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Full Version: 1797 My Element is Freedom, Brunswick-Luneburg

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elverno




If you study each of them you'll see that while the first two were probably struck from the same dies the third is distinctly different on the obverse and possibly the reverse. The middle one came with a letter from the Smithsonian Museum from 1963 where they wrote that the piece was a game token from Brunswick-Luneburg and that there was no apparent significance to the 1797 date.

While I could see this being a counting board jeton I cannot imagine where the idea that it was a game token came from. I believe that brass tokens of this sort were produced for games from about the 1840s on but I've never actually seen one of those Victorian era games. There's every reason to believe that these are contemporary with their date as others of similar design were definitely produced around 1800-1803.

Anyone with further knowledge, ideas or images please chime in... smile.gif

constanius
The Brunswick - Lüneburg Line produced many kings including Frederick William III of Prussia who ascended the throne 1797. Perhaps these jetons/counters are for that event? If so, they would be contemporary with the date. The symbolism of the eagle is similar to this medal of Frederick the Great another of the Brunswick - Lüneburg Line. Even REX NATURA is a similar motto.


Fredericus Borussor.Rex (Frederick II King of Prussia) by I.D. Issued for his accession to the throne 1740. Copper 55mm.

The white horse of Westphalia was used in memory of the horse ridden by the Saxon King Widukind (Wittekind) in his war against Charlemagne circa 800. It was used by the Hanoverian monarchs as well as Westphalia part of Prussia. Another reason to suspect this is an accession or coronation token.
constanius
QUOTE(elverno @ May 12 2008, 10:51 PM) *
While I could see this being a counting board jeton I cannot imagine where the idea that it was a game token came from. I believe that brass tokens of this sort were produced for games from about the 1840s on but I've never actually seen one of those Victorian era games. There's every reason to believe that these are contemporary with their date as others of similar design were definitely produced around 1800-1803.

Anyone with further knowledge, ideas or images please chime in... smile.gif


Obv: DIE FREIH EIT IST MEIN ELEMENT. L. Rev: MIT FROHEN MUTH. IETTON. Brass jeton by Lauer 25mm circa 1800's

This jeton is not dated and the legend is different. It is also struck on a thin planchet. So I assume it is from a later date but is it a Brunswick-Luneburg token? Not much help I know.
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