Counterstamps

J (CANNON) on an 1835 Capped Bust dime. Brunk I-1, Rulau B-452. Host coin Fine.

A great rebus stamp on an early host coin! This is more than likely the stamp of James or John Cannon, a tinsmith/tin plate worker operating in Philadelphia, PA. John was first listed in the city directories in 1837, located at 344 N 2nd Street. Then at 139 Buttonwood in 1839 and 188 Callowhill in 1840. There is only a "James Cannan" tinsmith, located at the rear of 488 N. 3rd Street in 1841, but a George, James and a John Canon, all tinsmiths, are listed in 1842! Our original John is still at 188 Callowhill and living at 137 buttonwood. All three are listed starting in 1843 and we have an additional listing for Canon & Brother at the location for George and James (to make matters worse, there is a James Cannon at a different location who is a tinsmith). In 1846 John joins with George and James to become Canon & Brothers. The other James Cannon is still listed, now with a W.A. Cannon! By 1855 we are left with only James and Wm A. Cannon as tinsmiths, with James located still at 240 Callowhill, as he has been since 1842. In 1858 we have a new John Cannon who is a tinsmith located at 106 N. 12th street. James is still listed, but now at 634 Callowhill. In 1861 James goes into the stove business at the same address and John is still working as well. By 1865 James is back listed as a tinsmith located at the 634 Callowill address and is last listed in 1866. This is one of the two examples known on early bust dimes.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection.

Estimate: $ 200