Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
September 24, 1956
Dear John:
Enclosed is your letter [a copy of which does not survive in the files] with my comments which are self-explanatory. The prices as you see went well above estimates. The reference to M.K. of course is to Mike Kolman, who was very active in bidding for top material, but he let me down on a few of the items in which I had an interest. I refrained from bidding, with a feeling that I could get them from him afterwards (as we had talked over here in Cleveland before the sale) but unfortunately when I tried to get the items from him after the sale he said that he had bought them for a friend. This did not ring too true, as obviously the friend and he were sitting side by side exchanging bids, just as Kosoff and Kaplan did in the Cairo sale.
The items marked in red are those that I finally managed to get. But the "sleepers" stood out like beacon lights to the fraternity, and bidding for them Was proportionate ... Remember also in looking over my notations that many of the items you wanted were not in the condition described. This is especially true of 434 and 993 ....
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
October 19, 1956
Dear John:
Many thanks for the offer of the 1851 double eagle. The example in the collection is Uncirculated and was bought from Morgenthau.
The 1856 eagle, brilliant Uncirculated, we would like to have at $47.50 ....
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
March 26, 1957
Dear John:
Returning to the house yesterday I found on my desk the splendid presentation copy of [Grover C.] Criswell's new publication on Confederate notes. There is a note inside saying that it was sent at your suggestion and with your compliments, and for this we are indeed appreciative. It will add materially to the interest of our collection in this field-a collection which some day I hope you will see. Strangely enough, the bulk of it was picked up many years ago in South America.
We look forward to meeting you Monday afternoon, say around two o'clock.
Very sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
September 4, 1957
Dear John:
This is the first chance I have had to go over the list of coins picked up at [the ANA Convention in] Philadelphia. In spite of the confusion the coins themselves checked out exactly. On the other hand there are several discrepancies as noted on the enclosed statement. It was my understanding that the prices on the envelopes were the prices quoted. You will remember our going over this in connection with the coins from Spink ....
The Hamilton (Ontario) meeting was worthwhile only because of the opportunity to visit the Chateau de Ramezey and to go over Mr. Bowman's records in details. The sale itself had little to offer in the way of coins except for a few that were bought up at unusual prices for your Texas client. The paper money offered created little active bidding; perhaps because the bulk of it was unattractive as to condition.
I trust you have by now fully recovered from the impact of Philadelphia.
Very sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
March 19, 1958
My Dear Ambassador and Mrs. Norweb:
It was indeed pleasant to see the two of you over last weekend and hope your trip home was accomplished without any untoward event.
The books are going forward under separate cover, and although I did my best to find "a slow boat to China" I think they will arrive faster than with such a vehicle.
Walter Breen has made the following report regarding the Boston auction [held by Mayflower Coin Auctions on March 15th]:
Lot 1003 was not a gem, had been cleaned, it was a weak strike, and fetched $17. We had only gone to $15 for you [the piece was described as a 1907 brilliant Uncirculated quarter dollar, estimated at $9].
Lot 1005, we did not place any bid on as the coin was only Very Fine and yet it sold for $23. [Described as a 1909 brilliant Uncirculated quarter dollar.]
Lot 1027, we were the underbidders as it was a nice piece, but when it went to $33, we felt it was high enough. [Described as a 1930 brilliant Uncirculated quarter dollar, estimated at $8.] Hope this satisfies you, and you will think we did right. Warm regards to the two of you,
Sincerely,
Charles M. Wormser
June 23, 1958
Dear John:
I was sorry not to be at your sale the other evening, just for the fun of it, though as you know there was little of interest in it for us. Sometime let me know what the 1894-S dime went for. On this score I was mistaken or confused. We were an underbidder when this coin was last offered for sale.
I shall be glad if you will keep in mind my interest in the Washington series, especially the patterns.
I notice a number of the Proof cents you offered recently were in the Bement 1916 sale at $28 to $32.
Very sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
October 8, 1958
Dear John:
In going through the pioneer gold section of the Standard Catalogue the other day I noticed that the $5 Bechtler had been added. Is this the piece that Jim Kelly had at the ANA sale in 1956-and if so do you have any details about this piece and how it came to have the obverse of C. Bechtler and the reverse of A. Bechtler?
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
December 10, 1958
Dear John:
I want to remind you about sending me a copy of the Seaby letter, even if expurgated. [A reference to B.A. Seaby, Ltd., wellknown London dealers.] Also I neglected when in your office the other day to order a copy of Dr. Sheldon's new book on large cents.
In your forthcoming sale Lot 103, half cent of 1857, not Gilbert-I, might be of interest if you feel it would be an acceptable addition to my wife's half cent collection. I am looking for little items like this as surprise Christmas presents.
Other lots in which my son might be interested are 369, 379, 388, 419, 437, and 546. As for myself, Lot 737, which I missed at one of your sales under rather unusual circumstances. Perhaps you could check this for me so that when I call Friday you can give me some estimates. [My son] Henry is especially interested in Lots 369, 419, 437, and 546.
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb