Scarce Pidcock’s Zoological Exhibition London (Middlesex) copper Conder halfpenny token, undated. Obverse: A nylghau to the right with legend: "* PIDCOCK'S * EXHIBITION", with diesinker's name: "JAMES" in exergue. Reverse: Ostrich to the left with legend: "* EXETER CHANGE STRAND LONDON*", with diesinker's name: "JAMES" in exergue. Plain edge. J. Pidcock was the proprietor of the Exeter 'Change Menagerie and importer of foreign animals. The business later passed to Gilbert Pidcock, and the tickets issued by both men were trade tickets advertising the menagerie and passed for small change in circulation. The nylghau, an animal resembling a horned horse, is found in India. Pidcock's representation of it is rather exaggerated, no doubt in order to attracts more paying visitors. Listed in Dalton & Hamer as “SCARCE”. Ex-Neil Beaton Collection. Nice collectable condition with neat old lacquer, see photograph.

D&H Middlesex No: 445. Diameter 27mm. VF. £95.00

e-mail David at d-stuart@d-stuart.demon.co.uk to order.

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