French Cathouse token Pics added

jfoot13

I got several of these in a deal and some of them have GAD #s on them. Is this a reference book number and if so what is the book? Some of these seem pretty pricey LOL if we have a French Cathouse specialist here maybe I can get some info.

thanks
Ken

ormandh

I sold one years ago for $125. I wish that I could help you more.

spoon

Gad = Gadoury, one of these (probably the jetons book)

jfoot13

Makes me wish I took french back in school

HoledandCreative

Me too, jfoot13. Maybe someone can translate if they are not too xxxxxx?

spoon

Cool stuff! Here's what I can give, might not be 100% so double check...

Monnaie de singe = monkey money, monkey in the sense of ape/imitation - they imitate Republic gold pieces

The 5th pic's address, Boulevard de Clichy, is famous for, eh... those places

One other funny one that stands out - aux belles poules = "for nice chickens"

Most the other words are just place names and addresses.

You might want to try googling some of the names or addresses just for fun. These are all from Paris, I'm pretty sure. Many places of entertainment in that town gained enough attention that you can probably still find info on them.

Also, I'd wager those prices marked on the 2x2s are in French Francs.. roughly 5FF/$.. but that was at least 10 years ago and French coins sold in France fetch more than they do in the US.

jfoot13

Funny stuff
So were these the mirror of our store cards or were they "good for" tokens? and would these also be mid 1800s or much later?
Thanks for all the input

Ken

scotty1419

Translations are correct so far - literally - monnaie de singe means monkey money.

R ste Apolline - Rue Sainte Apolline

Boulevarde de Clichy (still very much in business ).
Cabaret du ciel - Heavenly cabaret~?
jeton de publicite - sort of like a storecard ? literally - publicity token

HoledandCreative

Thanks for the translations. I guess tokens advertising places to go and things to do when monkeying around.

spoon

I'm guessing they're from the 1860s on. Boulevard de Clichy was formed in 1864. The one with the liberty head is curious, though. And the one with the rooster is probably more recent, considering when that was adopted for the 20F gold piece design (though similar roosters appeared on medals and other stuff earlier).

Cabaret du Ciel = Cabaret of Heaven. It was pretty famous and paired with the Cabaret de l'Enfer (Hell) right next door. Some old timey pics of the place here.

Now, what were they for? I dunno. Never really researched this stuff. Might just be store cards. But for what it's worth, I know in Europe nowadays the strip clubs usually make you buy club money (notes, not coins) to give the girls.. which makes sense since 1 & 2 euro coins aren't exactly conducive to how that works

jfoot13

Good read and there is nothing like photos to bring history to life

IloiloKano

<< <i>But for what it's worth, I know in Europe nowadays the strip clubs usually make you buy club money (notes, not coins) to give the girls.. which makes sense since 1 & 2 euro coins aren't exactly conducive to how that works >>

It also ensures the girls don't try ripping off the club (assuming the club gets a cut). They would have to turn in the club bills in order to cash them out for real money.

pruebas

I was recently offered, but declined, a 100F Cathouse Token that was hollow (like 2 shells put together). From the photos, these seem to be the same type of manufacture. Is that correct? Are all/many of these tokens made that way?

Funny, the seller told me it must have been a nice cathouse for that price (100F in the late 1800s)!