The E-Sylum:  Volume 7, Number 11, March 14, 2004, Article 11

MINT ENGRAVER EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  George Kolbe writes: "A lot in the June 1, 2004 Ford Library
  auction sheds light on mint engravers and their activities.  It is a
  February 2, 1945 letter from Adam Pietz, Assistant Engraver
  at the Mint from 1927 to 1946, to Wayte Raymond. The early
  text responds to Wayte Raymond's inquiries concerning "dies
  made in 44," and "the metal all the recent issues were struck in."
  Pietz also expresses dissatisfaction with conditions there:
  "Strange as it may seem to you, under this present gang, we
  are not allowed to have a strike of any coin, we engrave or
  design, so I will look up my records to give you the various
  metals." Pietz thanks Raymond for a referral, and asks him to
  "please tell Dr. Driggs not to have a competition, as then some
  favorite will surely take the award.  As my time for retirement
  has been extended to 6 mo. after the war, I am naturally getting
  ready to conduct my own business again. During Nov & Dec.
  I received a great many calls to engrave coats of arms on signet
  rings, book plates etc. and it just about makes one break even.
  The disgraceful salary at the Mint would not keep me.  Art and
  years of experience does not mean a thing here."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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