Pinches was established in London in 1840. It struck a medal to commemorate the opening for the season of the Crystal Palace in London in 1854, and was a prominent maker of medals for years thereafter. In the early 1960s a New York dealer and entrepreneur tapped the firm to make restrikes and fancy pieces. Pinches was acquired by the Franklin Mint around 1969, although original correspondence from Franklin Mint suggests this may have occurred at a later date.

References:
Pinches, John Harvey (1983). 'The Family of Pinches'
Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection website http://www.harrybassfoundation.org/basscatalogs/BASSSALE1/b1-3-e.htm.
http://mysite.freeserve.com/johnpinches/index.jhtml
Original correspondence from Franklin Mint dated 2 June 1977 refers to itself as 'formerly John Pinches Limited' (picture linked to cached web site http://lakdiva.org/coins/fantasy/1936_crown.html), suggesting a later date for the change.

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