Triangular Communion Tokens

Triangles. It is impossible to have fewer sides.

Here are three of the four triangles
that spice up the Scottish series.

     There are few of them in the Scottish series. They are fewer than hearts, but folks do not clamor for them in the same way.
     All told, there are nine triangles. This is three times the number of pentagons (bet you didn't know that right off). Like the hearts, we can reduce the number of triangles by removing varieties from the count: this leaves four different triangles. Each is from a different parish, representing three shires. Hence, there are triangles from Kirkbean in Kirkcudbright, Lamington & Wandel in Lanark, Aberlady in Lothians, and Humbie in Lothians.
     As you can see from the picture, I do not have one from Aberlady.
     They are unusual, but not rare. The Kirkbean triangle seems to be the most frequently encountered, whereas the Humbie piece is more elusive (and desired for its 1699 date). I have seen the L&W piece for sale on several occasions in the past few years, so it is available.
     The Kirkbean pieces (BK648) are all the same: they show a monogram of the parish name KB -- a bold casting sprue mars the field above the letters. There is also a square CT with the same monogram; the square one could have been used at the same time with each shape designated for men or women respectively (or some other distinction like two communion services on consecutive Sundays).

Humbie CT with retrograde 6.

     There are four L&W varieties -- three of these are size varieties (17x16, 19x17, 21x21; cataloged as BK701, KL46-40, KL52-36 respectively) with an L on obverse and a cross on reverse. A fourth variety has a C on the reverse (BK702). Is the C for church? It could be that this latter one is a distinct piece representing a different communion service.
     The Aberlady pieces come in two varieties, differing in the placement of incused letters: K/AB (BK11) or AB/K (KL7). It is actually the orientation of the letters that distinguishes the two pieces, as the K is always nearer the point (and the point is either up or down).
     Finally, the Humbie pieces are also two with one of them showing a retrograde 6 in the date (versus a normal 6). The digits are crudely cut and squeezed at the top. It appears that the engraver started with a neatly spaced 1 but ran out of room by the time he got to the second 9. He seemed to have trouble shaping the curves. It looks like he went over the loop in the 6, perhaps not realizing it was retrograde, as it is boldly cut into the die. And those misshapen 9s are not much better. I wonder what rude tool he was using.
     Perhaps the triangle represented the Trinity: Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.
  

Market Watch

This market watch reviews all ebay sales from March 2 through March 8. As compared to last week's doldrums, this week was buzzing with activity.
     Sixty-five CTs were sold this week with 41 pieces trading hands for under $20, and 23 pieces bringing B money. Only one CT was bid past the $50 mark, edging into BB territory.
     Sunday started off with two large offerings: 16 CTs from cobwrightfortishe and 16 CTs from gordon5260 (also a UK dealer). I have had good dealings with both of these sellers.
     The first grouping was comprised of 14 pieces from the 18th century plus two triangles dated 1699 from Humbie in East Lothian -- neat little tokens. Most of the pieces were primitive with several incused or single-letter molded designs represented. The hammer prices ranged widely from $10 (one bid only) for a corroded CT from Kilmuir (BK604) to $64 for one of the Humbie CTs -- this was the most paid this week. The second grouping of 16 had more variety with more 19th century pieces in the mix.

HK for Humbie Kirk. This piece is
dated 1699. Triangular CTs are
few in the Scottish series: only four
parishes produced CTs of this shape.

     The Humbie pieces (BK521) represented two varieties from the same communion service. Both were two-side pieces: HK on obverse and 1699 on reverse. One of them had a retrograde 6; the other was normal -- Brook mentioned both varieties but only assigned one catalog number (he illustrated the retrograde variety). Burzinski gave each piece a number (BZ3179-80) and made up a BK number for the normal date (BK521A). This latter piece may be rarer (does anyone have an opinion?), as it attracted 10 bids from five bidders. In contrast, the retrograde variety sold cheaply at $29. Condition was also a factor, as the normal piece was nicer.
     Triangles are an odd sort. There are only nine of them (including all varieties) in the Scottish series. The CTs from Humbie are the only ones that are dated. Everyone should have at least one triangle in their collection as the shape is intriguing. I promise to do a posting on these soon.
     Cobwrightfortishe offered another grouping of CTs mid-week. This time a series of mid-nineteenth century cut-rectangles from Aberdeen were placed on the block. The pieces represented a run of KL numbers (from the 1944 catalog): KL44-1 through 11, and KL44-15 through 21. In all, 18 pieces were auctioned with five bidders taking pieces home.
     Top hammers were for pieces that included pictorials: burning bush or church. In particular, one piece -- a pictorial piece from Bon Accord Free Church (KL44-2) -- was bid up to $45 with five bidders casting 12 bids. This one was in excellent condition with some luster. Here is the link: Bon Accord FC CT.
     Bon Accord FC was established in 1845. The name is the motto of Aberdeen and is French for "Good Agreement." Apparently, this phrase was used as a password by Robert the Bruce in the 14th century during the Wars for Scottish Independence -- his army had laid siege to the castle of Aberdeen before destroying it in 1308. The motto is currently part of the city arms.

The Back Story of Communion Tokens

Books and a bit of sugar; who's making the tea?

Once we have secured our tokens in protective flips, checked the listing in the guidebook, noted important characteristics on a card, and pinpointed the church our maps, then what?
     We dive into the history and ride the wave.
     Communion tokens are the real thing: relics that were there. They were in the church. They were held by parishioners. And they were handed to an elder on the big day. But, the tokens themselves are mute. We have to find other voices to make them come alive.
     There are several ways to explore this past. Church histories provide a direct route if you can find them. In addition, there are many books that describe everyday life in Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries. I have also found that the history of Scottish politics is intertwined with the Reformation.
     For the armchair historian with a few tokens spread out on the table, I recommend traveling down these roads. I have been reading several books during this past year that have provided the back story of communion tokens. Certainly, Burns and Brook provide the specifics. But today, I will mention a sampling of books that provide context. I think you will find them compelling.
     Two books focus on the old Kirk. Bygone Church Life in Scotand edited by William Andrews (reprinted from 1899) is a fascinating collection of essays on church discipline to the indictment of witches. Old Church Life in Scotland: Lectures on Kirk-Session and Presbytery Records by Andrew Edgar (reprinted from 1885) also provides several chapters on discipline plus a detailed exploration of the communion service (including the use of CTs).
     A broader focus on daily life in 18th century Scotland will also provide you with the details you crave. For example, Parish Life in Eighteenth Century Scotland by Maisie Steven (1995/2002) is an analysis of the "Old Statistical Account" completed by John Sinclair in 1799 -- this book provides a portrait of the common folk who filled the pews and benches. On the more esoteric side, The Ballad and the Plough by David Kerr Cameron (2008) is a study of Scottish farming culture at the turn of the 18th century -- I am reading a few pages of this one each night, savoring the journey back in time.
     Finally, I include a thick tome aptly titled: The Reformation: A History by Diarmaid MacCulloch (2003). This out-stretched analysis provides more than you need to know, but it helped me appreciate how the Scottish Reformation fit into the unfolding drama sweeping across Europe -- from Zwingli to Calvin to Knox, the Scottish experience rose out of the convulsions in Geneva.
     These books make the CT collecting journey more colorful. And there are many more books out there that I have not mentioned, have not read, or have not discovered. All of them are readily available from the big booksellers -- and the first two are probably on-line for free download. So if you need an information fix, start with one of these. Or, pick your own route; after all, it is your collection -- make it speak to you!
  

Market Watch

This market watch reviews all ebay sales held between February 23 and March 1. There was little action in the marketplace this week with 21 ebay sales accounting for 27 CTs sold (a lot of seven pieces made for the difference).
     Eighteen CTs crossed the block with little fanfare in the C range (under $20), whereas eight more pieces were bid into the B territory. Only one CT brought BB money.
     The highest price paid was for a Canadian cut-rectangle from Earlton in Nova Scotia (NS-214). It was a modern piece, professionally struck, that was used sometime after 1861 during the ministry of Rev. William McMillan. Two bidders vied for this one on the last day of the auction, casting six bids to raise the hammer quickly to $53. The VF valuation in Charlton is $70, so there was still room at the top. Here is the link: Earlton NS CT.
     I have not profiled many Canadian pieces in this blog, but it bears mentioning that this CT series is popular and has direct links to Scottish history. The area around Earlton was part of a land grant made by the Philadelphia Company in 1765. It was hoped that English pioneers would settle there, but the allure was not there. The Scottish settlers were not so daunted and began clearing the land in 1813. Many settlers from Sutherland, Ross, and Caithness arrived a few years later. Earlton was named for the Earl of Dalhousie. It was frontier farming and logging community.
     Also this week, I want to make some comments about BIN offerings on ebay. Many pieces are priced at the top of the retail range. And a few pieces are listed at outrageously inflated prices. New collectors and readers of this blog beware.
     Over the years, I have found that there are many attractive CTs (including quite a few 18th century pieces) that are offered two and three times a year. With such a thin marketplace (that is, few serious CT collectors), many of these common pieces can be had for C and B money. I have profiled a few hoards; consequently, some pieces survive in bulk -- perhaps the entire church inventory.
     We all know that the collector can ill-afford to be inpatient. You do not want to spend big dollars on a CT only to see a similar piece two months later go for half. I recommend that you check the "sold" archives to get a read on the market. Trust the auction prices except when two bidders get the fever.
     Here is a case study. A high-end retail price of $40 was paid this week for a small Fife rectangle from Kemback dated 1765. This can be an attractive CT, but this specimen was shadowy with granular surfaces that were nicked here and there. A much nicer one sold at auction on February 16th for $23 with only three bids. Plus, an exquisite piece was hammered down two week prior for $33 after nine bids. So be patient, and let the pieces come to you. Of course, if you must have it, then we all understand. Also, watch out for fakes -- bid on the primitive CTs after having studied photographs of real ones.

Heart CTs and Luckenbooth Brooches

The heart symbol made itself known in the late Middle ages.
     Some have speculated that the rounded, bilateral curves represented the human body or a fig leaf (maybe ivy too) or seeds of the silphium plant (an herbal contraceptive). The shape also resembled an anatomical heart with its ventricles and vessels imparting the bilateral curves at the top.
     Nonetheless, hearts began to appear more frequently in both religious and romantic art.

Saint Augustine with flaming
heart representing the power
of divine love.  This 17th image
is from Wikimedia.

     The heart had several meanings in the religious sphere; in particular, it was a symbol for the love that God had for mankind. It also reflected the opposite flow: mankind's offering of the self to God.
     But the heart became popular among the romantics. The shape was recognized as a symbol of love for one another. By the 15th century, the heart symbol was commonplace. It was used in secular art, playing cards, and jewelry. A few merchants produced heart-shaped tokens for the marketplace.
     In Scotland, a particular heart-shaped brooch -- known as a luckenbooth brooch -- became popular in the 18th century. The name is from the luckenbooths of Edinburgh where such items were sold. It was a love token, often given as a betrothal or wedding gift. This jewelry was also pinned to an infant's clothing for protection. The luckenbooth brooch was sometimes referred to as a "witch-brooch" to be used to protect children from evil.
     It is no wonder that the Presbyterian elders found heart-shaped communion tokens alarming. Such tokens were associated with the superstitions and occult traditions of the past. The shape was too attractive and reeked of idolatry. The Kirk was strict on such matters, as the churches had been long stripped clean of any object that could be associated with idolatry -- hence, images of saints, angels, and the like were removed.
     Of course, we can never know of the conversations that took place regarding the heart-shaped CTs. But, we can imagine -- and there is much circumstantial evidence to suggest -- that they were not continued because the shape had been profaned by the secular culture.
     CTs were meant for one purpose only -- that is, to be used for admittance to the communion service. The token had to look the part. It had to be staid. It had to be easily handled and passed to the elder standing at the gate. A square, rectangle, or round accomplished this smartly. A CT that resembled those used to profess romantic love was just too fleshy. And the temptation to contemplate a heart-shaped CT in this way was nothing less than profanity.
      For collectors interested in telling this story of rule-governed probity in the early Kirk, a heart CT is an important part of the collection.

Market Watch

This week's market watch is for February 16-22. There were 98 ebay sales this week with a few group lots thrown in. On balance, it was an active week with many nice tokens trading hands -- 103 CTs in all.
     As expected, most CTs sold in the C range with 57 crossing the block for under $20. There were 32 CTs sold in the B range with 9 more hammered down for BB money. Five CTs sold above this mark: two in the A range (over $75) and three in the AA category (over $100).

KB stands for the parish name, but
CL that splits the date is a mystery.
The minister is listed as Robert
Muir who served from 1688-1719.

     Two of the top CTs were American pieces that were discussed a couple of days ago. If we look back at the AA CTs for the last quarter, the top three are American pieces, followed by six Irish CTs, and seven Scottish pieces -- two of them, hearts.
     American tokens aside, the other AA CT sold this week came out of a series of 19 pieces offered by cobwrightfortishe. The CT was a 17th century square, dated 1692, from Kilbride in East Lanark, cataloged as BK571. "Quaint script" lettering (as Brook described it) and a bold date contributed to its desirability as a early piece. Add to this, a pleasant ashen patina with great eye and you get active bidding: 14 bids from four bidders pushed the price up to $106. Here is the link: Kilbride CT dated 1692.
     Early CTs for the 17th century are always in demand, as age is alluring -- we never get to be that old, so the survivorship of these pieces fascinates. These CTs come from turbulent times in Scottish (and Presbyterian) history, so they play an important role in our armchair history-making. There are 97 pieces from the 17th century identified by Burzinski in the Scottish series with half of them dated.

The primitive W on this square from
Strichen adds to its allure as an 17th
 century relic from the Kirk.

     Another 17th century piece sold for A money just as the week was closing. This one was an undated irregular square from Strichen in Aberdeen that sold for $72 with five bidders casting eight bids. It was a single-sided piece with primitive letters: M/WS -- Minister William Scott who served 1627 to 1662. It was cataloged as BK1052. But there was more: another 17th century square from Strichen sold for BB money: BK1053. Note that Aberdeen has the largest number of early pieces cataloged.
     The second A CT was an Irish piece. It was a rectangular token from Gilford, dated 1844, offered by Simmons Gallery. There was not much of a bidding war, as three participants each entered a single bid. The piece was hammered down for $87. A similar CT sold last October for about $130.
     Interestingly, a second monogrammed Inveresk CT dated 1727 (BK536) was offered with little fanfare this week -- this curious token was profiled in late January when cobwrightfortishe sold one for AA money. This time, seven bidders cautiously entered 25 bids, but a last minute bid took it for $55. It is considered a rare piece, but its monogram (or cypher) is what makes it a conversation starter.
     Also of note, three more copper pieces were sold this week -- all from the Aberdeen CT collection that was sold over the last few weeks. An oval from New Byth (BZ5205) traded hands for only $33. Also, a rude rectangular cut of stamped sheet metal (BZ26; BK282) sold for $34 -- several of these have been sold in the past year. Another piece (one that I neglected to mention last week) was from Monquhitter (BZ4944); it sold for $30. Hence, we have seen most of the copper CTs (excluding varieties) from ABD cross the block recently.

American CTs bring Big Money at Auction

Here is one that sold for $300.
This round CT is made from German
Silver and comes from Baxter, PA.

Yesterday, I watched two auctions with trepidation.
     The CTs were listed last week. I watched them all week, as bidding was low and slow. When the final day arrived, I began to worry. One of the pieces, a silvery round piece from Baxter, Pennsylvania (listed as BZ6027 or Bason-190) was stalled at $58 with only hours to go. Was anyone going to bid?
     Last year I purchased a similar piece for $300. I was anxious. Will I get stuck with it 10 years from now? Did folks realize (or care) that is was a rare CT? I started to question if I should jump into the bidding in attempt to inflate the price. Maybe I should buy it to offset the high price I paid for the one I have.
     Really ... I did think this, as if buying another one could make the first one cheaper -- weird economics: taking the average of the two.
     But I really did not want two of them. And I am more focused on my Scottish pieces. So I decided to pass: I turned off my phone and pressed it deep into my pocket. If it sells for $58, well congrats to the new buyer!
     Well I shouldn't have worried. The bidding took off shortly thereafter. Two bidders pushed the price to $200. Then another bidder jumped in. A second bidding war ensued with the new bidder winning the lot for $291. All told, 16 bids from four bidders knocked it down. Here is the link: USA CT from Baxter PA.
     I felt relieved that my piece -- and the price I paid -- was validated. At least for now. I was also impressed by the thin market -- only three serious bidders were in the room. Yet we know that there are several dozen regular CT collectors out there. American CTs, however, are an acquired taste that requires great patience, hundreds of dollars, and an appreciation for simple, often primitive, pieces.
     A second American CT was offered following the Baxter piece. This one was a round from St. Louis (listed as BZ6071 or Bason-65). It was made of lead (I believe) and was darker. It was the kind of token that a specialist would want. And so it was. Only two bidders entered the fray, casting small sums to start. The big bids came in the last two days. One bidder kept on bidding against an early high bid: four times the bids were opposed. The early bid prevailed, and the hammer came down at $357. Here is the link: USA CT from St. Louis.
     The same bidder won both pieces.

A "church token" for less than $2.

     So what is the real value of this second piece? Did we witness an irrational bidding war? Maybe. But the prices for both CTs are close. Both are rare. Both are Burzinski plate specimens. Both are offered infrequently. American CTs typically sell for $250 to $350 in my experience.
     And now the spoiler.
     On November 15th, a BZ6027 (or a look alike) sold for $1.34 on ebay with two bids. This one was listed from Sparta, Illinois (a misattribution). It was listed as a "church token" and was not described as a CT -- hence, it was not discovered. This piece is pictured for comparison: note the similar shape of the P loop, the widely spaced second period. Only $1.34? This has got to be the deal of the year!