Rein in the Unicorn!
Catbert
Posts: 7,370 ✭✭✭✭✭
Finally, my new Conder token has arrived and it's a stunner (to me at least). This 1794 uncirculated token is from the county of Middlesex, England and is known as a Shackelton 477a. The "a" is to designate a variety - a rim inscription for "payable in dublin or london". This edge variety is considered Rare with less than 75 made. This general trade token was worth a half penny and was used to make change (remember the crown refused to make money for the common man during this time).
Francis Shackleton was a London based candle maker and was favored by the then Duke of York. The reverse of the token depicts a wooden frame used to make candle molds. Once a wick was pulled through the tube and fastened, warm tallow (the harder fat of sheep, cattle, etc., separated by melting from the fibrous and membranous matter naturally mixed with it - dictionary.com) was poured in and left to cool. Once hard, the candles were drawn out of the mold.
I bought this because of the seller's pictures caught my eye. I like the aflame look around the obverse royal coat of arms. In hand, it is very beautiful with glittering luster. Here are the seller's pictures (too dark) and my own (a little too bright):
If you have interest in the royal coat of arms (and I bet many here already are informed), here is a Wikipedia link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_c...United_Kingdom
Note the unicorn on the right. According to the link, a free roaming unicorn was considered to be dangerous and hence the chain is depicted to rein in such a wild beast!
What do y'all think of this old piece of copper?
Francis Shackleton was a London based candle maker and was favored by the then Duke of York. The reverse of the token depicts a wooden frame used to make candle molds. Once a wick was pulled through the tube and fastened, warm tallow (the harder fat of sheep, cattle, etc., separated by melting from the fibrous and membranous matter naturally mixed with it - dictionary.com) was poured in and left to cool. Once hard, the candles were drawn out of the mold.
I bought this because of the seller's pictures caught my eye. I like the aflame look around the obverse royal coat of arms. In hand, it is very beautiful with glittering luster. Here are the seller's pictures (too dark) and my own (a little too bright):
If you have interest in the royal coat of arms (and I bet many here already are informed), here is a Wikipedia link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_c...United_Kingdom
Note the unicorn on the right. According to the link, a free roaming unicorn was considered to be dangerous and hence the chain is depicted to rein in such a wild beast!
What do y'all think of this old piece of copper?
Seated Half Society member #38
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
0
Comments
Collecting:
Conder tokens
19th & 20th Century coins from Great Britain and the Realm
<< <i>According to the link, a free roaming unicorn was considered to be dangerous and hence the chain is depicted to rein in such a wild beast! >>
I thought it was intended to keep Scotland in line.
I grabbed the photos and cropped and re-sized a little. I hope this is ok and not being intrusive
1-Dammit Boy Oct 14,2003
International Coins
"A work in progress"
Wayne
eBay registered name:
Hard_ Search (buyer/bidder, a small time seller)
e-mail: wayne.whatley@gmail.com