I just received a small lot of English coppers I recently bought from a man in London. These three counterstamps were included and are somewhat of a mystery. I'd appreciate any help in identifying them.
The first one reads "H Jonas, Co", but it looks as though there might be something else stamped on either end of the slogan. I can't tell for sure. There's also a small design or logo directly underneath the company name, but I can't tell what it represents. The coin is a 1911 Penny. One thing is sure...the person who stamped it had a heavy hand. The reverse of the coin is nearly destroyed.
The only possibility I found is a late 19th / early 20th century Canadian company called Henri Jonas & Co in Montreal, founded in 1870 and still in business at least as late as 1905. Their address was, at some point, 301 St. Paul Street. Apparently, they manufactured or bottled condiments, spices, potions, medicines and other things of that nature.My first question is would this coin circulate in Canada during this period of time. If not, then I think I have the wrong issuer.
The second one is an 1892 Victoria Penny. The counterstamps are so lightly struck as to make it nearly undecipherable. I see what looks to be a beaded circle, and next to that the letters "EHS" or "ERS"...ERS, I think. Under that is "Doxey" which I assume describes the town in Staffordshire with the same name.
On doing a bit of research, I found three prominent companies that called Doxey home in this time period. A company called Bagnalls (Castle Works), Universal Grinding Wheel, and the sawmills of Henry Venables. None of these seem to fit with the little I can make out stamped on the coin.
The last one is a 1910 Penny, and reads "Aint Worth A Penny". This may just be a slap at the King or perhaps the phrase has another meaning...a political or economic slogan, if you will. I've seen second rate political parties with odder names. The Know Nothings in the mid 19th century US comes to mind. In any case, any help in deciphering these would be appreciated.
Bruce