Born in Lobenstein Germany on April 2, 1820, Henry Miller emigrated to the United States on July 1st 1845. Upon his initial arrival in New York City, Miller immediately located to Philadelphia. Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, Miller took a job as a scale-maker, and pursued this vocation until 1849. Having noticed a deficit of […]
The Apothecary & Soda Tokens of A.B. Taylor

Born January 6th 1824 in the city of Philadelphia, Alfred Bower Taylor began his pharmaceutical career at a very early age. During the early 1860s Taylor was a prolific advertiser, placing ads in local newspapers, as well as issuing a large variety of storecards. During his long and prosperous pharmacy career …
The Umbrella & Parasol Tokens of William Drown

During the 19th century Philadelphia was the umbrella and parasol capital of the United States. Unlike the inexpensive contraptions we take for granted today, during the 19th century the manufacture of these devices required skilled labor capable of crafting intricate components …
The Bailey & Company Jewelry Store Tokens

The Bailey & Co began its existence as the Bailey & Kitchen Jewelry Company in 1830. Founded by Joseph Trowbridge Bailey and Andrew B. Kitchen, the firm was located at 136 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. Joseph Bailey was an accomplished silversmith and jeweler, and along with his partner Andrew Kitchen, the firm was a (more…)
Jacob Rech’s Carriages & Wagons Centennial Token

Born in Germany on May 10, 1828, Jacob Rech began his career as a blacksmith, starting out as an apprentice when he was just a boy. At the age of 15, Rech found his way to the United States, and settled in Philadelphia. (more…)
W.H. Richardson’s Parasol & Umbrella Tokens

William H. Richardson was an umbrella, parasol, and sunshade manufacturer and retailer in Philadelphia during the mid-19th century. During the era, parasols and sunshades were quite popular, and used by ladies to shield themselves (more…)
The Faithful Steward Wreck & Delaware’s Coin Beach

On the stormy night of September 1st 1785 the Faithful Steward, having journeyed 53 days from Londonderry Ireland en route to Philadelphia, ran aground during an intense squall near Delaware’s Indian River Inlet. On board were 249 immigrants, Captain Connolly McCausland (more…)
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