SOME INFORMATION ABOUT "NEW HOBO NICKEL CARVER" - GARY JACOBS

When I was in my early teens (50 years ago) I recall my grandfather, who was a coin collecter, having a double handful of hobo nickels in his collection. They always facinated me, and I would ask to look at them every chance I had.
Sometime in January of 2003 I got to thinking about the memories of them and did a search on eBay to see if someone might have one on there. Little did I know what was in store for me. After watching what was going on there on eBay for a couple of weeks I decided to try my hand at carving one. It didn't turn out too bad and now a new hobby?? has set in.

I have worked off and on as a silversmith for the past 25 years and have done considerable engraving in the process, so I am familiar with the tools to work metal on a small scale, but this is a real habit forming challange.
I also raise a few Emu's that make me get out and tend them every day, good weather or bad, and It keeps me from sitting around and getting fat and lazy, so I keep them. I have been carving pictures on their eggs for the last 6 years, and have been told that I am good at it, but this carving on a nickel is a whole new challange! Now I have to get good at this too or I won't be able to live with myself.

I am pleasently amazed at how friendly and helpful some of the other carvers have been. This caused me to accept the invitations to join the Original Hobo Nickel Society and be part of an organized group. However, after being involved for three mounths, I have come to realize that it is a club for collectors. We Carvers need a place to gather that gives us some orgaization also. So, as of now, THIS IS THE PLACE. No officers or "pecking order" of any kind, just a place for us Carvers to meet and exchange conversation and market our carvings without having to "give them away" on eBay!
If you are a Carver, you are welcome. There are a couple of simple rules, but that's it---Nothing complicated about it!

This is me sitting at the carving table

I guess I must be pleased with a new piece of work.