Description:A copper token issued by Thomas and Frederick Lewis, tea dealers and coffee merchants of Church Street, Bilston.
During the 19th century it was common for publicans, licencees and shopkeepers to issue their own tokens or 'checks'. Most of the checks issued in Staffordshire were made by Birmingham and Black Country diesinkers and stamping workshops. They could be spent on goods sold at the named shop, and they also served as advertisements for the business.
Token, T. &. F. Lewis, Bilston.
Obverse: 'T. & F. LEWIS. TEA DEALERS. CHURCH ST. BILSTON'. Tea chest with inscription 'TEA CHEST'.
Reverse: 'T. & F. LEWIS. COFFEE MERCHANTS. CHURCH ST. BILSTON'. Hand coffee grinder.