Counterstamps

J. & T. ELLIN / N-YORK on an 1845 Braided Hair large cent. Brunk E-119, Rulau-Unlisted. Host coin Very Fine.

James & Thomas Ellin were locksmiths located at 163 Varick St. in New York City during the late 1840s. According to the 1844 city directory, James is listed by himself as a locksmith, with another locksmith named Sidney Ellin also listed. In the 1845 directory we now see the firm of James & Thomas Ellin after Thomas joined the firm. They are listed in each directory of the next four years, but are no longer listed after 1849. As an aside, Sidney died in 1848 and his widow is listed at the same address. It is likely that Sidney is a relative and perhaps even the father of James & Thomas. Where the assumed brothers went after 1850 is not known. This example from 1845 just happens to be the year the Ellins went into business, but certainly emanates from the 1845-1849 time period. This is the exact and only example reported in Brunk.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection.

Estimate: $ 175