Token, market token

This five shilling token was issued by Sutton & Kirkman, wholesale traders at Spitalfields 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. Many were like this one made by Ralph Neal. Its successor company, Charles Neal & Son, still makes stamped metal products like medals, dog tags and jewellery.

Spitalfields market was established in 1682 and for over 200 years it was London's most important wholesale fruit and vegetable market. The market moved out of Spitalfields in 1991 to Leyton in East London and today New Spitalfields market is the UK's leading wholesale fruit and vegetable market. Spitalfields market itself is now known for its arts, crafts and fashion stalls and shops.