Interesting 50¢ Loutre Lumber Co. Trade Token – Cargile, Arkansas

Description

Interesting 50¢ Loutre Lumber Co. Trade Token – Cargile, Arkansas
Offered for your consideration is a 50¢ trade token, struck for use in an apparently unincorporated, and presumably heavily wooded, area of Arkansas. The obverse (advertising side) features an inscription reading
“LOUTRE
/
LUMBER
/
CO.
/
CARGILE, ARK.”,
within a circle of dots, while the reverse (denominational side) states that the token was
“GOOD FOR
/
50
/
IN
/
MERCHANDISE”
, also within a circle of dots. The name and address of the producer,
“MEYER & WENTHE CHICAGO”
, appears in small letters between “
MERCHANDISE
” and the dots on the reverse (it appears that the “
T
” in the manufacturer has been replaced by a sideways “
2
”, possibly replacing a damaged punch). The token is struck in brass, measures approximately 28 mm in diameter, and weighs approximately 5.69 grams. An interesting and unusual trade token, especially given the reasonably high face value of the piece. A great opportunity to add one of these tokens to your collection.
Cursory research has failed to locate any information on the Loutre Lumber Company, other than that which is posted regarding their tokens. Some sources have listed these tokens as having been from the 1920’s, though this information was unable to be verified by the seller. A cursory search for Cargile also fails to locate much information. It appears that this area exists between several other towns, without a center of its own. Several denominations of these tokens are listed in the online token catalog, indicating that they were apparently produced with a purpose in mind. It is possibly that this company was the only mercantile in the immediate area, and therefore the workers were forced to use these tokens at the company store. Further research may uncover the truth.
The presently offered specimen exhibits signs of light period wear and reasonably good subsequent storage. Toning is noted across the surface, imparting a dull finish to several areas of the token, while other areas maintain a bright finish. Due to the lack of designs on this piece, many of the open areas have visible scratches, though most of these are fairly small. Minor edge scrapes are noted for accuracy as these are not readily visible when the piece is displayed. A few stains are noted on each side, readily apparent when the piece is viewed. It appears that most of the condition issues with this piece are related to age/storage and not actual wear. A nice item to add to any token collection, especially since we see so few pieces from Arkansas.
A .99 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA