Pre-Civil War Trade Token: Joseph Brothers of Liverpool, England, San Francisco, California, c. 1850s

This record describes a pre-Civil War trade token issued by Joseph Brothers, jewelers and watchmakers operating at 149 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California, around the 1850s. The token's obverse features the inscription "Joseph Brothers / of Liverpool Eng. / watch makers/ jewelers opticians/ general importers / 149 Montgomery St. / San Francisco, Cal." The reverse reads: "cheapest house/ in California for / good watches /diamonds / jewelry/ silverware cutlery &c." The token is brass, measuring 29mm in diameter. Joseph Brothers were among the few California Gold Rush jewelers who issued tokens or store cards in the 1850s, and this example is considered exceedingly rare. The firm's earlier location was at 175 Clay Street. The description notes that the token's creation postdates this move. The token's existence near assayers and coiners is also noted.

Associated People/Businesses

• JOSEPH BROTHERS

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Jewelry
• San Francisco (Calif.)--History
• Numismatics

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 20, Folder 7