Encrusted disk becomes sweet token

[PlzBSeated]

I found this last week ( I know, supposed to be today's finds). It was very dark and very crusty. Thought it might be a two cent piece due to size, but seemed thin. Tried to use electrolysis to clean it, but I had let my electrolysis set up get so corroded, it would no longer deliver a current . So finally got to the hardware store to pick up some new wires and clips, and spent a couple hours giving the disk some serious electrocuting and toothpicking. Turns out to be a token of quite nice design. So I wanted to share it.

Love finding historical stuff like this.

Trying to find some info on it...the back was more telling, though more lightly struck. It says "The J.M. Brunswick & Balke Co." around the rim. In the center is "Check" in a large fancy style. The Brunswick and Balke Company produced Billiards Tables and was a forerunner to the current Brunswick Company known for sporting equipment (think bowling). Given that Brunswick bought Balke and later Collender, I believe that would put the production date of this token somewhere between 1874 and 1884. I could not find any information on Durkee & Whitney, listed on the front of the token. I'm guessing maybe Durkee and Whitney were distributors of Brunswick & Balke Billiards Tables. Thoughts?

Today's (last week's) finds...

Token, good for five cents, Brunswick & Balke Co.

PBS

 

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[Red-Coat]

Good Token. I think Durkee & Whitney will be these guys:

There are entries for them in the Michigan State Gazetteer and Business Directory as proprietors of the Lawrence House in Plainwell, MI between 1881-1883. It was a hotel. This one:

 

[PlzBSeated]

Thanks Red-Coat! You always manage to deliver the goods!

PBS

 

[Kona Koma]

View attachment 2115397View attachment 2115398

I found this last week ( I know, supposed to be today's finds). It was very dark and very crusty. Thought it might be a two cent piece due to size, but seemed thin. Tried to use electrolysis to clean it, but I had let my electrolysis set up get so corroded, it would no longer deliver a current . So finally got to the hardware store to pick up some new wires and clips, and spent a couple hours giving the disk some serious electrocuting and toothpicking. Turns out to be a token of quite nice design. So I wanted to share it.

Love finding historical stuff like this.

Trying to find some info on it...the back was more telling, though more lightly struck. It says "The J.M. Brunswick & Balke Co." around the rim. In the center is "Check" in a large fancy style. The Brunswick and Balke Company produced Billiards Tables and was a forerunner to the current Brunswick Company known for sporting equipment (think bowling). Given that Brunswick bought Balke and later Collender, I believe that would put the production date of this token somewhere between 1874 and 1884. I could not find any information on Durkee & Whitney, listed on the front of the token. I'm guessing maybe Durkee and Whitney were distributors of Brunswick & Balke Billiards Tables. Thoughts?

Today's (last week's) finds...

Token, good for five cents, Brunswick & Balke Co.

PBS

Nice find.

 

[Digger RJ]

View attachment 2115397View attachment 2115398

I found this last week ( I know, supposed to be today's finds). It was very dark and very crusty. Thought it might be a two cent piece due to size, but seemed thin. Tried to use electrolysis to clean it, but I had let my electrolysis set up get so corroded, it would no longer deliver a current . So finally got to the hardware store to pick up some new wires and clips, and spent a couple hours giving the disk some serious electrocuting and toothpicking. Turns out to be a token of quite nice design. So I wanted to share it.

Love finding historical stuff like this.

Trying to find some info on it...the back was more telling, though more lightly struck. It says "The J.M. Brunswick & Balke Co." around the rim. In the center is "Check" in a large fancy style. The Brunswick and Balke Company produced Billiards Tables and was a forerunner to the current Brunswick Company known for sporting equipment (think bowling). Given that Brunswick bought Balke and later Collender, I believe that would put the production date of this token somewhere between 1874 and 1884. I could not find any information on Durkee & Whitney, listed on the front of the token. I'm guessing maybe Durkee and Whitney were distributors of Brunswick & Balke Billiards Tables. Thoughts?

Today's (last week's) finds...

Token, good for five cents, Brunswick & Balke Co.

PBS

Very Cool!!! Congrats!!!

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

What a cool Token - congrats !

 

[oldmxrat]

That's a super nice token, congrats!

 

[Silvermonkey]

That is a pretty great old token. Nice job with the restoration!