Lot of 25x Vanessa, ON, H. Bartholomew General Merchant Tokens, 25pcs

Lot of 25x Vanessa, ON, H. Bartholomew General Merchant Tokens, 25pcs

Merchant tokens were popular across Canada from the 1890s to the Second World War, when advancements in technology and transportation largely made them obsolete. Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, they were meant to be exchanged for goods and services like a loaf of bread, a pint of milk, or a shave. They could be used as part of a home delivery system, an advance payment system, or a customer loyalty program.

These merchant tokens come from the general merchant shop of Henry Bartholomew, who operated with his son William out of Vanessa, Ontario. The Bartholomews operated a number of businesses in the area, including those dedicated milling and fanning (winnowing; that is, separating grain from chaff). These twenty-five merchant tokens come in denominations from 10 cents to 2 dollars.

Please note, the image is an example of the lot you will receive.