Counterstamps

LOCK SMITHS (curved) / No 5 / MOTT ST on a 1786-NG-? Guatemalan 2 Reales. Brunk M-933, Rulau-NY 620B. Host coin About Good.

A popular and rare counterstamp! Rulau postulates the 1820s as the time period for this stamp. However, after many years of research the origin of this company remains a mystery. There were many locksmiths doing business in New York City from before 1800 and after. Finding the correct one at this address is difficult, as city directories list names of persons and companies first, not location. A person with time and tenacity could certainly discover the identity of the stamp. Only one 2 reales is listed in Rulau & Brunk, dated 1798, so this is a new example.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection. Earlier ex Stephen Tanenbaum.

Estimate: $ 200