Information on token please

[Calgarychef]

I found this token in Calgary Alberta and wondering if anyone has any local knowledge of this one?

 

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[creskol]

I have been told that type of token is most often associated with a Company Store ... However, I did see this tidbit of information, too!
http://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins?main_coin=16368

 

[Calgarychef]

Wow, that didn't take long. Thanks! I searched the net for the information myself but I guess I didn't search the right spot.

 

[idahotokens]

Actually, Chef, this particular type of token was used as a payout from slot machines used all over the U.S. and probably Canada as well. The number represents a "route" of slot machines owned by a particular operator. The machines were set up to receive nickels (no hole) and pay out tokens (hole) when a winning combination came up. The tokens could then be used to purchase candy, cigars, etc. from the cigar store or pool hall where the machine was placed. Periodically, the route man would come around to service the machine, refill it with tokens, remove the nickels from the money box, and then settle up with the business owner. Every token (with the right number) that the business had received for selling merchandise would go back into the machine. The business knew in advance not to take tokens with the wrong number as the route man would not give very much money for them. I suppose there were "exchanges" in some areas where the route operators exchanged tokens to get them back to the right route operator. Tokens that customers carried out (like the one you found) equaled profit for the operator and the business. The business received a pre-agreed percentage of the take. Unfortunately we probably will never find out who and where the numbers represent.
John in the Great 208

 

[BigWaveDave]

John in the Great 208.....

 

[creskol]

Actually, Chef, this particular type of token was used as a payout from slot machines used all over the U.S. and probably Canada as well. The number represents a "route" of slot machines owned by a particular operator. The machines were set up to receive nickels (no hole) and pay out tokens (hole) when a winning combination came up. The tokens could then be used to purchase candy, cigars, etc. from the cigar store or pool hall where the machine was placed. Periodically, the route man would come around to service the machine, refill it with tokens, remove the nickels from the money box, and then settle up with the business owner. Every token (with the right number) that the business had received for selling merchandise would go back into the machine. The business knew in advance not to take tokens with the wrong number as the route man would not give very much money for them. I suppose there were "exchanges" in some areas where the route operators exchanged tokens to get them back to the right route operator. Tokens that customers carried out (like the one you found) equaled profit for the operator and the business. The business received a pre-agreed percentage of the take. Unfortunately we probably will never find out who and where the numbers represent.
John in the Great 208

I was hoping you would chime in!

 

[Calgarychef]

That's a great discription, and it means a whole lot more to me now that I know the origin.

Thanks for your time putting it together for me

 

[Calgarychef]

A question came to mind, there's a 1913 on the token. Is that a date or a route number?

 

[DCMatt]

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/tokens-tags/293152-jar-full-old-trade-tokens.html