Posted 10 years ago
RossHathaway
(1 item)
This is not a coin or button. The back is flat, and it is about the size of a nickel (5 cents US). So far, I've determined that the coat of arms is from the city of Chambrey, Savoie, France, but I don't know what the gear-like portion at the bottom represents, nor the significance of the date, 1874.
Any ideas?
As you can see, there is not much to the back. That's why I didn't include a photo of it originally.
Interesting, but doubt that old.
I was surfing around trying to figure this out, and although I have no idea if there is a really a connection, I learned that the French Alpine Club, of which Chambery was a charter member, was started in 1874. No idea how the gear thingy would work into that.
My guess is that it is a more modern "thingy" but have no idea what it's purpose is if not a button. Of course we are not shown the opposite side as "drive by posters" like to do. Makes one wonder if they have digital cameras that they have to pay by the pixel? Chrisnp, you did a good job of research but think this is not a serious poste & going to permanently delete it.
I found another on a French numismatic site:
http://www.numismatique.com/topic/7915-identification-pièce-de-1874/
Unfortunately not much extra information was discovered by the owner either.
They describe it as "une pièce à 1 face imprimée" - a coin stamped on one side only
Note the same year 1874.
The coat of arms is the same cross as the Duke of Savoy. The two greyhounds symbolise 'fidelity' and the motto 'Custodibus Istis' refer to the Dukes of Savoy: the protectors of the Duchy. Chambéry was once the capital of Savoy and that's the reason for the gold star in the top left canton of the shield.
When I first saw the token I thought that it must be made out of silver because of the shine on it. But could it be made out of aluminium?
s
I speculate that it is probably part of an engineering or architect group...as those cogs usually elude to a clocks inner workings....the brain...you get it.
What could it be used for? Membership? Golf ball marker when putting?
The date is probably when the town or society was founded.
Thank you all for your input. I'm not sure what a "drive by poster" is, but it doesn't sound good, and I will try to avoid it. That link to the french numismatic site was fantastic. Exact duplicate of my object, but seemed like a different metal. My piece if very thin, and I've considered that it might be an insert in a button. I have more information about where I found it if anyone is interested. Also, can I post a picture of the reverse?
Keep us updated on what the French say!