A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars
Numismatists Do Not Fear Change
“The story has, I believe, been told more than once …” – The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb Your editor has a fondness for Old Time Radio and from time to time, we are able to share recording of some of the older Sherlock Holmes radios that have a tie-in to numismatics. On May 17,… Continue Reading
“… 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 scandalous forgery …” – The Adventure of the Retired Colourman (RETI) We routinely scan new auction listings on sites such as eBay in our search for various numismatica Sherlockiana. We recently came across a listing of 8 Sherlock Holmes pin-back buttons, which are pictured above. That pin on the botton left corner…. I’ve seen… Continue Reading
“We are now,” said he, “actually within the hydraulic press …” – The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb (ENGR) Towards the end of The Engineer’s Thumb, we learn that the hydraulic press that Victor Hatherley is hired to inspect and suggest a course of repair is actually being used to strike counterfeit coins. I have always… Continue Reading
“… I have lost my thumb, and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what have I gained!” – The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb (ENGR) In 1954, Ronald Howard and H. Marion Crawford would star as Holmes and Watson in 39 episodes of a syndicated Sherlock Holmes television series. The 30 minute episodes were produced by… 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