Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
New Netherlands Coin Company
New Netherlands Coin Company was formed in the 1930s by Moritz Wormser, who earlier had served six one-year terms as president of the American Numismatic Association, the longest tenure for that office in the history of the organization. In the 1950s, New Netherlands was owned by his son, Charles M. Wormser, with John J. Ford, Jr. as an associate. The firm brought to the hobby a new high standard of authoritative catalogue descriptions, with extensive presentation of details, historical data, and other information. Among old-time and advanced collectors in particular, New Netherlands achieved an outstanding reputation during the 1950s, the decade of the correspondence to follow. John J. Ford, Jr. recalled that Hon R. Henry and Mrs. Norweb were frequent visitors to the New Netherlands office located on the fourth floor at 1 West 47th Street, New York City. Typically, John J. Ford, Jr. would handle the coin transactions, often with Walter Breen, who worked there at the time, providing additional information concerning rarity and die varieties. A large number of coins were acquired through this source by the Norwebs, including many pieces which had formerly belonged to Virgil Brand, F.C.C. Boyd, and other famous collectors.
The Norwebs participated in many of the New Netherlands auctions held during this period, often asking for advice concerning which coins to compete for and at what levels. At sporadic intervals, a house organ, Numisma, was issued, but "not often enough;' noted Mrs. Norweb, who, like many others, enjoyed reading it. During the era, the Norwebs relied upon New Netherlands as a source for much technical information, for coin supplies (the first item in the file is an invoice for 5,000 brown kraft paper envelopes for $8.50 on September 23, 1952), and, of course, for many numismatic specimens.
October 1, 1953
Dear John:
Enclosed are two of the items [a 1739 Higley threepence, Crosby plate VII, No. 26, $325; 1795 large cent, S-75, MS-65 $275] which you turned over to me the other day on approval. The balance of the list is definitely of interest, but my wife will write to you in about a week's time. Until then she is completely occupied with her charity sale.
Very truly yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
October 29, 1953
Dear John:
I see we must act fairly promptly if the Canadian collection is to benefit from the credit fund before it is all whittled away. In truth I had hoped that in addition to the 1880 $2 Newfoundland gold piece you would have had a chance to have gone through our Canadian checklist and become inspired.
In any event let me know how we stand and what the chances are, not only for the gold coin and any other new material, but also for the 1914 Proof quarter to replace the Wooster specimen which was unattractive.
I know full well how occupied you have been with sales, post sales, and auctions, but now the dust is settled we begin to look around for new horizons.
With the duck season in full flight, shall we say, our New York trip has again been postponed, but we most certainly count on being there once again before mid November.
With regards to all,
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
P.S.: What a grand job was done on our half dollar series! Last minute P.S.: I have your invoice dated October 23rd for Item 142 of the Washington Sale. However, this coin has not yet put in an appearance, and with a lapse of 10 days perhaps an inquiry should be made at your end.
November 6, 1953
Dear Ambassador:
This is my first opportunity to tell you how badly I felt about the Stack 1914 Proof quarter. I have to strike out once in a while regardless of the batting average.
I am holding the only 1880 Newfoundland gold $2 that I could locate that was free of gouges, nicks, solder, and other imperfections. I also have among other interesting items for you a 1946 Newfoundland 5c, without the usual imperfections, and a few other interesting items.
We have probably the second or third finest known 1889 Canadian dime along with a few other rarities in lines from a private collection, however, to get these for you we would have to trade something the gentleman wants. Unfortunately, he only wants
Canadian pattern or Canadian paper. He also has some regular Canadian coins in Proof which are not exactly to be sneezed at. We can stall this deal for quite some time, if you want us to.
Please advise us when you and/or Mrs. Norweb are coming to town as I definitely want to be in the office.
We may have a super deal lined up for Mrs. Norweb's collection of colonials but it involves a considerable sum of money. I cannot
tell you what it is at this time, but in its series it is the finest collection in existence. More about this when we see you.
If we were any busier, we would be ready for straightjackets. Looking forward to seeing you both soon. Very best personal regards, in which all join.
Sincerely,
John J. Ford, Jr.
December 28, 1953
Dear Charles & John:
Plans for our next New York trip are definitely taking shape, and we have space leaving Cleveland on the evening of January 14th, so that all being well we shall have that whole week in New York. With Cairo dates growing closer there should be much to talk over. Space available, we plan to sail from New York on the Andrea Doria February 4th.
Just two items that come to mind. First, do you happen to know if Futter [Oliver Eaton Futter, a leading collector at the time] disposed of all of his early American material to Max Mehl, and if in his collection there might be something of interest to us? Likewise, let me bring to your attention that the other item on my list has to do with Lot 0-1700 in Seaby's December list. Although realizing that these coins come up so infrequently that it is hard to pinpoint a price, it would seem that there is a rather substantial difference between this Seaby item and a similar one only recently purchased from you in AU condition. Perhaps you could commune among yourselves and see what could be done to bring the picture into focus.
With every good wish for a happy and successful New Year,
Sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb