The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 14, April 8, 2007, Article 11

1820'S COLLECTOR'S CABINET OFFERED

[I've always thought that there is a hole in the numismatic literature 
field waiting to be filled with a book on the history of the coin cabinet. 
For a classic example of a collector's cabinet, see the Heritage 
Signature Coin Auction #434, being held in St. Louis, MO on May 9-12, 
2007. -Editor]

"Circa 1820 Collector's Specimen Cabinet. A fine English Regency 
veneered cabinet of elegant classical tripartite form, the upper 
section surmounted by a sweeping pediment with a secret compartment, 
above two doors with intricately designed stinging and bands inlaid 
against a burl walnut veneer, opening to an expertly crafted and 
fitted interior with 18 bowed and inlaid trays, the doors with inlaid 
geometric bands; all above a cornice and larger conforming mid-section 
with 26 trays, over a squat open storage space, all supported on bun 
feet; all sections with individual locks and keys.

"Commentary: Similar cabinets are historical reminders of early American 
and European collecting activities, predating coin boards, coin albums, 
or the certified coin holders of today. All coin collectors of stature 
had their own cabinet to house their collection, and these were popular 
until at least the late 1920s. Page 71 of Q. David Bowers' The History 
of United States Coinage As Illustrated by the Garrett Collection shows 
a photo of John Work Garrett seated in front of his magnificent cabinet, 
examining an item from his collection. A single cabinet tray is 
extended, showing the fittings that are an integral part of these 
pieces.

Coin cabinets spawned a special numismatic term that is seldom heard 
today. The Coin World Almanac defines "Cabinet Friction" as "Slight 
surface wear on a coin, token, or medal caused by friction between 
it and the tray or envelope in which it is contained."

To read the complete auction listing (and view an image of the cabinet) see: 
Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

	coinbooks.org Web

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