Here’s a quick one for a Sunday afternoon – reader Elaine Griffiths has sent me the below image of a token that’s been dug up in a Norton Canes garden.
A curious find dug up in a local garden: But what was the Pelsall March? Image kindly sent in by Elaine Griffiths.
The question is simple: What is it, and what does it commemorate?
It bears the legend ‘Pelsall March 1906’ I think, but that could be 1900 or 1908. It’s a heart-shaped double pierced token, and from the green staining possibly brass or copper.
Anyone got any ideas? A quick Google threw up nothing.
I know there were lots of church and chapel related parades in the period, but I don’t think I’ve seen a token like this before.
Any ideas? Please do shout up: Either comment on this post, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or whisper in my ear on social media.
Cheers to Elaine for a great enquiry!
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First question: is it about a march, or just as date?
Lichfield Mercury 20 March 1908…
“A circular issued by the Cannock Chase and Pelsall Miners Association states that at a joint meeting of the representatives of the Cannock Chase and Pelsall Districts it was decided to issue new medals to the workmen in these districts on Saturday next. All members will receive them who have paid off their entrance fee and are not more than six weeks in arrear with their contributions. Boys, who pay half price will be allowed medals without paying an entrance fee…
The circular is signed by Alderman Benjamin dean and Mr Albert Stanley, M.P. miners’ agents”
regards
David
Speaking as a trained graphic designer, looking at the letterform I am certain that the last digit is an 8, so 1908.
This is a Pelsall Miners Association badge March 1908 is the issue date. Bob has a post on these Elaine on the link below i have found dozens in the past metal detecting. There are probably around 30 different designs i have found the 1908 version too.
https://brownhillsbob.com/2011/08/26/6430/