• The Tokens of William H. Richardson - Umbrellas, Parasols, & Sunshades

        William H. Richardson was an umbrella, parasol, and sunshade manufacturer and retailer in Philadelphia during the middle 19th century.

        During this era, parasols and sunshades were quite popular, and used by ladies to shield themselves from the rays of the sun. Though unsuitable for use in rain due to the materials used for their construction, their counterparts, umbrellas, like today, were used to shield pedestrians from inclement weather.



        James McNeill Whistler - En Plein Soleil


        At the time, Philadelphia was a city known for its umbrella manufacturers. Of the several factories and merchants who fashioned and sold them, Richardson was well known throughout the Eastern United States for fabricating quality products.



        Below please find several William H. Richardson tokens. During the decade which these tokens were struck, Richardson moved his establishment several times, as evidenced by the addresses struck on his storecards.

        The first token, Miller Pa-419, dates to circa 1853. It is a token which I acquired this evening. Struck in copper, I estimate it to be choice uncirculated in grade.



        * Photographed using axial lighting.


        The second token, Miller Pa-421A, dates to circa 1858. It is a token which I acquired several weeks back. Struck in brass, it is NGC slabbed AU-55.




        * Photographed using incandescent lighting.


        The third token, Miller Pa-422, dates to 1859. It is a token which I acquired about a month ago. Also struck in brass, I estimate its grade to be choice uncirculated.



        * Photographed using axial lighting.


        Thanks,


        Cheetah