Few chapters in American history are as compelling and heart-wrenching as the one on slavery. Upon researching the below-pictured counterstamp, I was deeply reminded of that. An unknown maverick when acquired from a Dave Bowers box, it was unlisted by Brunk or Rulau. Since this P. SEAVER / Oxford, Mass. stamping was an uncommon surname and supplied a town/state name, I found it to be an irresistible purchase.

As anticipated, this counterstamp proved relatively easy to attribute. The only P. Seaver found in Oxford and lacking a middle initial was Perley Seaver; this, in the Worcester Almanac & Business Advertiser for 1850. He was therein listed as a machinist at Union Mill, home at 6 Arch. Machinists were among the most common trades to have made personal name punches. This was particularly the case if a patent was to be sought. According to the Encyclopedia of Massachusetts, biographical-genealogical (Volume 3), Perley Seaver, eldest son of Jonathan Seaver, was born in Monson, Massachusetts, in 1809, and there obtained a grammar school education (Ancestry records give alternate birth dates as March 4, 1801 or October 4, 1813!). Following schooling, he learned the trade of machinist and practiced that occupation for the remainder of his life.

William Titus Seaver, eldest son of Perley and Julia Maria (Field) Seaver, was born in Worcester, September 5, 1838. He spent his boyhood in Worcester and Oxford. Upon arriving at suitable age, he followed his father's example and learned the machinist trade in Springfield. It's quite likely that Perley's coin, dated to William's birth year, may have been passed along as a keepsake to his eldest son.

Perley invented adjustable calipers, recorded by the Franklin Institute in 1854. He was granted patent # 11,180 for his calipers on June 27, 1854. Pictured below is a pair of his calipers that sold on Etsy for over $2,000!

These calipers helped Perley gauge the measurements of wood products. His interest in precision workmanship is likely why Stephen Barton hired Perley as the superintendent for his North Carolina business venture ....

Unlisted by Brunk or Rulau, Perley's counterstamp is likely unique; this, as no other examples have surfaced in almost two decades now. Perley worked as a machinist, so he had no need for advertising. His precision calipers spoke well of his talent. Many a mason carried a calling-card coin like this. These pocket pieces proved conversation starters for owners to introduce themselves to fellow masons. They also served as badges of sorts, lifelong keepsakes; eventually, to pass along as family heirlooms.

The true value of Perley's coin resides in the genuine history it conveys. When seeking to unlock the mystery inherent in any given counterstamp, a history lesson often unfolds. While the detective work can be frustrating at times, the joy of discovering intriguing backstories, historically inherent to these artifacts, can be most educational. Few coins better illustrate this highly satisfying phenomenon as well as Perley's piece does.

For more information, see:
http://tokencollectors.org/