19th. Token for 1 Pint of Beer - J. Best, Brewer - Chatham, Kent, England

Country: Brewery of Chatham, Kent, England - 19th Century.
Type: Consumption Token, Private issue, James Best.
Year: ca.1838.
Mint: -
Value: 1 Pint of Beer
Grade: VF (Damaged, stuck under a barrel)
Composition: Brass
Weight: 7.5 g.
Diameter: 27 mm 
Thickness: 1 mm
Shape: Round
Orientation: Medal alignment ↑↑
References: D&W# 336/9

Obverse:
A barrel surrounded by legend, a rosette below. 

Lettering: CHATHAM BREWERY ❁

Reverse:
A name under a two laurel branches, legend around. 

Lettering: 
A PINT OF BEER 
J. BEST  

Edge:
Smooth.

Comments:
In the 1838 Chatham directory Col. James Best, New road, was one of the county magistrates for the north division of Aylesford and the late owner believed the check recognised a drayman’s free beer ration; the Holmwood Benefit Society, instituted 13 May 1839, met at the Norfolk Arms Hotel and by the mid-1850s boasted over 200 members. 

Riferimento : D&W# 336/9

Fonte : https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces2...

Collezione : English, Scottish & Irish, Conder Tokens, Commonwealth & Colonial Tokens