Token, market token

This one shilling token was issued by G. Goodhew a trader at Covent Garden market. During the 19th and well into the 20th centuries market traders supplied their goods to retailers in the wholesalers' own baskets and containers. The retailers paid a deposit for each container. When they returned the container they received back the deposit. To prevent dishonest people picking up unused containers lying near the wholesaler's stall, presenting them to the wholesaler and claiming back a deposit they had not paid, wholesalers took the precaution of giving a token as a receipt for the deposit. To claim back the deposit the retailer had to present both the token and the container. The system fell into disuse in the 1960s and by the 1970s had disappeared.

Tokens were made in a variety of metals and denominations ranging from 2 old pence to £5 according to the deposit paid. Traders often cut out small sections like on this one so they could identify their own tokens quickly. Many were like this one made by Ralph Neal of Percival Street. Its successor company, Charles Neal & Son, still makes stamped metal products like medals, dog tags and jewellery.
Covent Garden market was established in 1656 and was for over 200 years London's best known fruit and vegetable market. By the end of the 19th century it was also London's largest flower market. The market moved out of Covent Garden in 1974 to Nine Elms, Battersea and today New Covent Garden market is the UK's largest wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market. Covent Garden market and the surrounding streets are now known for their fashionable boutiques and shops.