W&ET - Ask Mark Parker Vol. 34 May 2000

Ask Mark Parker

Vol. 34 - May 2000

SHELL SHOCK
Q. What can you tell me about this find? Searching a Union camp located beside a modern-day road, I got a big signal and thought I'd detected a cast iron sewer pipe. Instead, out of the ground came an iron shell, about 8-9" tall and over 3" wide, with a copper casing around the bottom. I guess my excitement must have shown, as people on the road started slowing down and staring!
A. Awestruck, envious relic hunters, no doubt! What you've got is a rare Confederate artillery projectile- a Selma (or Selma/Read) pattern shell, so called because of its presumed origin, the Selma Arsenal in Alabama. The copper on the base is the sabot, or driving band, which was forced into the rifling of the cannon. The large groove above the sabot was originally filled with greased hemp for lubrication. The two raised bands on the shell are bourrelets, the bearing surfaces of the projectile, which were machined after casting to ensure proper fit in the bore. Fusing varied but often consisted of a wooden plug with a paper time fuse. If you can't arrange to have the shell examined by an authority on Civil War ordnance, the next best option would be to send such an expert exact measurements of it: length; diameter(s); widths of and distances between sabot, grease-groove, and bourrelets; weight, etc. Sharp photos, including top, bottom, and side (full rotation), are also a must, along with information about where it was found. What's it worth? Maybe $1,000+... which is why you need to get it checked out firsthand.

GOIN' LOCO
Q. I'd like some information about this watch fob and the "Locomobile" which it advertises. On the back is, "Winner of the Vanderbilt Cup and 24 Hr. Race at Ascot Park. L. A. Motor Car Co. Greenduck Co., Chicago."
A. Founded in Newton, Massachusetts in 1899, Locomobile made steam-powered vehicles (using Stanley patents) until 1903. In 1902, they began production of gasoline-engine models as well. The Locomobile was marketed as an expensive, superior quality automobile, and there are aficionados who still consider it the finest ever made. The fob, evidently Greenduck-struck for distribution by a local dealership, can be dated by a couple of facts: 1) the Vanderbilt Cup race mentioned on the fob was won by George Robertson in 1908; and 2) in the early 1920s, the Locomobile Co. of America, then based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was taken over by Durant Motors. In 1929, the Locomobile line was discontinued altogether. The fob's an uncommon one, still very desirable despite light corrosion, and should bring at least $200.

CHARLES IN CHARGE
Q. Mark, some time ago I dug what I think may be a Spanish cob, but I've never seen one with a portrait on it. There's no date, but stamped next to the bust is XII. Do you know what it is, and what it might be worth?
A. Right era, wrong empire. It's a hammered silver British shilling of Charles I, c. 1625-49. One of the kings of the House of Stuart, Charles unfortunately fell afoul of Parliament factions and the common folk, was beset by Oliver Cromwell and company, escaped to Scotland for a time, and was ultimately tried for treason and beheaded. (Or so I'm reliably informed by those who somehow managed to remain awake during that long, drowsy afternoon in history class.) As for the coin, heavy wear is likely to hold its numismatic value under $50. Its real appeal, of course, is as an artifact of early Colonial days- and it's hard to put a price on that.

FAIR SHAKE
Q. My uncle found these "L. P. E. ST. LOUIS 1904" salt & pepper shakers in an old house. They're made of metal (not sure what type) and have portraits of Jefferson and Napoleon on them. The bottom is stamped "75," but there are no other marks or symbols. We know that they're from the world's fair, but have no idea of the value. Can you help?
A. Souvenir salt & pepper shakers were apparently in plentiful supply at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (L. P. E.), but for some reason this fancy set doesn't seem to have been included in references such as Hendershott's 1904 St. Louis World's Fair Mementos & Memorabilia, or any of the general world's fair collectibles ID/price guides. Calls to several specialists didn't turn up much information either. In fact, only one had encountered this design before, and could offer no details concerning it. Although in the past certain 1904 world's fair shakers have been valued at up to $200/pair, the highest estimate I could get for your set came from a dealer who said, "They might go over $100, but I wouldn't be a buyer at that price." My guess is that the L. P. E. market will peak around 2004, the expo's centennial year; so, your uncle's best bet might be to hang on until then for a better offer.

STAR-CROSSED
Q. Even when I'm not metal detecting, I'm always treasure hunting, and here's something I picked up for $5 at a thrift store Hayward, California . The front looks similar to plates I've seen in your magazine in the past, but the back is definitely different. Anything you can come up with on this would be appreciated.
A. The front design imitates that of a mid to late 19th century panel plate which not only saw widespread militia usage but, as a stock (generic) item available for general purchase, was sometimes worn by paramilitary and civilian groups: academy cadets, bands, etc. Because of the five-pointed star, it's often been dubiously attributed to Texas C.S.A. units and, after the Civil War, the Texas Rangers. However, there's no need to lock horns with Longhorns on that issue: you don't have one of those older plates anyway. Yours is thickly cast, not die-stamped... all the reverse attachments are totally dissimilar to those of the original... and if that's not enough, it has a couple of small medalets (Napoleon, center; and monogram, lower right) which unmistakably identify it as a product of the Bergamot Brass Works in Delavan, Wisconsin, probably from the 1970s or early '80s. Was it a bargain? Well, it's hard to find anything for $5 nowadays, so what can I say? Buckle up!

SPEEDING TICKET
Q. While sorting through the contents of an old trunk, I came across this Indianapolis Motor Speedway ticket from 1930. There are a few creases, but otherwise it seems to be okay. Is it any good?
A. Vintage Indy 500 items are always winners, and the bold graphics of this 70-year-old paper keepsake should rev up any collector's spend-ometer! As for the history behind it, in 1930 racing fans cheered Billy Arnold on to take the checkered flag in the 18th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes, in four hours, 58 minutes, and 39.72 seconds. His average speed? 100.44 mph- pretty tame compared to today's pace, but back then it was smokin'! You'll feel like a winner, too, when you check price listings for the ticket... anywhere from $75 to $135.

Subscribe!

Top