In this Boston Directory 1865 and a newly found 1866 ad below, the advertisement shows an Elaborate Joseph Merriam casting, the Eagle seal Press. Heretofore no examples were known until The Nor Cal Seal search team found one and after much negotiation was able to "fly it home" for exhibit. It should be considered Merriam's Masterpiece Seal Press (compared with the Merriam Toad and Lion Press, and also unknown Omega Press). Merriam and family were die sinkers, talented artists carving metal for dies for seal press use and tokens/store cards and alike. It is well known Merriam cast many commemorative or political medals, civil war tokens and store cards. Well made and visually appealing these historical metal artifacts are among the most desired by serious collectors, and set record prices if and when they come to market. Research continues on this intriguing seal apparently used to exempt taxes by the government aka "Internal Revenue Service" which was established in 1862. Shortly thereafter this Merriam Patriotic Eagle press was advertised prominently in this ad by Merriam in Boston and also New York and of note also in Baltimore, Md. for a short time.
Please see/click the Research
Under the Merriam Eagle heading for an update.
Please see/click the Research
Under the Merriam Eagle heading for an update.
Compare 1905 with later 1980 article, very similar, however there appears to be no citation of this Freys 1905 work in Schenkmans 1980 work. Both articles published by the " Numismatist" aka American Numismatic Asso. The first,one hundred and eight years ago, and the later twenty three years ago.
1881 coin book correctly identifies Merriam Toad Press token,
later researchers ignored or failed to review.
To date no reference (advertisement) to the Salamander Press from Merriam
later researchers ignored or failed to review.
To date no reference (advertisement) to the Salamander Press from Merriam
Merriam Toad (as pictured on alleged salamander token), same pose