Description:Copper farthing trade token issued by Joshua Rushbrooke, miller, tea dealer and grocer of Stafford Street, Willenhall. Rushbrooke took over John Austin's business who had also issued his own farthings.
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.
Obverse: 'LET WILLENHALL FLOURISH. 1844'. Padlock, bolt and bracket, curry comb.
Reverse: 'RUSHBROOKE'S FAMILY TEA AND GROCERY ESTABLISHMENT'.