Counterstamps

W.D. RAPP in a box punch counterstamped on the obverse and of an 1820s Matron Head large cent. Brunk R-79, Rulau-HT-414. Host coin Good.

William D. Rapp was a Norristown / Philadelphia silversmith, jeweler and watchcase maker working from 1828 into the late 1850s. The 1828 city directory lists him as a jeweler at 254 Sassafras Street and at 256 starting in 1833. In 1837 he is listed as a "watch mr." and his firm was located at 256 Race St., with residence at 254 (evidently the street was renamed from Sassafras to Race). This is also the first time his middle initial is listed. An advertisement in the 1839 directory states he is a " Watch Case Maker, Metal Gilder, Watch Maker and Jeweller, (located at) No. 256 Race Street between Seventh and Eighth ". He continued to be listed as just a watchmaker in the directories until 1854, when the listing now states "clocks, watches, and jewelry". In 1858 and 1859 his address is listed as 718 Race, but starting in 1860 he is no longer listed. A well known stamp from the Hard Times era.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection.

Estimate: $ 175