Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
September 18, 1953
Dear Friend:
The return of the 1793 half cents came as a great surprise to me. I sold the 1840-O half dime. The quarter dollars 1796 and 1804 are out to one party at $825-may have a dandy half dollar 1797 if interested-better than 1796.
Yours truly,
A.J. Fink
April 20, 1955
Dear Mr. Fink:
I am returning the 1912 double eagle which you kindly sent on approval, since in the meantime we have found a good example of this coin in a lot that was offered to us only a few days ago. I'm sure you will understand these circumstances, though sorry it happened this way.
Yours very truly,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
April 26, 1955
Dear Sir:
The delay was caused by the fact that I sent my specimens and called up Jim Kelly who supplied me with that specimen-I was not able to see him immediately-but I put up the- money for you-and now have it tied up. Just a bit of hard luck, and none too appetizing.
Respectfully,
A.J. Fink
May 3, 1955
Dear Mr. Fink:
I am sorry you have been inconvenienced by the return of the gold coin, but I feel no obligation in the matter, since this trans-action, as in the past, was put on "approval basis:' Over the long years this is the only way Mrs. Norweb and I have done business. Yours very truly,
Han. R. Henry Norweb
June 21, 1955
Dear Mr. Fink:
We appreciated your thought in sending us the 1850 Proof dollar, but we are looking for an original and the one submitted seems to be a restrike. We are still hoping some day to find an original, though the search has been going on for many years.
The coin you submitted on approval is enclosed herewith, together with 75 cents in stamps to cover postage.
Yours very truly,
Han. R. Henry Norweb
February 27, 1956
Dear Sir:
Enclosed find two coins that are the finest known-both came from England-I defy you to ever produce their equal. I sent the half dime to the New Netherlands Coin Company, New York City. He offered me somewhat less for the half dime but I did not accept it. They all have a die break and defect on the reverse-a characteristic trait of the coin, and its genuineness which cannot be avoided.
The 1807 dime is a real gem. Cost me $65-over catalogue price.
No trouble to sen-only had it 24 hours but want to make a sale so included it. I'll make you the two pieces for only $390. I'll pay you $260 for the half dime any time you want to sell it. You can-not conscientiously turn down this coin if you are sincere. You will only discourage me in sending any more coins on approval. It cost me time, money, and heartaches to do so and out postage. I am sure you understand and will cooperate with my good intentions to please. I can sell elsewhere.
Fink
Charles W. Foster
Known as "The Suitcase Dealer" as he called himself in his price lists, CharlesW. Foster did business at 850 East Lake Road, Rushville, New York. A respected dealer of unquestioned integrity, Foster was a familiar figure at Empire State Numismatic Association conventions in Upstate New York for many years.
Invoices in the Norweb files disclose scattered purchases during this period, including such diverse items as an 1847-O half dollar, Uncirculated, for $6 on October 6, 1953, and an 1886 half eagle, Extremely Fine, for $11 on November 5, 1955.
French's
The firm of French's was operated by Charles and Arline French, at 20 State Street, Troy, New York, at which location they ran a hobby shop and toy store, with a specialty in numismatics. French's conducted many coin auctions, including numerous events for the Empire State Numismatic Association conventions. Charles French wrote a monthly column on coins for Hobbies magazine and published a book of coin buying prices. His family name was Lehrenkraus, but he adopted the surname French for use in business.
Items in the Norweb files relate to scattered auction prices and occasional transactions, of which the following is typical:
May 20, 1957
Dear Mr. French:
On my return from Washington I found a consignment of coins bid in at your Rochester auction. Your bill has also just come in and my check for $537.35 is enclosed.
Will you please also check on Lot 3141 in which you will remember I expressed an interest, though normally I am not a collector of patterns. However, since I did some of my diplomatic service in Columbia I would like to have them and hope you will fix a price for them.
With regards, yours sincerely,
Han. R. Henry Norweb
May 23, 1957
Dear Mr. Norweb:
I inquired of the owner of the Columbian 21fz and five pesos patterns and he informed me that he felt that they should be worth $325. Have not written you as I was not certain you would care to go that high for them. If so, let me know for they are still in my possession. -
Cordially yours,
Charles French
May 28, 1957 Dear Mr. French:
Thank you for your letter of May 23, and I share your reserva-tions about the worth of the Columbian patterns. After the sale I enquired of my numismatist contact in Bogota, Columbia, and now have his reply indicating that they are probably worth $175 in Columbia, although with the recent evaluation of the Columbian pesos prices there have become unsettled.
I hope the owner of the coins can get his price for them, but should he wish to reconsider I am always ready to consider a reasonable offer.
Very sincerely,
Han. R. Henry Norweb