Name/TitleTrade Token
About this objectThis is an oval trade token. The token is one of a set made for Mr George Mullins in the early 19th century. They were given to local people and tramps who stripped the bundles of willow, grown for basket-making, by Mr George Mullins. One token was given for a bundle of willow of 27 inches circumference , and they could be spent like money in local shops and public houses. Once a month the head of the firm would go round and collect up the tokens, which were exchanged by him for cash.
This type of token was in use at the workshop in Onehouse as late as the 1930's, though not then redeemable in shops. It was paid in exchange for each bundle made, as before, but exchanged for money by the foreman at the end of each day.
Date MadeEarly 19th century
Medium and MaterialsBrass
Inscription and MarksStamped on one side: G. MULLINS & SON STOWMARKET, NEAL. MAKER 50 PERCIVAL ST.
On the reverse: 143
MeasurementsLength: 30mm
Width: 22mm
Object numberSTMEA:A.5257
Copyright Licence
Attribution - Non-commercial (cc)
