1876 “The Improved Howe Scales” Advertising Token / Shell Card

Description

1876 Improved Howe Scales Centennial Shell Card Token — Intact Paper Insert • Type: Shell card token (hollow pressed brass with original paper advertising insert) • Date: 1876 (U.S. Centennial year) • Material: Brass shell; original lithographed paper insert • Size: ~38mm (Trade Dollar size) • Front: Eagle design mimicking U.S. Trade Dollar reverse; legend reads “THE IMPROVED HOWE SCALES / E PLURIBUS UNUM / 1876 TRADE DOLLAR” • Back/Insert: Original paper label reads “IMPROVED HOWE SCALES CENTENNIAL / General Agents: Page & Co. New York / Priest, Page & Co. Boston / A.M. Gilbert & Co. Chicago / Made by Brandon M’f’g. Co., Brandon, Vt.” • Condition: Brass shell VF; paper insert present with light age toning/foxing — remarkably intact for age