Steve Adams wrote to say; “I love Nuts O'Malley” and to inquire as to his profession. Here's the story:
    “Nuts”... known to both friend and foe alike as “Ah Nuts! Here we go again!” O'Malley, worked in the locomotive shops here in Topeka Kansas. He was not known for his patience with man, beast nor machine but any locomotive he was responsible for was ALWAYS ready on time. His credo was that a real craftsman must alway use the right tool for the job and never use force. His second most favorite utterance was “Get me a bigger hammer!” As a younger man he was known as “Big Hammer” O'Malley but he discouraged the use of that nickname in his more mature years because of the sexual innuendo which he had thought “clever” earlier in his life. He was none too happy with “Nuts”... both since it could be, and often was, used as a derogatory, pejorative epithet but he became resigned to it as the lesser of many worse appellations.
    The full head of fiery red hair of his youth matched his quick silver temper but both have noticeably “thinned” with the advance of time. Now-a-days he is retired and known for being a colorful local character and a great story teller who plans on living out his remaining years here in the Kansa Territories... “God's Country” as he regularly refers to it. He and I get along famously! Not only because of our mutually shared love for these midwestern environs but because of our similar approaches to life. As an old retired Engineer my solution to life's minor problems has always been: “Measure with a micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with a chain saw and pound to fit!” I am, and shall remain, a steadfast fan of both “Nuts” O'Malley and Lee Griffiths! ~ Verne R. Walrafen

This 1917-S nickel carving is described on a 1999 QD Form (those Examiner's comments are provided below) and is owned by Robert Polk. The 1914-S and 1915-S nickel carvings shown here again have already been discussed in NEWS item The “Missing Link”.

1917-S Examiner's Comments

Monkey-like man (bearded), wearing hat... Above Average. This coin is almost identical to the photo at the upper right of the OHNS submission form (in 1999), and while the artist is unknown by name this is the 3rd or 4th one seen of the same figure. It has a simian look or it may be a representation of an Irishman. Decided upward curved hat brim, uptilted nose, no moustache and scraggly punched beard. Very large slightly raised metal ear, mouth slightly altered. Green verdigris on obverse in some recessed areas. Bill Fivaz... June 26, 1999
Comic Character wearing hat... Above Average (high). Let's call him “Monkey Face”. Huge pushed metal ear. 3-D hat brim but not pushed. Very skillful use of flat faced punch to alter fields behind head and front profile. Looks like someone from “The East Side Gang”. Curved punch used to create hair and beard lines. Unusual and scarce subject. David Wilson... August 2, 1999.

There is a particular jargon that belongs exclusively to the world of the circus. As in any close group, Circus lingo evolved from convenience and daily usage. A few expressions were abridged from longer words but carry some of their original flavor; others were coined or invented as the need arose. A number were derived from the Italian and French languages; still others were contributions from the Romany tongue of the gypsies. Gradually all of these words became threads woven into the rich tapestry of the circus.

This 1914-S nickel carving is described on a 2001 QD Form (those Examiner's comments are provided below) and is owned by Cliff Kraft. The 1915-S nickel carving partial scan came from Cliff who got it from Bill Fivaz. It sold in August 1996, Lot18 in Auction2, for $375. Verne's 1913-S nickel carving was purchased off eBay and I bought it thinking it was carved by the same artist but perhaps not as I am not an expert on classic carvings. Art's 1913-S nickel carving was also purchased off eBay and he is convinced that it was done by the same artist.  Verne R. Walrafen... January 16, 2006

1914-S Examiner's Comments

Bearded (Irish?) man in curved brim hat... Above Average. This artist also carved Lot18 in Auction2 and Lot22 in Auction6. The subject has been dubbed "The Missing Link" due to its similarity to a Neanderthal Man. Portions of field still show parts of the Indian design. Artist continues his custom to use high grade semi-key coins as his pallet. Slightly raised metal ear. Bill Fivaz... May 15, 2001
Bearded Irish man wearing hat... Above Average (high). Works by this unknown artist are regularly encountered and he should be officially nicknamed in the near future. Characteristics of his works are the big ear, carved hair, simple-line collar; on his Irishman nickels, an upcurved hat brim, and a small nose. The feathers and neck are only lightly dressed on this specimen. Stephen P. Alpert... May 18, 2001.
Bill Fivaz Addendum ~ I suspect that it was the same artist OR someone copying his work. I'd really have to see the two side-by-side to offer a more concrete opinion. Bill Fivaz... January 20, 2006
Steve Alpert Addendum ~ The 1914 and 1915 carvings are by the yet-to-be-nicknamed "Missing Link" artist. The illustrated 1913 carving is apparently by a different artist. Stephen P. Alpert... January 20, 2006