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

Ask Mark Parker

Vol. 34 - Sep. 2000

THE INVINCIBLES
Q. Searching a forested area in my hometown of Niagara, Ontario, I found this British 49th Regiment cross-belt plate. As you can see, it's in nice condition, and all the studs and hooks are still on the back. Am I correct in assuming that it's from the War of 1812, and what is its value?
A. Right on the money... and plenty of it! It's definitely a $2,000+ plate, and a serious collector might offer as much as $2,500. Famed as General Brock's regiment, the 49th has been described as "one of the most conspicuous British regiments in the War." Lieutenant-Governor of Canada, Isaac Brock was made a major general and, following his victory at Detroit, achieved far greater fame. Hailed as the "Hero of Upper Canada," he received a knighthood but soon afterward was killed while leading a charge at Queenston. The 49th's own record was one of distinction as well. Known as the Invincibles, they may not always have proved so- as, for example, at Fort George, when it fell to American forces- but their place in history remains secure, and their buttons, plates, and other artifacts are deservedly and highly prized.

MAKING RESERVATIONS
Q. Mark, I was relic hunting on the banks of a stream and dug this "Indian Police - Wewoka, I.T." badge. At the time, I thought it might be just a toy, but it seems too well made for that. Is it the real thing?
A. Indian Police badges of this design were in use around 1890-1910. Quality replicas have appeared in recent years, retailing at $60-70; however, I've never seen any "Wewoka, I.T." examples. (Wewoka, by the way is the seat of Seminole County in central Oklahoma, and also the capital of the Seminole Nation.) As I'm sure you know, both early-day law enforcement and "I.T."- Indian Territory, Oklahoma- marked items are extremely collectable; and if yours is indeed authentic, it's a dandy! True, the condition could be better; but even so, estimates from experts contacted by W&ET ranged up to $500.

CROSS-OVER KEEPSAKE
Q. Exploring along a pioneer trail in south-central Wyoming, my son found what appears to be a locket with a religious connection. Actual size is 7/8". On the front is a cross on a white-enameled background. The upper arm of the cross bears a crown with the letters "FW" beneath; the center, an oak-leaf cluster; and the lower arm, the date 1813. On the back is a man holding a staff and carrying a small child on his shoulder. Above the child's head is a halo. Can you shed any light on this unusual and interesting item?
A. It's a German patriotic/religious medallion or locket from the WWI era. On the obverse is the 1813 Iron Cross, 2nd Class. The date commemorates the authorization of the Iron Cross military decoration by Emperor Friedrich Wilhelm, whose crown and initials appear at the top. The reverse is a traditional St. Christopher medal, depicting the saint carrying the Christ child across a stream. Despite its use of the Iron Cross, this is not an official issue, but would have been privately purchased. German patriotic medallions of this sort are often encountered, but the combination of military and religious motifs is somewhat unusual. At a minimum, it's probably a $50 find; if the metal is silver, $75-100; and if it's truly a locket which opens and closes, and not simply a medallion, add another $25-50.

WICKET, WICKET WAYS
Q. I'd like some information about this Philadelphia Cricket Club medal, which has a picture of an Indian, a crossed cricket bat and bag of golf clubs, and "Wissahickon" on it. The back is blank. I know that cricket has been played in the Philadelphia area for over 200 years, so maybe this piece has some age to it. Anyway, it's really old looking, with those rippled edges.
A. It's evidently unlisted, but thanks to Dr. Herman Aqua, a specialist in Pennsylvania exonumia, I can tell you a bit about it. For starters, the exclusive Philadelphia Cricket Club was founded in 1854, and located on Wissahickon Heights Avenue in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, an area also informally known as Wissahickon. The club reportedly remains in existence, now devoted mainly to golf, and I'm sending you the current address and phone number for follow-up research. Dr. Aqua believes your find may have been either a membership medal or a commemorative struck in conjunction with a fundraising project. Although he didn't comment on its age or value, the style suggests early 1900s. I shopped it around and got estimates in the $20-40 range, but obviously your best bet would be to offer it to a Philadelphia collector &/or member of the club.

TRACTOR PULL
Q. I've looked everywhere, trying to find out something about this Case Tractor watch fob, but no luck. Maybe you can help me. Notice that the tractor has lugs instead of regular tires. Also, the fob is marked "Metals Arts - Roch. NY" on back of the "CASE" sign.
A. Issued to advertise the Case Model L, introduced near the end of the 1920s, this is actually a fairly common fob; yet it often brings $50 or more, mainly because of its "old-time" eye appeal. Not surprisingly, there's a copious supply of copies, too, but it sounds as if you've got the genuine article. The Model L was a Case mainstay on into the '40s, and still has its share of loyal boosters among those attracted to antique tractors and related memorabilia. So, if your fob's for sale, finding a buyer should be no problem.

IN TRACTION
Q. Here's a button for you: "P. T. Co.," with a picture of a trolley car, and backmarked "Horstmann Philadelphia." My main interest is finding out its age. I believe the "P. T. Co." stands for Philadelphia Transit Co. Am I right?
A. Pretty close. Your button was made for the Philadelphia Traction Co. Established in 1883, the P. T. Co. was originally a cable car system with some ten miles of lines. Plagued by problems, it later converted to electric operation and also leased some horse-drawn cars. At its peak, it maintained about 200 miles of track, and in 1895 it was leased to the Union Traction Co. The button is c. 1892-95 and would be worth $7-10 if it were in Fine or better condition.

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