Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
December 28, 1955
Dear Friends:
Received your letter a few days ago. Good hearing from you, and was pleased to get your card.
I did not arrive back from Europe until the last part of December, so that was why I was not at Philadelphia, and as you know hunting season was open and I had to get my hunting in. Making plans now to go to Newfoundland moose hunting next September. I heard a moose swallowed a couple of rare coins!
I will be at Indianapolis in April, planning to bring my wife and sons with me, as I have several aunts and uncles living there whom they have never seen. My last trip before I leave for hunt-ing will be to Chicago to attend the ANA Convention in August.
I have put the 1862-S and 1866 quarter eagles on my lookout list, and if I run across them you shall have them.
My Canadian material is kind of weak, as Mr. [Wayne] Rich from Concord, New Hampshire keeps coming over and picking up the nice material. Nothing really rare but in nice condition. If you want some silver Extremely Fine or Uncirculated grade, let me know as I am always picking it up and will save it for you. Needless to say, if anything rare shows up I will drop you a line.
I might suggest if you would like to improve your United States series, such as some of the minor coins, you can send me a list and I will go through my stock picking out some I think you would want. I will send them on approval. In this way you can compare and keep what you want. I have never done this before but would be glad to do it for you. I really admire you both for taking such an active interest in the hobby. I wish my wife knewas much about collecting coins as she does about spending them. Ha-ha!
I bought everything I saw in United States coins in Europe, to Mrs. Norweb [a copy of which does not survive in the Norweb files], my son and I were flying back from Cuba where we had been to pick up my grandson. Arrangements had been made in Portland to get a Hertz car, and I suggested to my son that should he run into any difficulties to "be sure and call Maurice=-a good friend and one who knows his way about.
We shall be in Maine for the first three weeks of August and will call you in advance of our coming to Portland. It will be good to get together ....
Very sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
September 3, 1957
Dear Maurice:
Back at home base, and how good it is to be surrounded once again with our Lares et Penates.
The Philadelphia meeting [of the American Numismatic Association] was only fairly successful, but the convention at Hamilton [of the Canadian Numismatic Association] was a complete flop as regards to new Canadian material. It seems that items everyone wanted were on the top priority list of a young Texas collector, and he had buy bids everywhere. Against such competition there is little hope for the average collector until such time as the Texan's wants are met. But it was never thus ....
Please give our regards to your wife. We shall always have pleasant recollections of that luncheon together.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
October 13, 1958
Dear Mr. Norweb:
Just returned from the New England Numismatic Association show and must say it was a good one. Best NENA convention so far. At least 200 more there than in past years. Prices at auction quite high. I purchased three lots [of Canadian coins] for you: Lot 1242, 1900 25-cents $25, Lot 1328, 1899 50-cents $125, Lot 1376, 1895 cent $35.
In regard to Lot 1629, the piece was overgraded and at best only Extremely Fine. I went to $70, and it sold on the floor for $75, and I would have had to go over $100, so I let it go. I called it to Harold's attention and he agreed, saying he didn't grade it. The 1899 is certainly Uncirculated, and was undergraded. Harold also agrees on this.
We will keep you in mind if anything nice shows up.
Regards, Maurice
October 20, 1958
Dear Maurice:
Many thanks for your help at the NENA meeting. Here's my check for $213.50 for the three coins which arrived safely, plus an extra $10 which apparently covers some unpaid bill which I at. this time do not remember.
I was glad to get the 1899 50-cent piece, but you will know the measure of my disappointment at not getting Lot 1629 when I say the example of this coin at present in the collection is only Very Good. An Extremely Fine specimen would have been most acceptable ....
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb