My 1st Token! Fanew Trading Co.

[chasu]

My 1st Token! Fanlew Trading Co.

I found this token in Thomasville, Ga. I googled the Fanlew Trading Co but found nothing of interest. I did find that a railroad ran between Thomasville and Fanlew, FL in the early 20th century Any ideas on material? Should I try to clean it? If so, what should I try? The rubbings show that there is still a lot of detail. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

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[GaRebel1861]

That's a really interesting find. There's a lot of history in the Thomas County Georgia area. Good luck and be safe.

 

[Mackaydon]

If you don't find your answer, I suggest you contact the Jefferson Public Library (850-342-0205) and ask for the Reference Desk. See if they know. If they don't ask for the name, phone and Email address of the Archivist for the county or the country Historian--then let us know.
Don.......

 

[idahotokens]

Clark's FL Trade Tokens book (I only have the first edition - there is a newer one out) lists 5, 10, 25, & 50 (¢) denominations. Interestingly, the 5 has the business name spelled as Fanlou. Unfortunately he gives no history of the business. I'd imagine it was for the "company store" of a lumber company. The material undoubtedly is brass. Be cautious cleaning the token - start out with water and a toothbrush. Depending on what the black stuff is on it, you may have success with an olive oil soak for several weeks. If it is tar or something like that, acetone may help. I have used the household product CLR, but only leaving it on for 30 seconds while toothbrushing it before rinsing it well with water. Don't use a tumbler, scouring powder, or a wire brush! When you get it to where you are satisfied, please consider posting it on tokencatalog.com
John in the Great 208

 

[chasu]

All,
Thanks for the replies. I used the CLR and it helped immensely. The token is starting to flake at the edges so I stopped. As you can see in the pictures, the detail is pretty good. Should I coat it with something to stop the corrosion? Fanlew, Fl is named for John Lewis Phillips and his wife Fannie. He actually built the railroad between Thomasville and Fanlew. I suspect it was to get lumber and turpentine to Savannah since there was a railroad between Thomasville and Savannah. Don, I will go to the library and ask about it. It is only about 60 miles or so from where I live. Maybe if I show them the token it might motivate them to help me. Thanks again for all of you help.
Charlie

 

[Loco-Digger]

Congrats on pulling that cool token. vv Some tokens give me more pleasure to dig than a common silver Merc or Rosie.

 

[cudamark]

I'd rinse it in acetone, then after it dries, I'd coat it with CoinCare or something similar.