker (1889-1916), let me know. I have been searching, but they are apparantly quite uncommon (or worthless, so no one bothers to sell them as an antique
) 0
Comments
-Paul
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
The Quackenbush firearms are very interesting. There is one that is a combination cartridge firing .22 rifle and air rifle. Most of these rifles were made for young boys and consequently are usually found in rough shape.
<< <i>I have one that's in the original box ,with six picks.No stamp on it. >>
If it doesn't have the stamp on it, it is likely a knock-off version produced out of Hong Kong. From what I understand, they started producing the knock-off's sometime in the seventies.
For some crazy reason when I saw the name Quackenbush,
I immediately thought of Quayle and Bush, odd to say the least.
Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.
Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870