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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,837 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4329 Posts |
Silversmith, Nathaniel Austin (1734-1818), was working in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1776 when his home and shop were destroyed by a British bombardment. He relocated to Boston and opened a shop on Back Street, working there from 1797-1816. It appears that he worked in tandem with Paul Revere, fashioning a coffee pot for President John Adams. Here are two matching marks on 1795 & 1801 large cents:     Here's a link to a cool silversmith website: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb...hs/14484.htmBrunk lists a different hallmark, having a bullet or dot between the " N A " letters. Yet, it's evident that the hallmarks on these two coppers match the principle mark used by Austin. Note that Austin positioned both of these hallmarks atop the central bust of Lady Liberty, suggestive of some special intent. Both coppers are heavily worn. Might they have been used to confirm his hallmark on silver products, given out as keepsakes or simply intended to promote word-of-mouth advertising? If only these coppers could tell us more ... |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4227 Posts |
That's a really cool piece. I wish all counterstamped coins could tell us their story.
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Valued Member
United States
374 Posts |
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Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
Quote:
I wish all counterstamped coins could tell us their story.  Great read ExoGuy.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4329 Posts |
Thanks, guys .... I much enjoy finding these attributable counterstamps and then attaching the history. I'm hoping to someday find a matching hallmark on a silver spoon.
To date, there have been but six of Austin's hallmarks on coins recorded, the latest of which appears on an 1807 large cent. There may well be some more out there, awaiting discovery.
Edited by ExoGuy
12/02/2015 08:35 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3229 Posts |
Very cool!! Great History! Thanks for Sharing.
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
I picked one up last year. Just doing some research and it was nice to see that there are others out there. Mine is stamped by Nathanial Austin twice.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4329 Posts |
 to the CCF, Draac .... Cool acquisition! My database cites fewer than 10 specimens known, the latest of which is dated 1807. All examples I've seen exist on well-worn large cents, of which I have three in my collection. Now, you may want to see if you can acquire one of Nathaniel's silver spoons, perhaps?  Happy hunting!
Edited by ExoGuy
02/16/2025 09:55 am
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Edited by Draac
02/16/2025 10:06 am
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Info on Nathnial Austin, Very interesting.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4329 Posts |
Great! I've not before seen that pewter mark. The spoon mark does appear to match (didn't show when I first opened the thread). The info matches that in the beginning of this thread. I'm wondering if any painted images of Austin are out there?
Edited by ExoGuy
02/16/2025 10:42 am
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
The marks on the front of the plate are the family that bought it. Still unknown to me. Here is the back of the plate, Nathanial Austin Had an eagle mark on his Pewter.  Edited by Draac
02/16/2025 11:10 am
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
A better view of the marks on the back, mine are worn.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4881 Posts |
Awesome Topic, Excellent read, I am Thankful for the Education One receives Here, Very Informative, Thanks all, MD..  |
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Moderator
 United States
157700 Posts |
Excellent! |
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,837 |
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Posted 12/01/2015 7:06 pm
