H&CL GOLD CCC

[mgidhagen]

Additional pic 3

/MG

[Marvin Jeffus]

H & CL CCC

Mike, thanks much for your comment, I am also concerned regarding the finish.
I am also curious how and if the clasp was refininshed, the backplate shows no
sign of removal or new finish. I, like you don't know what to think. I am satisfied with the clasp, to me the most important fact is that it is original and rare, the
grade is secondary.

regards,

Marvin

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Mikael,

I doubt that these two obverse pics belong to the same CCC. Focus on length of lower acorn:

[mgidhagen]

Acorns...

Hi Frank,
In my view that is just a result of a poor picture; the other acorns seem to match. But I won't insist... These are the (poor) pics that I had in my archives, in the subfolders "NKSb" and "H&CL" - and the obverse pics are clearly of the same clasp as Marvin's. However, my major concern are the more recent close-ups (although not the ones posted by Marvin), that show a strange gold finish - but the simple explanation is possibly flash/lighting conditions and a "gold-looking bronze finish". I rest my case; what we can agree on is that this is a bronze grade and rare H&CL-made clasp, be that tampered with or not....
Cheers,
Mikael

[Jan Arne S]

Hi Marvin !

Nice Clasp and not so often seen maker of CCC on Forum .

Still hunting for one of these Hymmen like Tom .

Jan Arne

[Jeff V]

After looking at these pictures, I think the clasps are different and it sure looks to me like a gold not a bronze. I do not see the signs of any refinishing. Anyway, nice clasp whatever the grade.

jeff

[Marvin Jeffus]

Dear Mikael,

I doubt that these two obverse pics belong to the same CCC. Focus on length of lower acorn:

Dear Frank,

You are amazing for pointing out the difference in acorn size, I suppose that comes with experience. I am now convinced that the pics Mikael sent are not the same. I still do not understand why the obverse would be refinished and the reverse not. Is it common to see the reverse of these clasps with a poor finish? Again, I wish to thank you for your help and patience, you are a credit to this forum.

with best regards,

Marvin

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Marvin,

It is obvious to me by looking at the reverse of your clasp that this is the original finish. They way it deteriorated speaks an unmistakable language -> original finish. It is harder to determine that from your obverse pics, but if you, holding the clasp, do not see any differences in finish between reverse and obverse, the clasp should be in its original state. It is just hard to say for sure if it is a bronze finish or a golden finish, from the pics, I would say bronze. The condition the finish is in is not bad at all, in fact it is exceptionally good for a Hymmen clasp.

[Tim Curley]

L/53 Ccc

CCCs by this maker are indeed hard to find. About 7 years ago I came across one at the late Great Western Show at the LA County Fairgrounds. The seller had it on his table, marked as GOLD. I took a good look at it and determined it to be BRONZE. In any case, his price was pretty reasonable and I bought it. I had purchased a de-Nazified one of these in England in the late 70s so I was happy to find one that was untouched.

Sometimes the Bronze finish ages where it takes on a Golden hue. Obviously you don't want to pay the higher price for a Gold example if the CCC is really Bronze.

[Marvin Jeffus]

Dear Frank,

Thanks again for your help and all others with their comments. I shall consider this clasp to be bronze grade. This thread has really taught some interesting points.

with best regards,

Marvin

[Ludwig]

-

Nice CCC by the rarest of the makers.