Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by W.J.Taylor, London. Issued by Stewart & Hemmant, Drapers, Brisbane & Rockhampton, circa 1863. William Hemmant and Alexander Stewart established their drapery business in Queen Street, Brisbane, in 1860. The store was burned to the ground in 1864, one of many businesses destroyed by a disastrous fire, although it was subsequently rebuilt. In Hemmant 1876 he moved to London to act as agent for the Brisbane drapery business. In 1862, Stewart and Hemmant opened a business in Rockhampton which was run by James Stewart, Alexander's twin brother. In 1868 James Stewart bought out Hemmant's interest in the business in 1868, and took Edward Seymour Lucas, his chief assistant since 1863, into partnership.

Physical Description

A round bronze token (30 mm diameter). The token features the name address and business of the issuer: Stewart & Hemmant, Criterion Brisbane, Drapers.

Obverse Description

Across centre, CRITERION; curved above, STEWART & HEMMANT; curved below, BRISBANE border of 120 dots.

Reverse Description

Across centre, DRAPERS; curved above WHOLESALE; curved below, RETAIL border of 120 dots.

Edge Description

Plain

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