AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL HOBO NICKEL CARVERS AND COLLECTORS

It has been called to my attention that a big problem has developed, and I hope this is the best way to address it.
I started carving hobo nickels in Jan. 2003 and puting them on eBay, letting it be known that I was a new carver. Right away, I got some emails from some of the other carvers, welcomeing me as a new carver. I felt good about this at the time, but here is the sad note. Not one of them ever said to me, "Gary, you need to know that there are rules and guidelines that have to be followed to such a strict degree that you must never carve a nickel that even slightly resembles one someone else has carved. I SURE WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE SAID THAT TO ME, RIGHT UP FRONT!

I was, in no way, trying to "copy" anyone elese's work. I am not an artist. I can't draw anything and get it to look right. I am a craftsman, and therefore, I must have a pattern to go by. What I thought I was doing was looking at charateristics, like noses, hats, hair, etc. I see now, that I got to close to the original overall look without even realizing I was doing that, and have upset a whole bunch of people.

None of this was intentional, and I applogise to all that I have offended. In the future, THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!

I am truly sorry that this has happened, I just didn't realize that was what I was doing. BUT I DO NOW.
I ask that you all forgive me and give me a chance to continue as a carver, with a good reputation, and I will work hard to make sure it stays that way.

Here is my latest carving. It is signed on the reverse. A higher grade carving with sharp, clean detail, with a good smooth field. I don't think it looks anyone else's---I hope!