The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 20, May 15, 2005, Article 24

FROM THE MAILBAG

In no particular order, here are some items of possible
interest to bibliophiles and researchers gleaned from other
recent publications.

BANK BAGS OFFERED: In the past we've discussed
various types of numismatic-related ephemera, and one
was the collecting of canvas coin bags imprinted by banks
and mints. (See The E-Sylum June 29 & July 6, 2003,
v6n26 & v6n27). The upcoming May 21, 2005 sale by
Craig A. Whitford Numismatic Auctions includes 10 lots
containing a total of over 175 individual bags.

INTERNATIONAL ENGRAVER'S LINE
The May/June 2005 issue of Paper Money, the official
journal of the Society of Paper Money Collectors has
an article (p228) about Gene Hessler's upcoming new
book, The International Engraver's Line. The book will
be a "392-page compilation of the lives and work of
world security engravers from the 1700s to the issuance
of the Euro." Most of the 700 illustrations will be in color.
The book will be produced in a limited edition of 500
copies. In addition, "there will be a premium edition of
100 copies that is accompanied by eleven engraved works,
ten of them signed by individual engravers.... Prices have
not been announced. For further information contact the
author at engraversline at aol.com."

CANADIAN CARD MONEY RESEARCH COMPENDIUM
In the April 10, 2005 issue of The E-Sylum (v8n15) our
Featured Web Site was the Canadian Association of Token
Collectors, publishers of Numismatica Canada. The March
2005 issue of the journal has a lengthy article by Wayne L. Jacobs
titled "The Saga of the Playing Card Money of New France."
The article is a one-stop compendium of the most important
published information on the topic, compiled from multiple
sources.

1856 SAN FRANCISCO MINT ARTICLE
The Spring 2005 issue of the Brasher Bulletin, newsletter of
the Society of Private and Pioneer Numismatists (v17n1)
includes a reprint of an illustrated article titled "Coining
Money at the San Francicso Branch Mint," reprinted from
Hutchings' California Magazine, Vol 1, No. IV, October
1856. Here's a short excerpt:

"On the pavement in front stands a number of odd looking
square boxes containing bottles with glass necks rising above
the top and in which are the various kinds of acid used in the
manufacture of gold and silver coin within. In the street can
be seen drays and wagons with men unloading supplies of
various kinds for the Mint; express wagons with packages
of the precious metal from all parts of the mines; men going
up with carpet sacks hanging heavily on their hand all desirous
of having their gold dust converted into coin."

JOHN J. FORD REFERENCE LIBRARY, PART II
George Kolbe's catalogue of the second part of the Ford
library has some wonderful introductory essays by Jon
Hanson and Q. David Bowers. Interesting reading!

RIDDELL SCRIP IN MAY 26 FORD SALE
We've discussed research relating for John Leonard Riddell,
head of the New Orleans Mint and recipient of one of the four
original Confederate Half Dollars. The upcoming Stack's
auction, part X of the John J. Ford Jr., collection, includes
a selection of "Historic and Unusual Cardboard 'Chits' from
the New Orleans Post Office, issued and signed by Riddell
when he held the position of New Orleans Postmaster from
1859 through the Confederate occupation of the city (see
lots 4227-4235).

COINAGE ARTICLE ON ALEXANDRE VATTEMARE
I've noted in the past that numismatists are missing something
if they overlook COINage magazine. The June 2005 issue
is proof of that, in the form of David T. Alexander's article,
"Alexandre Vattemare: Numismatic Magician and Bibliophile."
It's a fascinating article based on recently discovered materials
about this "former soldier and ventriloquist who went on to
become an acclaimed bibliophile, numismatist and international
cultural ambassador of the 19th century." In 1861 Vattemare
authored "Collection des Monnaies et des Medailles de l'Amerique
du Nord 1652-1858, Offerte a la Biblioteque Imperiale"
(My loose translation: "Collection of the Monies of North America
1652-1858 of the Biblioteque Nationale")

  Wayne Homren, Editor

	coinbooks.org Web

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization 
promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org.

To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor 
at this address: whomren@coinlibrary.com

To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum