Malcomson Brothers, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, 1838-1854
Posted: 11 Sep 2022 15:39
During the 1820’s , the Malcomson Brothers built a large cotton mill at Portlaw, Co. Waterford, on the Cloddagh River, a tributary of the River Suir. The factory was apparently highly successful until the American Civil War when supplies of cotton became difficult to obtain.
Malcomson Brothers are noteworthy from a numismatic point of view as issuers of cardboard tokens to their employees. These lacquered paper tokens were often called ‘leather money’ due to their appearance. The sound reputation of the Malcomson business meant that these tokens were readily accepted as payment by shopkeepers and tradespeople within the local district.
Denominations observed to date are for 4 Pence, 1 Shilling and a Half Crown, with dates in the range 1838-1854 and varieties in different colours. Here is an octagonal 4 Pence token, undated, with the signature of T.W. Brabazon.
Malcomson Brothers are noteworthy from a numismatic point of view as issuers of cardboard tokens to their employees. These lacquered paper tokens were often called ‘leather money’ due to their appearance. The sound reputation of the Malcomson business meant that these tokens were readily accepted as payment by shopkeepers and tradespeople within the local district.
Denominations observed to date are for 4 Pence, 1 Shilling and a Half Crown, with dates in the range 1838-1854 and varieties in different colours. Here is an octagonal 4 Pence token, undated, with the signature of T.W. Brabazon.