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

Ask Mark Parker

Vol. 34 - Oct. 2000

GOLDEN DEVOTION
Q. I found this religious medallion while coinshooting the lawn of a New York home dating back 250 years. It is 22K gold, with six crudely-cut diamonds in the halo. Actual size is about 18mm (the same as a $2.50 gold piece), and there is a spot at the top where a loop was once attached. On the right side of the obverse, the medallion is marked in plain capital letters,"F. RASVMNY." Do you know when and where it was made, and what it's worth?
A. Félix Rasumny was a French designer, engraver, and jeweler. On many of his pieces, his name appears in script, rather than in capitals with a Roman V for U; however, that difference alone is not sufficient reason to question the medallion's authenticity. Since Rasumny was born in 1869 and died in 1940, it seems reasonable to guess that it may have been made in the early 1900s. Pricing is highly subjective, but one dealer contacted by W&ET suggested $350-400 retail.
Special thanks to Christie Romero, author of Warman's Jewelry, 2nd Edition, for her generous assistance in researching this item.

FINE-FEATHERED FIND
Q. Check out this cool-looking lock that I detected in a heavy thicket in southeastern Pennsylvania. At the top it says, "Manufactured by Russell & Erwin, New Britain, Conn.," and has a Patent #15 98. There's also a big "4" at one side. How about some info on it?
A. Time marches on, but this time March is off! Evidently, a portion of the patent inscription on the shackle has been worn away or rusted over. The "15 98" is actually part of the patent date, which is March 15, 1898. The 4 is the ID number of the lock's key. If it were in Fine condition, complete with key and fully functional, this handsome old Russell & Erwin "American eagle" padlock could command $350; as is, it still has some display value but is likely worth 60-70% less.

HOLDING THE FORT
Q. After I tried to research this "Post Exchange + Fort Michie, N.Y." 10¢ brass token but drew a blank, I was advised to, "Ask Mark Parker!"
A. Well, I'm glad you did... and I have a hunch you will be, too. Strategically situated on Great Gull Island, some 12 miles from New London, Connecticut, Fort Michie was established in 1896 at a longtime lighthouse location. Just when its first post exchange (military retail store) tokens were introduced is unclear, but they could date back a century or so. In addition to the 10¢ token, there's a slightly smaller 5¢ one of similar design. Today, each is worth $150 or more, and other Fort Michie tokens are equally valuable.

THE BIG BANG
Q. Here's an "EXCELSIOR" cast iron toy gun that I recovered at a 19th century site. It was severely rusted, but after cleaning by electrolysis now appears to be in good overall condition, although with some pitting. The trigger and hammer are in a fixed position and do not operate. The gun is 5-3/8" long, and on the handle is a patent date, which appears to be April 22, 1873. I would be grateful for any help in learning the history of this unusual toy.
A. According to a specialist in antique toy guns, the "Excelsior" cap pistol was made by J. C. Stevens of Connecticut. It's considered scarce, rating **** on a scale of 1-5 *'s; and even with the problems described, a price tag of $200+ is a definite possibility. However, expect some collectors to balk at the fact that it's been cleaned, no matter how attractive the outcome.

HE COULD HACK IT
Q. Mark, I dug this iron axe in an old part of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where a house stood in the early 1700s. It's 13" long, weighs 4 lbs., has "Washington Inaugurated President of the US Apr. 30 1789" on the handle, and a cut-out silhouette of George Washington on the axe head. Please identify and price it, if possible.
A. It's old, all right... but probably not quite as old as you hoped. You've uncovered an Inaugural Centennial souvenir issued in 1889, a century after George Washington was sworn in as our nation's first president. As far as I can determine, the manufacturer is unknown. The portrait and inscription need no explanation, of course; and for that matter, I'm sure few readers need to be reminded of the legend of little George, the hatchet-happy lad who chopped down a cherry tree and then manfully 'fessed up. A while back, one of these hefty keepsakes with some remaining nickel finish was offered at auction, with a suggested bid range of $50-75; but a well-known collectibles dealer says he's got several priced at $35-50 apiece, depending on condition. I suppose I ought to add that I've even heard of one advertised at $300, but you'd have a hard time finding a knowledgeable buyer at that price.

BEEHIVE BUTTON
Q. This "beehive" button- backmarked "M. C. Lilley & Co. Columbus, O."- was found near Salt Lake City, Utah. Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me about it.
A. As a resident of the Beehive State, no doubt you know the significance of the symbol appearing on this Utah Territory button. For those who don't, Utah pioneers named the region Deseret, which means "honeybee" in the Book of Mormon; and the beehive has long been used to represent industry, hard work, and cooperation for the common good. M. C. Lilley & Co. began making military-style uniform buttons around 1876, and Utah became a state in 1896; so, your find's somewhere in between. Cataloged in Albert's button book as #UT-1-A-1, it's recently been listed at $30.

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