Quote:
Originally Posted by HossC
The tokens only appear to be embossed/raised because the image has been flipped (check out the shadows). Here they are the right way up, showing a cutout logo.
I think Tourmaline was right about it being "R" for Ralphs. I also found this color image.
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Appreciate the feedback (including the WWII suggestion of lacing grapefruit with NaCl2).
The "gray" 5 cent refund token was silver in color and made of soft aluminum. I would think that material was probably in short supply during WW2, but maybe not.
(Anecdotal evidence may be that the Ralphs' token is pre WW2 per the Helms token below.) I recall refunds being offered for recycling milk and soda bottles, but unless coinage was in short supply too, that would seem to make the tokens mere novelties. The tokens could also be used as collateral for return of reusable crates, per bottom token. These "trade tokens" probably served not only as advertising, but also an inducement to shop at the issuing store, not unlike discount coupons or being part of a club membership.
This aluminum "Helms" trade token is said to be from the '30s
http://numismaclub.com/imgs/a/g/b/j/...27mm_1_lgw.jpg
http://numismaclub.com/imgs/a/i/p/v/...oken_1_lgw.jpg
http://numismaclub.com/imgs/a/g/a/m/..._gft_1_lgw.jpg
March 1937, Celebrating "Transportation Week."
http://numismaclub.com/imgs/a/h/v/q/...eek__1_lgw.jpg
Verso
http://numismaclub.com/imgs/a/h/v/q/...eek__2_lgw.jpg
"Return our crate"
From the 1900s per source.
http://numismaclub.com/imgs/a/i/e/k/...oken_2_lgw.jpg