The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 6, February 5, 2006, Article 13

LEE HEWITT's NUMISMATIC CREDIT BUREAU INFO SOUGHT

Mike Savinelli writes: "I recently read the book "Coins and
Collectors" by Q. David Bowers.  On page 134 (of the 1964
edition), there is a copy of a 1933 advertisement by Lee F.
Hewitt for the Numismatic Credit Bureau.  The advertisement
states, in part, "Dealers, Collectors, It Pays to Know.
When the Cost is Only 9c Per Month.  Be Posted.  Subscribe
to the Numismatic Credit Bulletin.  Issued Monthly."

The book does not give much detail about this service, other
than it offered credit information to dealers in 1933.  Does
anyone have additional information on this service, such as
(1) specifically how it worked and how reportable information
was obtained, (2) whether the numismatic market at the time
had a need for such a service and why, (3) whether the venture
was profitable, (4) how long the service was in existence, (5)
whether it was a type of collection agency or a credit reporting
service, similar to today's Experian, (6) did Hewitt have a
background in this type of activity, etc.  Any information
would be appreciated.  I am interested in learning more about
how this service interacted with, or otherwise influenced,
the numismatic markets in the 1930s."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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