|
Older News & Events ScrapBook . . . Page 14
|
|
|
Leaf through OHNS ScrapBook... 
|
|
|
|
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
28 March 2007
1,000,000,000 Cents with 70 Faces
Shamey Metalcraft
105 Timberlane ~ Ligonier, PA 15658 ~ (724)238-9345
|
|
| .. |
New level reached... 44 Faces!
 
|
|
T
he carving on the left is a design that was commissioned by a friend and done to his specifications. He wanted the number one billion with the word ‘cents’ rendered in small faces, each a different characters per his supplied drawing. Well, this turned into a serious challenge. Once I laid out the design I discovered that I was going to have to carve seventy different people to make the form of the numbers and the seventieth character, the dot after the word cents.
B
efore this project the most faces I had ever carved into one coin was forty and that was both sides, so seventy really became a challenge… So what you see is what I got… A fun cast of characters. My customer supplied me with a wonderful MS66 1938D buffalo nickel to use as a host coin. ~ Bob Shamey
Postscript: On the right is my best multi-face “silhouette” carving to date. I really got to know this bunch of guys. I didn't set out to carve forty-four, that's just the number that came out of the contours of the host image. Forty-three are easy to discern, the twenty-eight faces emerging from the Indian and the fifteen from the buffalo, but there is a sixteenth face hidden in plain sight on the buffalo. These guys were really fun... especially the face of the buffalo.
|
|
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
|
28 March 2007
Joe Paonessa's “Convention Demonstration” Nickel Carvings
I have done demonstrations at seven shows from suburban Chicago to Milwaukee.
|
Three recent “Convention Demonstration” carved nickels.
|
A
s a long time coin collector, I have spent many wonderful Sundays at local coin shows perusing the wares of the various dealers who happen to be on hand. Occasionally I’ve wondered what it’s like to be behind the table selling, talking to other collectors, learning new things and educating others, but I never really pursued the idea… until January of 2005 when I was offered a free table at my club’s show if I did a Hobo Nickel carving demonstration. Well, what would you do? I packed up my equipment, printed some OHNS flyers, drafted my eight year old and headed off to the show. Although I didn’t sell too much at that first show, I was able to teach a large number of collectors about the field of hobo nickels, I learned a bit about hobos from people who knew them, and I was given free tables at two other shows, if I would put on my demonstration. Hmm, I think I’m on to something.
S
ince that first show, I have done demonstrations at seven shows from suburban Chicago to Milwaukee (the cheddar corridor) and have had a great time.
At each show I usually manage to carve a nickel to the point where I need to finish off the field.
| |
“Take a look at Joe Paonessa's work. I am really happy with it.”
••• Mick the Stick •••
|
|
Since that isn’t much to watch, I do that part at home. While carving, I always seem to meet new and unique characters out of the collecting world. Some people will watch for a while and ask if I’m breaking the law by defacing coins, so I explain how hobo nickels are not fraudulent and therefore legal. Others are surprised when I tell them the prices hobo nickels go for, but I still get an occasional sale. Chet Krause said it looked interesting and gave me his business card. One fellow, who seemed to know that my show prices were a little low, bought one of my standard derby type carvings. Would you believe when I got home that night, it was already on Ebay? If I remember right, it sold for about double what he paid. At this last show, a young lady (I’m feeling old) asked if she could take my picture. It turns out she was covering the coin show for the local newspaper and needed something more than a picture of someone looking at a coin. “When I heard the hammering and saw you hunched over a bowling ball, I just had to check it out,” she said. Although she took a bunch of pictures, mine didn’t make it into the paper. So much for my fifteen minutes of fame.
I
think my favorite visitor to my bench was at a show in Milwaukee last fall. A mother and her seven year old daughter were walking by and I guessed they were killing time while daddy was buying a slabbed Morgan somewhere, when the little girl said, “Look, mom, hobo nickels!” It turned out that the girl was the collector and had just read the article in Coinage about hobo nickels. We talked for a few minutes about her search for a 1937 three-legged buffalo and I tried to set her up with my son, but her mom doesn’t let her date yet. Since I was also selling ancient Roman coins, I gave her a nice bronze coin of Constantine and told her to watch for me at the next coin show where I might have an extra hobo for her. All in all, doing nickel carvings at coin shows has been great fun and to all the other carvers out there, give it a try, I think you’ll like it. ~ Joe Paonessa
|
|
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
27 March 2007
A Couple O' Bo's On a Mission
−by Carollee “CeeBo” Allen
Show me the coins and Do Not spin me a yarn!
“CeeBo” at the 2007 Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo
“I did score some great hoboes on the bourse floor!”
|
|
|
|
|
We modern day Hoboes hitched a ride to our intended destination near Mission San Juan Capistrano. [We actually saw the Swallows returning!] The “bulls” we had to avoid were not as malevolent as “Shack” from “Emperor of the North.” We just had to watch our speed, wear our seatbelts and not bring fruit or vegetation into California.
Our “Dicer” was a 17 foot moving truck. We left Anacortes, Washington heading for the wilds of the California, specifically the Long Beach Coin Show. We drove through the night and day, trading off at each gas up on this 1500 mile cross-country venture. Once our obligatory duties were completed, we headed straight for the jungle for rest and rejuvenation.
With all due respect to “Cookie's” specialty... instead of Mulligan Stew around the campfire, we supped on Rosemary Chicken and carved Roast Beef accompanied by an array of fresh exotic fruits. Those folks at Heritage Auctions sure know how to welcome a couple o' weary coin Bo's. A few lots were won at this auction and they served to whet our numismatic appetite for the treasures to be unearthed on the Bourse.
The next day our early Bourse excursions proved most successful. I scored an original Hobo by Bo; it was the Leprechaun and an early modern carving by Steve Campbell, signed and numbered #3. As delightful as this successful hunting proved to be, the most satisfying memory will be the look on a notorious dealer's face when I showed him these prizes and his realization that I had 'snagged' them before he hit the floor. All due thanks and gratitude go to my partner Bo, Zepp with his well-honed “hunter-gatherer” skills on the bourse.
We were very pleased with our “booty.” Those originals and quality carvings are more scarce and tend to be traded within their own “secret” circle of specific dealers. Beware, one or two of these guys are modern day Yeggs!!! I do have one “stick in my craw” comment, it bugs me when a dealer tells me--- “I just sold one.” [or “I have a whole collection, but it's not for sale right now.”] Just tell me what you have NOW and is it for sale? Show me the coins and Do Not spin me a yarn!
It was a truly enjoyable trek and satisfactory Safari. We flew home from the Long Beach airport, a vintage, don't miss terminal of the same era as the 'newly' acquired nickels in my Bindle. Happy Rails to all!!! ••••• CeeBo, LM#35 •••••
|
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
25 March 2007
“Kid Blink”
1899 Newsboys Strike Leader
| “Rubber Ducky”
A.K.A. “Bathtime”
| “Black Sabbath”
A.K.A. “Ozzy Osbourne”
| “Ceilteach Gaiscíoch”
A.K.A. “Tiógar”
|
|
I have never been one for blowing my own trumpet. Although I've been engraving for 20+ years over here in the UK, nickel carving is a new canvas for me. I came across them on “The Engravers Cafe” forum and thought I'd give one a try... I'm hooked! I was warned that nickel carving is addictive, but it's too late for me. I don't think therapy will help either.
Hopefully I can carry on improving my skills, and maybe add a UK angle, although I'd like to produce some nickels with more traditional subjects. ~ Degs
Postscript: Ooooooh I hate being photographed, think I should have a shave? SCARY!!!!! I could have looked a bit happier, I was smiling, but with all the fur round my mouth, hard to tell. I thought I should include the microscope, as I'm permanently glued to it. Called in on my friend, guess what, he had a spare scanner waiting for me. Below you can see my first four carved nickels using a scanner.
Degs
|
|
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
Carving Chips.....
•
A Smorgasbord of Internet Language Resources
•
|
American Heritage® Dictionary
|
Language Translator
|
Aussie &
Global Slang
|
English Slang &
Colloquialisms
|
Multiple Dictionary
Searchs
|
|
Native American Languages
|
Online Dictionaries
Norwegian, etc.
|
Babel Fish Translations
|
Irish-English
|
Gaelic-English
|
Dictionaries & Translators
|
|
|
|
|
21 March 2007
|
1. All engraving entries must be on a US penny or similar copper colored coin from your country that does not exceed 2cm. Only international entrants that can not get a US penny may enter an alternate coin.
2. All engravers may only enter 1 penny.
3. No Café baristas, bus people or wait staff may enter the contest.
4. Entries must be submitted by: 12pm (Noon) Eastern Standard Time (East Coast US) Friday, April 13, 2007.
5. Photography can make or break an engraving:
a. It is the responsibility of the entrant to submit clear photographs of the penny to the Café.
b. No photos will be re-touched or edited by the café with the exception of adding the engraver’s name to the photo. Please add your name to your photo if you’re able to.
c. No photos can be accepted past the deadline entry date which will be posted in the Café – Noon on April 13, 2007.
6. The penny contest will have the following categories: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Professional. Each engraver should use his best judgment as to which category best suits him. All entrants may enter a maximum of 1 category.
a. Beginner – this would be for people with beginning engraving skills who are just learning the basics.
b. Intermediate – this category would be for non-professionals and hobbyists who have quite a bit of engraving experience, but do not earn a living engraving.
c. Advanced – for people quite proficient in engraving technique, hobbyists, part-time engravers, coin cutters.
d. Professional – for full-time professional engravers and advanced coin cutters.
7. Judging the contest:
a. Penny entries will be posted at the café for a period of 7 days during which time the members may vote on the pennies. Votes will be conducted by a poll. Member’s votes will not be publicly viewable. Voting will start after the entry deadline on April 13th and will end at 12pm (Noon) Eastern Standard Time (East Coast US) on Friday, April 20, 2007.
b. Each member will only be allowed to vote 1 time per category. This is controlled by the forum software.
c. Winners will be notified when polls close by a posting on the café.
d. All winners will receive a certificate for their category.
8. This contest is for the fun of engraving. It is the Café’s hope that it will foster good will and further the skills of the entire community by the high level of mentorship and discussion that has been exhibited.
9. Critique of entries is fine when done in a courteous, friendly way. Best of luck. ~ Tira Mitchell
{
Beginner Thread • • •
Intermediate Thread • • •
Advanced Thread • • •
Professional Thread }
|
|
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
Carving Chips.....
•
Michael Parsons' “Working Railroader” Railroad Spike Knives Arrive in the Kansa Territories
•
 
“Knives Digest 1: the Knife Book for the 21st Century” −by
Ken & Bruce Voyles Warner • Chattanooga, TN • Two Knife Guys Publishing
• 2000 • Soft Cover
|
|
| |
Heat-resistant steels are iron-chromium-nickel alloy steels (HE, HF,
HH, HK and HL) and iron-chromium alloy steels (HA, HC and HD).
The first group has greater high-temperature strength and ductility.
|
HH ~ J93503 ~ A297,A447: .2-.5C 2.Mn .04P .04S 2.Si 24.-28.Cr 11.-14.Ni
HC ~ K922605 ~ A297: .5C 1.Mn .04P .04S 2.Si 26.-30.Cr 2.Ni
|
|
When Mike's wonderful knife set arrived on my desk I didn't expect either the engraved top edge on each knife or the top drawer knife sheaths he included with the knives!
The larger knife has “HH” on the head of the railroad spike (which attests to its steel alloy being iron−chromium−nickel) while the two smaller knives have “HC” on them (which attests to their steel alloy being iron−chromium.)
Naturally I had to call him immediately to express my gratitude and how impressed I was with the quality of the leather work. Mike told me that when he was a young man, and couldn't work when it rained, he went to a local blacksmith who was also a harness maker. There he learned how to do leather work the right way! As each generation leaves us more and more of these skills disappear... with fewer and fewer younger folks interested in putting in the hard work to keep these crafts alive. Too often, any day they can't work they are likely to spend watching television and playing video games... such is life!
At least Mike is now assured that his work will not only be admired but preserved and treasured. These knives will become Walrafen family heirlooms to be passed down through our generations. ~ V-Dubya
|
| |
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
Carving Chips.....
•
Elegant Small Treasures from the Workbench of Mike Pezak
•
|
    
    
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
|
20 March 2007
|
First Revenue Run Since 1945! ~ March 17, 2007
 
|
In a year of upping the ante, we hit a stellar milestone when the YV 330 observation car hauled paying customers for the first time since 1945. This was part of the Niles Canyon Railway's Triple Steam Fest celebration.
The 330 was invited to participate as the last car on the passenger train starting the event. As such, we had an early departure time of 7:30AM, and an earlier arrival at the yard to ready the 330 for the maiden run. This afforded the opportunity to take the attached picture shortly before the 330 departed to make history. The pale violet light made for nearly perfect photographic conditions.
The rear deck is certainly looking better with marker lamps lit, the solarium glowing, and the stunning new drumhead. Artwork for the drumhead was developed from a black and white photo of an original YV drumhead. Jack Burgess discovered that the center was actually a photo of "Valley View", a popular sightseeing spot near the exit of Yosemite National Park. He managed to edit an existing color picture taken at the spot, and produce a hand tinted color effect that really provides an authentic look. In the view, El Capitan is to the left, the Merced River flows past a lush green meadow in the foreground, and Bridalveil Falls frame the picture to the right. Just looking at that makes me want to visit Yosemite right now.
We were shoved down the canyon by Robert Dollar #3, Quincy #2 (both 2-6-2T steam locomotives,) and Granite Rock #10 (an 0-6-0T that closely resembles the Quincy.) Both the down and up trips were breathtaking, so much so that it seemed to go by with the click of your fingers. The canyon was swarming with hundreds of photographers, admittedly most were there for the beautifully restored steam power, but our car did rate a photo line at the depot.
Some of the firsts for this trip:
|
|
• 330 behind triple header (possibly first in her life)
• First time visiting Sunol (might have when moved to SF in 1947)
• First revenue run since 1945
| |
Brakeman Joe Mann summed up the picture and the day as follows: “You captured perfectly what I considered one of the highlights of the day. Even though I knew what the consist was going to be, seeing the 330 lit up in the early morning light made me just stop and say 'WOW'. For most of the people riding the train what was up front was the main attraction but we all know the real star was pulling up the markers. For those who haven’t had the chance to ride it, the 330 is a really sweet riding car.”
My reply to Joe was: “The NCRy can truthfully boast we have 'em coming and going!” ~ Wes Swift ~
|
|
|
|
Steam & Excursion > Steam Triple-header on March 17, Niles Canyon
|
ALL STEAM WEEKEND CELEBRATION: Three tank engines will be under steam on Saturday, March 17, to celebrate the return to service of 80-year old Robert Dollar No. 3, a 1927 Alco 2-6-2T that hasn't been under steam in nearly 50 years. Now an oil-burner, No. 3 holds the honor of being the last wood-burning rod engine to be built in America. She will be joined by Quincy RR 2-6-2T No. 2, and a special visitor to the Niles Canyon Ry. for this weekend only, Granite Rock No. 10, a 1942 Porter 0-6-0T, courtesy of CSRM at Sacramento. This one-time event also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Niles Canyon Railway, the operating railway museum established by the members of the Pacific Locomotive Association.
Two trains are planned for 3/17 - a morning passenger departing Niles at 8:30 am, and an afternoon mixed from Niles at 12:30 pm. Each 4-hour session will include runbys and some switching of cars and engines. The morning train may include the first run of Yosemite Valley Railway parlor-observation car No. 330 since its retirement on the YV in 1946.
Tickets are $49 for either the a.m. or p.m. train, or $75 for both. Any Saturday ticket includes a late-afternoon walking tour of Brightside Yard, and an evening photo op. Space is limited. Tickets should be purchased in advance at 925-944-5883. See ncry.org for details.
While Saturday is planned for the railfan, Sunday is more of a family day. The three engines (Woody, Quincy and Rocky) will be used on all Sunday trains with several departures from both Niles and Sunol. Fare is $15, or $7.50 child (3-12) for the approx. 1 hour 15 minute roundtrip.
While this event is not expected to break-even, if there is a profit it will go to additional NCRy restoration projects, of which there are many!
|
Date: January 25, 2007 13:08 ~
Steam Triple-header on March 17, Niles Canyon ~
Author: RenoFunTrain
|
|
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
Carving Chips.....
•
Steam Train Videos From Valhalla Videos
•
|
|
| |
|
Click on any video to go to an order page at RailwayShop.
|
Carving Chips.....
•
Cyberhobo's Book Recommendations
•
|
|
| |
|
Click on any book to go to an order page at Barnes & Noble.
|
Carving Chips.....
•
“Mountain Magic ~ Baby Bear Innocence”
•
|
Volunteer Fire Dept. Raffle
Small pine needle bear sitting raffle for a super good cause!
|
The Woman's Auxiliary is raising funds for our Volunteer Fire Department and our Quick Response Unit. I'm also a Volunteer fire fighter. Check out our Elk Bend Idaho Community website: www.elkbendidaho.com. Baby Bear Innocence's picture and story is in Teddy Bear Scene Magazine out of Great Britain. ~ Rich
{my website} ~
{my e-mail}
The drawing is August 25th, 2007. Tickets are $1.00 for one; six for $5.00; and twelve for $10.00. Folks... it is not the price of the tickets, whether you win or not, but the volunteer firemen who we forget about until a big fire or something such as September 11, 2001 the attack on America by terriost at the World Trade Center. Firemen came from all over the United States to volunteer their service. This is only one small way we can say thank you is to support a volunteer fire department in Idaho who needs help.
Rich has donated this beautiful little bear valued at $2,000. He could use the money to support himself and April but it is important to him to support his volunteer fire department. You can
EMail
Richard Carpenter for information about buying raffle tickets. I plan to buy raffle tickets to support the volunteer firemen. Please join me and buy raffle tickets to say thank you to the volunteer firemen for a worthy job. ~ “MamaJo” LeCount
|
|
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
Carving Chips.....
•
Engraved 1820 Georgius III Crown
•
|
“ John Robinson • Sutton Place Homerton • London ”
|
1820 George III Crown, EF
Obverse fields nicely engraved as follows:
“John Robinson Sutton Place Homerton London”
The date “Oct. 16” is engraved above the date.
|
King George III died on January 29, 1820, at the age of 81
CarolLee “CeeBo” Allen, OHNS LM#35, recently purchased this wonderfully engraved 1820 GEORGIUS III crown via eBay.
What a wonderful acquisition! I was immediately reminded of the George III carved nickel that Bill Jameson created for me.
Then I discovered that CeeBo had paid considerably less for her treasure than I'd paid for mine.
Oh well... I know we both are well satisfied with our individual purchases. ~ V-Dubya
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
|
Jack's Mom and “Milky White”
The only double-sided “Andris Smilga” carving thus far.
Is This a “Hobo Nickel?”
|
|
|
This was recently said in a public forum about yours truly which has brought the age old question; “What really is a Hobo Nickel and what isn't?” back to the table for considered contemplation. The short answer is; “No one person or group can realistically defend taking it upon themselves to define for the genre what is and what isn't a Hobo Nickel!” That terminology will always mean different things to different folks. This will remain true forever despite all altruistic or self-serving attempts to the contrary... plain and simple!
As to the allegation that I will never “get it,” a position that unsurprisingly I can not convince myself to agree with, I offer the two discourses that I published previously so that you can judge for yourself my level of ignorance or simple naivety. This material was not generated “after the fact” to fabricate a defense to this assault.
The first speaks to the evolution of any folk art which should be patently obvious to any thoughtful person. The second gives my personal opinion(s) in response to a Latvian query about this very subject... what a Hobo Nickel is and what the “rules” are for their creation. The thought of rules in this regard still brings a stupid grin to my face. So I am more than pleased to leave the decision of who really “get's it” and who doesn't in the capable hands of our reading public and to the judgment of history. ~ V'Dubya
December 2006 excerpt: Master Folk Artists demonstrate superior levels of craftsmanship and creativity, often introducing new materials and innovations that express both traditional and contemporary imagery and values. In this way, traditional folk art forms evolve as dynamic living traditions. Carved nickels, which we lovingly refer to as “Hobo Nickels”, are evolving rapidly due to the hard work and talent of a wonderfully diverse group of currently active nickel carvers. ~ V'Dubya
September 2005 excerpt: There isn't any ONE set of rules for the creation of carved “hobo” nickels.” The pieces that bring the highest prices are invariably high effort pieces on high-grade/condition Buffalo Nickel host coins. Steve Adams has been known to spend 5-7 full days carving a single nickel and he is arguably the premier nickel carver in the US. He is a die engraver with long years of experience so when he puts time on a carving it isn’t wasted motion but is really productive effort.
Generally Hobo “themes” sell the best… this includes anything related to railroads of course since hobos are strongly associated with the railroad system. Neither hobos nor railroads are exclusively a US subject obviously. Both have existed in Europe, Russia, South America, India, China, Australia and other places… all it takes is a railroad and someone who wants to get a ride without paying.
Themes outside the area of hobos and railroads CAN be quite valuable depending on the level of expertise/art evident in the carving. I have a four piece set of carvings with an Eskimo, a walrus, two walrus, and a scrimshaw sperm whale tooth carving. All Alaskan subjects and distinctly not hobo related… see
Four “Real People” Carvings from Steve Ellsworth. The same artist is going to do a series of Native American portraits from the SouthWestern US… again not hobo related. These pieces likely will sell for just a little bit less than a hobo theme piece would but perhaps not… it all depends on how the pieces strike the collectors. Like all art… these pieces appeal to some folks and not to others. Carvings on coins other than Buffalo Nickels are interesting to some people but that collector group would be much smaller and thus the prices the pieces would sell for would most likely be considerably less.
Even though Andris’ first pieces are not particularly interesting, as far as subjects go, I know he can come up with pieces from his own unique perspective. Like they tell authors… “Write what you know best.” I'd tell him to carve what he knows best. I’ve never seen his artwork but I recall you saying something about awards, medals, and such. He could easily incorporate devices from those designs with distinctly Russian/European hobo/railroad subjects to make some really unique carvings.
The inclusion of exceptionally small semi-precious stones and metal inlays can dramatically increase the appeal of a carved nickel and thus the price it sells for. Lee Griffiths has put just the smallest pin points of gold into the eyes of a couple of his carvings which gives a glitter to the eyes that is dramatic for such a nominal effort and virtually no investment in that small a quantity of gold, see WinoSanta. I recall one piece where he put a bit more gold in the eyes and it really came out superb… see CowardlyLion. For more extensive gold work you can see the glasses he put on me… see V-Dubya and the chains he put on a sleeping hobo… see Workers.
A piece or two of Russian coinage of similar size to a buffalo nickel would be really interesting to see carved. They would likely sell for a bit less than a carved nickel but I’d judge not a whole lot less. Such pieces would not have a broad demand, collector base, but would be worth creating just because it hasn't been done before. We do know of at least one buffalo nickel carved in Russia during the very early 1900's apparently by a US soldier. “On Aug. 16, 1918, 1590 US troops from the 27th Inf. arrived in Vladivostok, followed by 1421 troops from the 31st Inf. On Aug. 21. more arrived from the 8th Inf. Div. later. The 31st Inf. operated in the area just north of Vladivostok and in the small mining town of Suchan. This was the first and only time American troops operated on Russian soil.”
One reason for carved nickels with subjects other than hobos/railroads is that the classic carved nickels (some done by hobos but many not of course) included subjects that simply just appealed to the hobo/carver. Santa, a ball player, a clown, a donkey, an eagle, and etcetera. Thus non-hobo/railroad subjects have a historical provenance that includes them in the genre. Verne Walrafen...Sunday, 9/11/2005, 11:59PM
|
|
| |
|
Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
|
|
Carving Chips.....
•
“Mountain Magic ~ Trying to Think Like | | |
OHNS webpages often have too many graphics/pictures to display swiftly. Be patient while this page loads.
Yahoo Group
