A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars
Numismatists Do Not Fear Change
“… in spite of the efforts of the United States government …” – The Adventure of the Five Orange Pips (FIVE) The United States Mint struck a three coin series (half dollar, silver dollar and gold $5) in 2001 to help raise funds for the construction of the United States Capitol Visitor Center, which had broken ground… Continue Reading
“… a skillful sculptor and had earned an honest living …” – The Adventure of The Six Napoleons (SIXN) Alex Shagin, now a freelance medallic artist based in southern California, cast medals featuring Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle in the early 1990s. Let’s take a look at some other of his medallic works. A 78mm bronze casting of… Continue Reading
“Here is an advertisement which will interest you …” – The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb (ENGR) Edward C. Rochette, the 5th Garrideb, and his wife Maryann started a small business selling Holmesian gifts in 1990. The business was called Sherlock, Stock & Barrel Company. Pictured above was their first advertising flyer that was sent to folks… Continue Reading
“If I were a sculptor …” – The Problem of Thor Bridge (THOR) The American Numismatic Association bestowed its Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture this year (1990) on Alex Shagin of Los Angeles, California. He was presented with an engraved, 14kt-gold medal donated by the Franklin Mint of Franklin Center, Pennsylvania. Born… Continue Reading
“Without art, a coin collection is just another form of bookkeeping.” – Alex Shagin Alex Shagin’s life has always been about artistic freedom and enduring coins. It’s been a long, but rewarding challenge for this defender of classical medal design. Born in Russia near Leningrad, on January 21, 1947, Alexander George Shagin is the only… Continue Reading
“… it bore some resemblance …” – The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge (WIST) In 1991, Alex Shagin, a former head engraver with the Leningrad Mint, cast a medal featuring Arthur Conan Doyle, which was marketed by Sherlock, Stock & Barrel, a firm owned by Edward C. Rochette, the 4th Garrideb of our scion.… Continue Reading
“… it was a perfect facsimile.” – The Adventure of The Empty House (EMPT) From the George S. Cuhaj (the 14th Garrideb, aka Cardinal Tosca) Collection Alex Shagin, a former head engraver with the Leningrad Mint, was commissioned in 1990 to sculpt a medal featuring Sherlock Holmes. Cast in both silver and… Continue Reading
“Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!” – The Hound of the Baskervilles (HOUN) A new Sherlockian themed challenge coin has recently appeared for sale on some major online auction websites, this time featuring Snoopy dressed as Sherlock Holmes. This challenge coin, as well as several others recently appearing, feature… Continue Reading
“Just think what I could do with five million dollars.” – The Adventure of the Three Garridebs (3GAR) From time to time, we will feature a post here regarding other fictional detectives, such as Gregory Hood or Max Carrados. Today, we will focus on the 1947 film The Brasher Doubloon, which is based on the Raymond… Continue Reading
“I grudge Altamont nothing.” – His Last Bow (LAST) On October 23, 1978, the group Altamont’s Agents was formed in Albany, New York, meeting at a pub that was named Holmes and Watson, Ltd. This group would go on to be recognized as a scion of the Baker Street Irregulars. In 1989,… Continue Reading