Tokens, not what, but who, where.

[curbdiggercarl57]

Dug these tokens a while ago, curious about them. The octagonal one says "Henry Williams" in the center. None are in the Colorado token book, so I'm assuming that they aren't from here. Found a little info on the Nebraska token, but still curious on the time frame. Thanks for looking,
CurbdiggerCarl

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

How to Research for Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting From Lead Generation to Vetting - Grab it through Amazon!

[DaChief]

Can't help you that much on the first two but on the third I found this.

The Brunwick Token that you have was normally used in Saloons or Bars. I found this in the Leavenworth, KS 1870 Census. This could very well be the source of your token.

Henry WILLIAMS, age 32, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Saloon Keeper with wife Mary age 25

The J.M. Brunswick & Balke Co was in business from about 1874 to 1884 and supplied tokens with their name. This company apparently supplied tokens from 1878. There is a book for sale on line called "The Brunswick Token Story"

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

Thanks, that's pretty close to Colorado, so I'm thinking that you may be correct. Plus, I've found a couple of Neb. tokens before. Thanks again,
Carl

 

[PBK]

Hank Thoele's Guide to Maker's Tokens attributes the Henry Williams BB token to Long Prairie, Minnesota, c. 1882-1909.

Broughton & Medlin's location is apparently unknown, but "Balke & Co. / Chicago" dates the token c. 1877-1894, according to The Brunswick Token Story by Fowler, Magnuson & White.

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

Thanks PBK. Any other info on amount known to exist, or value? Love this site, anything I need to know, someone out there knows!
Carl

 

[PBK]

Thanks PBK. Any other info on amount known to exist, or value? Love this site, anything I need to know, someone out there knows!
Carl

If he doesn't post on these, try a PM to Idahotokens. He's far more knowledgeable about tokens than I am (not that that's saying much! ) and downright uncanny when it comes to mavericks— tokens with no city/state info on them.

Most mavericks aren't too valuable, but the Brunswick, Brunswick & Balke, and Brunswick-Balke-Collender tokens are definitely exceptions. A dealer friend of mine says that lately they've been retailing in the $25-50 range, depending on type, condition, etc.

Who knows? The Henry Williams one might even do better, being attributed. However, that's still not the same as having the location actually stated on the token.