Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
In the spring of 1959, Q, David Bowers and James F. Ruddy acquired the Robert P. King Collection of Washington coins, tokens, and medals. Correspondence concerning it included these letters:
April 20, 1959
Dear David:
Mrs. Norweb has asked me to acknowledge your letter of the 14th which came in while I was in Washington. (Fidel Castro was there too.)
We have checked the list and those marked are the only other [Washington pieces] lacking in the collection. Every variety is represented except Raymond-14, which we do not have in any metal.
Your thinking of our interest in the Washington series is very much appreciated, but it is not worth going after [the King Collection] for the half dozen pieces we need.
Returning with this letter is your own reference copy of Raymond's booklet on Washington medals. I need a copy of this book should you' ever come across one. Also, we need a Corteau pamphlet on Nova Scotia tokens. There are several revisions of this issue. Anyone will do.
Very sincerely,
Henry
June 8, 1959
Dear Dave:
A shipment of coins has come in which Mrs. Norweb tells me is part of the Washington collection. It came sooner than expected, and I do not know when we are going to have the time to get at it. Numismatically speaking, we take off the summer months.
It may be that with a few more details we could make a decision about the entire lot. Will you let me know therefore how many coins approximately are involved and if there are any rarities or if they are run of the mill. Also, what do you want for the entire lot?
With Regards,
Henry
June 11, 1959
Dear Sir:
Thank you for your note acknowledging the receipt of the inventory of the Robert P. King Washington Collection. The collection,as you probably have noticed, consists of all types of medals; mostly 19th-century but including a few of the years since that time. Should the entire collection interest you, the price will be $685. If you decide to retain the collection intact, I will send you Mr. King's file cards for the group, which may be helpful as detailed descriptions are given of every piece.
Please advise me of your decision by return air mail since I will have to notify another person concerning the collection's availability.
Best regards,
Dave
Apparently, only a selection of items from the King Collection were sold, for several days later R. Henry Norweb asks further about the content of the collection:
June 15, 1959
My Dear Dave:
I leave in a few moments for a trip to Bridgeport, New York, and Washington, and would like to see you, perhaps at one of the sales, about your letter of June 11th.
Specifically I would like to know:
1. Approximately how many coins are there in the Washington lot?
2. Are there any rarities?
3. Are they mostly silver, copper, or white metal?
4. If you have an inventory, please bring it with you for me to check;
5. How many store cards and 20th-century items?
R. Henry Norweb
From the summer of 1959:
July 21, 1959
Dear Dave:
My wife joins with me in thanking you for your thought in sending the new edition of the Guide Book, as well as the bound copy of your Numismatic Notes [Empire Topics]. They will both be valuable references.
Off tomorrow for a month in Maine.
Very sincerely,
Henry
Later correspondence with Q, David Bowers was not preserved by the Norweb family.
Melvin E. Came
Trading as Melvin E. Came & Son, 132 Broadway, Dover, New Hampshire, Melvin Came sold a number of United States and world coins to the Norwebs during the 1950s. Correspondence was minimal. The following represents a transaction of the time:
June 7, 1956
Dear Mr. Came:
Referring to our meeting in Indianapolis [at the Central States Numismatic Convention]' I am sorry about the mixup and am still interested in two United States 1956 Proof sets if now available; also, two Canada 1956 Mint sets-the latter carefully selected.
Very Sincerely,
Honorable R. Henry Norweb
July 25, 1956
Dear Mr. Norweb:
I have come across your letter of June 7th requesting two each of the 1956 United States Proof sets; also, two select 1956 Canada Mint sets.
The reason for the delay in my reply is that we have had sickness and recent death in our family and everything has been upset and of course all coin business has been at a standstill.
I have the above mentioned sets at hand for you and can either send them to you right away if you are still interested or can deliver them to you personally at the [ANAl Convention in Chicago, please your wishes?
I also have three bundles with original bands of fractional cur-
rency in case you may be interested.
Hoping to hear from you soon, and sorry for the delay.
Sincerely, M.E. Came
September 7, 1956
Dear Mr. Came:
We missed each other a couple of times at the Chicago Con-vention, with the result that I never got around to picking up the two lots set aside for me as mentioned in your letter of July 25th. If you are going to the meeting in London, Ontario on the 21st perhaps you could bring them with you then. If not, please forward them to me at the above address.
Very truly yours,
Honorable R. Henry Norweb