A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars
Numismatists Do Not Fear Change
“Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!’” – The Hound of the Baskervilles (HOUN) Back in 1992, the Original Hobo Nickel Society was formed to promote the collecting of engraved buffalo nickels that had been produced prior to 1980. Most of these “original” nickels were engraved with nails, knifes, files and perhaps some punches.… Continue Reading
“You are an early bird …” – The Valley of Fear (VALL) In 1982, two professors at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania — Fred Saules and Frank Vacante — organized a group of 18 Sherlockians to form a new BSI scion, Boss McGinty’s Bird Watchers. The group takes its name from the final Sherlock Holmes novel, The… Continue Reading
“… one who had been a whaler.” – The Adventure of Black Peteri (BLAC) Earlier this month, listings for a fantasy 10 pound Scottish banknote featuring Arthur Conan Doyle began appearing on some of the major online auction services. The front of the note features a left-facing portrait of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the background, appears… Continue Reading
“… difficulties caused by his own aversion to publicity.” – The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot (DEVI) We would like to take this opportunity to welcome those of you may have heard about us on Episode 128 of the I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere podcast. Your friendly editor was interviewed by Scott Monty and Burt Wolder… Continue Reading
“We were to go to the theatre.” – The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans (BRUC) OBVERSE: THE BANK OF ENGLAND / CHAS. H. / LESTER / – AS – / SHERLOCK / HOLMES / · THERES MONEY IN IT · REVERSE: · THE SORROWS OF SATAN · / CHAS. H. / LESTER / – AS –… Continue Reading
“We were to go to the theatre.” – The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans (BRUC) I recently acquired a theatre check and on one side it advertises “The Sorrows of Satan” starring “Chas. H. Lester as Prince Lucio”. But it was the other side that was much more intriguing, for around the… Continue Reading
“I would not have missed it for worlds.” – The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor (NOBL) Our story for this month is The Red-Headed League and we have already published our monthly features on this story – From Watson’s Tin Box, highlighting items from their collection of evidence boxes; Brad Keefauver’s The 17 Steps; and Frank Mentzel’s Data! Data!… Continue Reading
“Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year 1858. Contralto – hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera of Warsaw – Yes! Retired from operatic stage – ha! Living in London – quite so!” – A Scandal In Bohemia (SCAN) At the November 21, 2000 meeting of Charleston, WV’s The Norwood Building Inspectors, a… Continue Reading
“… when people bury treasure nowadays they do it in the Post Office bank.” – The Adventure of the Three Gables (3GAB) Just before the Memorial Day holiday weekend, I received a letter from Gary Patterson, author of United States Swastika 1907-1936: Tokens, Medals, Watch Fobs & Good Luck Charms, asking if I was… Continue Reading
“A printing press – a counterfeiter’s outfit …” – The Adventure of the Three Garridebs (3GAR) The above pictured fantasy banknote was created during the 1970’s by Luther Norris’s Pontine Press and was based on the actual Bank of England 1 pound notes circulating at the time, pictured below. The note is a faithful recreation of… Continue Reading