Numismatic Survey of Alleghany County, second issue, Brewing Companies-Brewery Tokens

37 Pages·4.5 MB·English

by  Gerald S. Porter and James S. Kriss

NUMISMATIC SURVEY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
second issue
BREWING COMPANIES-BREWERY TOKENS
preceded by the proposed
Table of Contents
and
Survey Introduction
published by the
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1992
Cataloger-Brewery Tokens Compiler-Brewery Tokens
Gerald S. Porter James S. Kriss
1958 Pittview Ave. 209 Edward Ave.
Pittsbureh, Pa., 15212 Pittsburgh, Pa., 15216
412/321-2122 3 412/343-4775
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA NUMISMATIC SOCIETY - NUMISMATIC SURVEY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ne Introduction
A. Dedication
B. Introduction
C. Development
D. Direction
II. Survey Item Contents by Code.
BC. Brewing Companies-by location
Br. Tokens----------------------------------------------------- 1992
Bo. other
Chi Charge Account Identification-by Issuer
Co. Company Stores-by Company
ge Financial
Fa. Associations
Fb. Banks other than National
Fm. Miscellaneous-financial organizations
Fn. National Banks
. Numismatic
Na. Associations
Nc. Collections
Nd. Dealers
Nm. Manufacturers, Lithographers
Np. Personalities
Nx. Miscellaneous-Coin Patterns, etc.
. Organizations
Oa. Associations-General
Ob. Beneficial-Temperance
Of. Fraternal
Oh. Hobby
Oi. Industrial, Trade
On. Nationalistic
Op. Patriotic
Ou. Unknown
Pa. Parking-by Area
Re. Religious-by Denomination
. Special Groups
Ec. Elongated Coins
Es. Embossed Shell Items
En. Bneased [tenes 4-~ dpe sinn ie kp ween nena ous en ene 1987
i gate Oho|
. Transportation-by Area
. Western Pennsylvania-closely related to Allegheny County
. Allegheny County-Area Specified
Xc. The County
Xx. Alphabetical-by Issuer
. Pittsburgh
Ya. The City
Yc. Celebrations
Yx. Alphabetic-by Issuer
Yz. Downtown
ix. Allegheny County-by Area
III. Bibliography
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA NUMISMATIC SOCIETY - NUMISMATIC SURVEY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
DEDICATION
This survey is dedicated to the continuation of the spirit of numismatics
in the Western Pennsylvania area. This spirit was exemplified at the initiation
of this survey by the ''Carnegie Museum section of Coins and Medals'' and was per-
sonified at that time by the curator Mr. William Woodside. The above used the
Western Pennsylvania Numismatic Society as a tool to influence for the betterment
of individuals in numismatics. Converging lines of such influence developed in
many other local clubs and were fostered by our local coin dealers. The result
was the development of a body of knowledgeable and in some cases well known num-
ismatists. These individuals were strong in their support of other collectors,
their many fields and levels of interest, intertwined with numismatics.
Interests developed from the study and collecting of numismatic and associated
items have added much to the quality of life in this area.
William V. Hunter, Jr.
INTRODUCTION
Allegheny County is rich in numismatic (exonumic) history. While no U.S.
mints were located within the county, many pieces were privately struck within
its boundaries to commemorate events both at home and elsewhere in the world.
Items were struck elsewhere to commemorate events within the borders of the
county, the stage for many historical occurrences along its three main rivers -
the Allegheny, Monongahela and the Ohio. The site of Braddock's defeat and the
whiskey rebellion, Forts Duquesne and Pitt, parts of the National Road, the
Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the modern city of Pittsburgh, with its Golden Triangle,
are but a few of the points of historical interest recorded or commemorated on
numismatic items. The area was the strength of our countries industrial society
and as such supported the production of ''numismatic'' associated items.
While such well-known personages as Washington, Bouquet. and Carnegie are
easily associated with the county, it is perhaps also significant to know that
John Eckert, a Pittsburgh butcher, Richard and William Jenkinson, tobacconists,
Henry Miller, a book seller and similar small businessmen not only lived in the
county but also issued numismatic items.
These numismatic items are and will be (probably for centuries) found as
objects of curiosity and a starting point for rediscovering some of the life of
past times. It has been deemed worthwhile to capture data currently available
that relates to Allegheny Counties numismatically related items. A wealth of
material available in private collections, the papers which have been presented
to the WPNS, specialized literature which has been published, the availability
of the Carnegie Museum collections and the abundance of (perishable) knowledge
of society members made the Survey seem appropriate.
Glenn A. Mooney
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WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA NUMISMATIC SOCIETY - NUMISMATIC SURVEY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT
The "W.P.N.S. Numismatic Survey of Allegheny County'' was conceived and orig-
inally issued as a computer listing of many tokens and medals issued in,.for, or
related to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It was a ''catalog of Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania numismatic items''’. Listed data was basically of the items housed in
the Carnegie Museum's ''section of coins and medals''. This original issue contained
an alphabetical index by actual inscription on the listed items - a novel idea.
The information was pulled together and expanded by workers in this worthy section
Supported by the Western Pennsylvania Numisnatic Society. Data was maintained on
80 column keypunch cards. Bill Hunter did the programming, card file ordering and
maintainance, and list production on large mainframe computers. The project insti-
gator was Mr. WilliamW . Woodside (Curator-section of coins and medals). Glenn
Mooney, Bill Woodside, Ray Byrne, Ferd.Wise, Ed Oschman collected item information
using special survey forms. Glenn Mooney presented the project to the Western
Pennsylvania Numismatic Society. The society and its members have supported the
survey to the present time.
For many years data was accumulated. Information was presented by members
of W.P.N.S. and a few others. The 80 column card concept quickly became too cum-
bersome. Data was then typed and collected with photos in a format that was ex-
pected to be made print ready; however, the result, because of data collection
techniques, the availability of so much data, the scope and size of the task, etc.
-was that the survey became an ordered but not presentable collection of data.
A giant step was taken in initiating computerized word processing.
Finally a sub-group of the survey, encased items, was adopted by Dick Gaetano
to be made available in printed form. The result is» the first issue section
"Special Groups-Encased Items"’.
The second issue section, "Brewing Companies-Brewery Tokens'' has since been
cataloged by Jerry Porter and added to the survey.
DIRECTION
This ''Numismatic Survey of Allegheny County, Pa."' is to be so titled. It
will make an attempt to track numismatics and related interests thru time-- The
collections (public, private), the organizations (manufacturers, clubs), the
people involved (students, dealers, collectors).
The cataloger is requesting organization histories. Biographies and auto-
biographies of individuals as they refer to "'survey'' interests are actively soli-
cited. Hopefully all individuals - known or little known - will respond who have
participated strongly.
History and trends should be a part of the survey. National and State bank
development should be chronicled. Artistic level and reasoning for item output
trends should be commented on.
The item catalog will be the large part of the catalog. An individual numis-
matically related item is a curiosity that prods investigative persons to delve
into its background. They are often the longest lasting references to persons,
places and things. Such items grouped in catagories will suggest directions and
give much key information concerning place and time for further local studies.
Current items present the opportunity to collect a body of information as it hap-
pens, providing historical starting points for the future. This survey should
have current relevance locally, with special interest groups and with collectors
of such items. Several of the item groups currently have catalogs and a
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WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA NUMSIMATIC SOCIETY-NUMISMATIC SURVEY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
known group of followers (parking tokens, transportation tokens, etc.). We must
also acknowledge the surveys interest to individuals who have had such items
passed to them as keepsakes and to that group of ''knowledgeables'' who can identify
these keepsakes. The survey should provide a starting point for scholars and
students of history, economics, etc.
Items are catagorized in the hope that specific areas will be studied, printed,
and issued. A general "'survey'' introduction and index will accompany each issued
section. An attempt will be made to continue indexing by item descriptions.
Perhaps the ''survey'"’ will provide guidelines, etc. for groups in other areas.
Collection of item data is to continue. An honest effort will be made to keep
information accurate, ordered,and reasonably presentable. Word processing tools
will be a tremendous aid. Handling of photos and other data physically disconnect-
ed from the data catalog will continue to be a problem; however, when the item is
not available, a photo is the best alternative for accurate item description.
A highly coordinated effort, though, is required to carry photos through to a
finished printed output. Any data presented to the cataloger will be respectfully
treated and hopefully properly acknowledged.
Additionally, where photos have not proven satisfactory for reproduction, as
in the case of ''brewery tokens'', rubbings that are line drawn appear to be the best
method to use for reproduction on copying machines.
iv
BREWING COMPANIES - BREWERY TOKENS BC .Br
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Preface
A. Introduction
B. Acknowledgements
C. Cataloging Notes
II. Survey Contents by Issuer
III. Appendix
IV. Index
INTRODUCTION
In the early days of settlement of the Pittsburgh area the brewing of beer and
ale was by far the largest contributor to the local economy. The first commercial
brewery on record was started by George Shiras in 1795 at the "'point''; where the
Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join to form the Ohio. At the time the popula-
tion of this frontier town was less than 1000. As the area grew more breweries
were established to the point that at the turn of the 20th Century there were over
30 operating in Allegheny County and at least 15 more in the surrounding area.
Of these, more than half had tokens produced and distributed to local taverns in
order to advertise their products and in some cases to be used as bottle checks,
i.e., for the return of bottles. The vast majority of these tokens are brass,
round and measure 24-25mm. Some are of Aluminum, one is copper and one listed is
bi-metallic. Also one other example is made of plastic. In addition to round shaped
there are square, scalloped and octagonal examples. Most of the brass ones are
unifaced. Where there is description on the reverse, it pertains to advertising,
bottle return or carries the name of the die sinker,(Pannier Bros.). Most have
the initials of the bar? or bar owner? either stamped, (incuse) or raised on the
token.
Some early brewers to issue tokens were_C. Baeuerlein Brewing Co., established
in 1867; Keystone Brewing Co., 1887; Duquesne Brewing Co., 1899; American Brewing
Co., 1899; First National Brewing Co., 1901; Hazelwood and Liberty Brewing Cos. in
1905 and Fort Pitt Brewing Co., 1906.
On Feb. 3, 1899, 15 local and six regional breweries were consolidated into
the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. trust*, with headquarters in the Carnegie Building,
428-30 Fifth Ave., downtown Pittsburgh. Also, in 1904, the Independent Brewing
Co. _trust* was formed with the acquisition of nine local and four regional brew-
eries. Their headquarters was on the 1/th floor of the Farmers Bank Building in
downtown Pittsburgh.
It was after this time that most of the brewery tokens were issued and the
bulk of them by the Independent Brewing Co. combine. Three breweries that re-
mained independent and had tokens made were Hazelwood, Liberty and Fort Pitt.
Of the two trusts, the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. chose not to recognize individual
breweries within the combine on their tokens; thus, the few types with their
name. The Independent Brewing Co., on the other hand, did recognize individual
names on tokens; thus, the large number of types with many varieties.
Brewery tokens continued in use up to prohibition, January 16, 1920, and
after it ended, April 7, 1933. The Independent Brewing Co. became inoperative
at that time so it appears that the tokens made in their name were made prior to
1920. Post-prohibition survivors were the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. and the Duquesne
Brewing Co., in Pittsburgh, the Fort Pitt Brewing Co. in Sharpsburg.and Tube City
Brewing Co., in McKeesport, Pa. Today, the only survivors are the Pittsburgh
BG. Or. 4
BREWING COMPANTES-BREWERY TOKENS BC.Br.
Brewing Co, in Allegheny County; the Latrobe Brewing Co., in Latrobe, Pa. and the
e Jones Brewing Co. in Smithton, Pa., outside the county.
*see appendices for individual brewery information.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the following persons for their generous contributions
of time and effort to make up this section. Jim Kriss, first, for his computer,
his time and his attributions. Next, Dick Gaetano and Larry Dziubek for serving
on the committee responsible for compilation. Then, for contributions from in-
dividual collections: Herman Aqua, Rich Crosby, Larry Dziubek, Dick Gaetano, Deb
Harding (Carnegie Museum Collection), Jim Hartman, Jim Kriss, Dick Watley and Al
Zaika. Also to the members of the Western Pennsylvania Numismatic Society in
general. Finally to my friend Fran Kasunick for the use of a collection of news-
paper clippings, circa 1901-02, compiled by John P. Ober, Treasurer, Pittsburgh
Brewing Co.
Gerald S., Porter, cataloger
@ CATALOGING NOTES
A. Brewery tokens are considered advertising pieces. The company promotion side
is the obverse. Reverse is depicted only if it constitutes a type. (as noted,
where applicable, PANNIER BROS, PGH PA or PITTS often weakly struck or illegible).
B. Catalog reference numbers begin at 001, alphabetical by location.
C. Description:
1. All evident lettering is capitalized. Lower case used for description.
2. Minor markings not mentioned, (i.e., dot borders, bowties, lines, etc.).
3. Slash mark denotes line change.
4. Identical wording arrangement constitutes a type. (Illustrated).
9. Initial change only constitutes a variety.
6. Illustrations, where available, are line drawn rubbings, (some photocopies
provided).
7. Brewing Companies sports schedule medallions are not addressed in this
catalog.
BG: Br. 2
BREWING COMPANITES-BREWERY TOKENS BC.Br.
AMERICAN BREWING CO.
® Organized in February 1899 at Allegheny & Butler Plank Rds. in Bennett, Pa.,
(Bennett Station, now Millvale, Pa.). Absorbed into the Independent Brewing Co.
trust in 1905.
Bennett, Pa., American Brewing Co.
001 A.B.CO./BENNETT,PA. (all incuse)
Reverse: blank
Brass, 24mm, round
Bennett, Pa., Independent Brewing Co., American Brewery
002 IND./BREW.CO./AMERICAN/J.B.C./5 (all incuse)
Reverse: blank
Brass, 24-25mm, round
003-- a8--lest, initials-3.R.M.
004 as last, initials E.T.W.
005 as last, initials W.W.
@ 006 - IND.BREW.CO./W.F.C./5¢c/AMER.B. (all incuse)
Reverse: blank
Brass, 24-25mm, round
OO} agslast, initials J.L.D.
008: as last, initials: G.T.D.
009 -@elast,. inttials.:- C.F.
010. ae last initials. .J.G:
OFT aie ast, Ari tiers Cin,
O12: -as tast, initiais G.H.K.
013 as last, initials M
014 as last, initials C.McK
Ol>:.-ae. last, initials: FON;
O16 *ae last ciritials WP.
O17" 2: bast,“ iWiikiais *.-8.S.
O18: Ss-laec, initials AK.S:
019 as last, initials M.S.(mo ¢ after 5, this item only)
020: de. 1ast, initials D.A.T:
-~ O2 12 as. bast;; Initials; A.W:
BREWING COMPANIES-BREWERY TOKENS BC.Br.
022 IND. /BREW.CO./J.F.D./5¢c/AMER.B. (all incuse)
Reverse: blank
Brass, 24mm, round
023 as. last, 1nitials. W.P.
024 IND. BREW.CO./J.B.C./5¢/AMER.BREW. (all incuse)
Reverse: blank
Brass, 24mm, round
025 as last, initiate A.T.F:
026 as last, initials M.& M.
027 as last, initials J.B.W.
028 IND.BRG.Co/5/G.H.G./AMERICAN (all incuse)
Reverse: blank
Brass, 24-25mm, round
029 as last, initials F.1. (no fine under 0 in Co)
030 as last, initials E.N. (mo line under o in Co)
031 as last, initials C.A.W. (no line under o in Co)
032 INDEPENDENT BREWING CO./AMERICAN/J.G.
Reverse: BOTTLE/5c¢c/CHECK
Brass, 25mm, round
033 as last, initials’ E.H.
034 as. last. initials. ~ N.L.
035 as-last,. initiais-te.s.
036 as last, initials J.M.V.
037 INDEPENDENT BREWING CO./AMERICAN/BEER/W.J.M.
Reverse: BOTTLE/5¢/CHECK
Brass, 24mm, round
0C.8t . G