Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by Stokes & Martin, Melbourne. Issued by Milner & Thompson, Canterbury Music Depot, Christchurch, 1881. Milner & Thompson's Music store, the Canterbury Music Depot, was opened in 1874 by Robert Thompson, some time soon afterwards he took John Milner into partnership and they worked together for 21 years. When Milner retired Thompson continued in the business until he passed it to his sons in 1907. The business was bought by Charles Begg and Co. in 1920, and was still a going concern in 1950. Milner & Thompson were the last issuers of tokens in New Zealand. The firm had a number of novel advertising schemes, in addition to the tokens. They installed a 'phantom piano' on the ground floor, which was set up to give the appearance of being played, while it was in fact being operated from a keyboard and set of pedals installed in the basement below. Thompson also ran a Booking Office for plays from the store from 1881, the first production advertised being staged by the Montague-Turner Opera Co. of Sydney.

Physical Description

A round copper token (32 mm diameter). The token features the name and business of the issuer: Milner & Thompson, Canterbury Music Depot & Pianoforte Warehouse, Christchurch around an advertisment for the company holding the sole agency for John Brinsmead pianos. The reverse features a Maori warrior standing on an island in front of a palm tree. He holds a large square shield on the ground with his right hand and a weapon in his left. The shield is quartered with plants in each sector, a kiwi emerges walking left from behind the shield. In the sea behind the prow of a war canoe can be seen to the left of the kiwi and a mountainous island is seen in the background. Around, NEW ZEALAND

Obverse Description

At centre legend in five lines, SOLE AGENTS / FOR / JOHN BRINSMEAD / & SONS / PIANOS around, MILNER & THOMPSON CANTERBURY MUSIC DEPOT & PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSE.

Reverse Description

Maori warrior standing on an island in front of a palm tree. He holds a large square shield on the ground with his right hand and a weapon in his left. The shield is quartered with plants in each sector, a kiwi emerges walking left from behind the shield. In the sea behind the prow of a war canoe can be seen to the left of the kiwi and a mountainous island is seen in the background. Around, NEW ZEALAND

Edge Description

Plain

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