Although purists point out that this piece is technically a maverick since the city is not named, there's not much doubt about Bang's location: a few years later, in 1866, the New York Times reported that his restaurant at 231 Broadway had been heavily damaged by fire. There's also a certain amount of quibbling about the name Glaubrecht. Some listings even refer to "Glaubrecht Rhine Wines." However, I think it's far more likely that this is the mark of George J. Glaubrecht, a NYC diesinker who struck other Civil War store cards and patriotic tokens.
"THE GREAT FIRE CORNER OF BROADWAY AND BARCLAY STREET, APRIL 6, 1866.
BURNING OF BANG*S BUILDING.
New York, April 6, 1866.
Messrs. Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway:
Gentlemen — The Herring Patent Safe we bought of you a few years ago has just been dug out from the ruins of the recent extensive fire, corner of Broadway and Barclay street. Our building, No. 231 Broadway, where the fire originated, was entirely burnt out, and we had barely time to escape with our lives. The safe was exposed to intense beat, yet we are happy to inform you that everything it contained — books, papers, and" money — are good as new.
H. J. BANG,
No. 231 Broadway. " - Fighting Fire for Twenty-Six Years
This same building had burned down in 1854 when it was a clothing store killing 25. (10 Firemen)
April 25th, 1854.
