A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars
Numismatists Do Not Fear Change
“Now and again I drive down to Sotheby’s or Christie’s.” – The Adventure of the Three Garridebs (3GAR) Period Americana, a Boston, Massachusetts-based auction house recently conducted their Sale 50: Ephemera, Revolutionary War, Civil War, RPPC Timed Sale. Of interest to us is Lot 177: Lot 177: Coin from Sherlock Holmes’ Conan-Doyle collection Est: $350 –… Continue Reading
“I had also a commission from the Sultan of Turkey…” – The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier (BLAN) Clipping from the December 1, 1907 edition of The Baltimore Sunday Sun On September 18, 1907, Arthur Conan Doyle married for the second time, wedding Jean Elizabeth Leckie. From September 21 through November 14, Conan Doyle and his… 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
“Here was a case of ancient coins.” – The Adventure of the Three Garridebs (3GAR) One of our group’s earliest goals was to attempt to track down coins from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s personal coin collection. We were able to locate a price list that Manfra, Tordella & Brookes produced in 1968 of Doyle’s ancient… 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
“If you have a fancy to see your name in the next honours list” – The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans (BRUC) In 1898, Arthur Conan Doyle visited Italy with his brother-in-law, E. W, “Willie” Hornung (the novelist who created the gentlemen burglar “Raffles”). During his tour, King Umberto I of Italy conferred the Order… Continue Reading
“… do you know of the Emperor …” – The Adventure of the Illustrious Client (ILLU) In 2009, the Chicago based rare coin dealer Harlan Berk conducted his 165th Buy or Bid Sale. We bring this up due to Lot 449 of that sale. The description of that lot reads as follows: 449. NERO, OFFMETAL QUADRANS… Continue Reading