Counterstamps

H. COLMAN / WATER ST. / BOSTON on an 1854 Braided Hair large cent. Brunk C-750 var., Rulau-Mass 502 var. Host coin Good.

Although both Brunk and Rulau state that Henry Colman was a gunsmith and locksmith working in Boston, MA from 1847 to 1861, we first find him listed in 1838 as a machinist located at 9 Spring Lane. From 1839 to 1846 he is still listed as a machinist, but located at 11 Water Street. Starting in 1847 he is listed as a locksmith at the same address and no longer a machinist. From 1856 to 1857 his location changed to 46 Devonshire Street and from 1858 to the last listing for him in 1861 he is listed as a locksmith working at 9 Water Street. No listing states he was a gunsmith, but most machinists did do gun work and repair. He is also listed as a gunsmith by Sellers (2008) working circa 1849. The Water street address stamped on the coin could be from his time at either location, but most likely emanates from the 1858 to 1861 time period. This variety of stamp with the address is unlisted in both Brunk and Rulau and is currently unique.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection. Purchased from “Babe” Binette.

Estimate: $ 175