Rare John Baster's Devizes (Wiltshire) copper Conder halfpenny token dated 1796. Obverse: A standing stag with legend: "I. BASTER. DEVIZES WILTS 1796". Reverse: Arms of the town of Devizes, consisting of a triple-towered castle with standards flying, enclosed in shield with legend: "THE ARMS OF THE TOWN OF DEVIZES". Plain edge. Listed in Dalton & Hamer as: "R - RARE". Issued by John Baster. It was originally thought that John Baster was a freeholder and brewer in Devizes, and the stag probably referred to his brewery, perhaps "The Stag", or "White Hart Brewery". However, it has been suggested that John Baster was engaged in manufacturing breeches and gloves, and the stag may refer to the deer hide used in their manufacture. Ex-Neil Beaton Collection. Good collectable condition for type, see photograph. D&H Wiltshire No: 2c. Diameter 28mm. VF-. £40.00 e-mail David at d-stuart@d-stuart.demon.co.uk to order. www.abccoinsandtokens.com |