... I have in safekeeping an old large cent, dated 1838 and in sharp brand-new (other than being brown from age) condition....My grandfather gave it to my dad saying "here's your pay".
Very cool. Depending on true condition, may have even been a fair amount of pay for the work completed, although your dad probably didn't see it as such at the time. ;-)
I'd also be interested to know how Marie felt about this whole new hobby, from the use of the kitchen table to the new hardware in the garden required for all portions of the restoration. I'm single, so I do whatever I want, but many I know are not - and "support" of hobbies from a Significant Other ranges from 'tolerance' and eye-rolling, to some level of participation - especially where the kitchen table is concerned.
