Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by W.J.Taylor, London. Issued by Flavelle Bros, Opticians & Jewellers, Sydney, circa 1856. Henry Flavelle joined George Brush in an optician and jeweller's business, Flavelle and Brush, in 1840. Brush left the business in 1850 and Flavelle brought in his brother John. By 1855 the brothers were sufficiently prosperous to extend their premises and open a branch in Brisbane. In 1868 the brothers were joined in partnership by John Roberts and the company became known as Flavelle Roberts and Co. The partners' sons were also involved in the business and the premises were expanded. By 1900 the business was both well known and well respected as manufacturer of jewellery. In 1926 another partner, Robert Sankey, joined the company. The business survived until the Great Depression, finally closing in 1932. Among the last products of their workshops were medals commemorating the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Previous collections: National Gallery of Victoria

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm dia) featuring the name and address of the issuing company Flavelle Bros. & Co. Sydney and Brisbane. The reverse depicts an emu and kangaroo facing on a grassy field. This token has been cleaned and varnished. Flavelle Brothers made two large orders for penny tokens from the private mint of W.J. Taylor in London. Two different obverse and two different reverse dies were employed. This token is characterised by 133 denticles around the rim and no reference to the occupation of the firm (opticians and jewellers, see NU 3714 for the second type). The & between Bros. and Co. is re-entered. The reverse die is characterised by 134 denticles and the tall stalk of grass behind the emu is bent, with its top pointing down (see NU 18419 for the other reverse form)

Obverse Description

At centre between two plain scrolls, ONE / PENNY; around, FLAVELLE BROs. & Co. . SYDNEY & BRISBANE .

Reverse Description

Emu on left facing kangaroo on right; in exergue in tiny letters, W.J.TAYLOR LONDON

Edge Description

Plain

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