The Golden Lock in Temple Bar Without, Westminster

A farthing token issued in the name of the Golden Lock, Temple Bar Without, Westminster

The above copper farthing measures 15.9 mm and weighs 0.96 grams. It was issued in the name of a tradesman operating from premises marked by the sign of the Golden Lock in the district of Temple Bar Without, Westminster.

Obverse: (star) AT.THE.GOVLDEN.LOCK , around twisted wire inner circle, within the depiction of a door lock escutcheon.

Reverse: (star) WTHHOVT.TEMPEL.BARR: , around twisted wire inner circle, a triad comprising I | .M. | .E , within.

The Strand & Temple Bar Without, Westminster

The exact location of the business which issued this token is not know but presumably it lay off The Strand.  The token’s issuer (i.e. Mr. I. or J. M and Mrs. E.M.) have not been identified. It is likely that their business was that of an ironmonger, locksmith or smith as such tradesmen often operated under the sign of the lock.