These 1920s bronze tokens were loyalty advertising tools that were given out with pocket change for future purchases. There are many varieties often specific to the region of the promotion. I’ve seen them from many cities across the USA.
They could be redeemed at any dealer carrying the cakes – they often accompanied newspaper ads for the same product.
Find Location: Murphysboro, IL. 7 Miles North of Town. Farm Location.
Palmolive-Peet Company was an American soap and cleaning product manufacturer that was formed in 1926 through the merger of the Palmolive Company and the Peet Brothers Company. It was one of the largest soap and cleaning product manufacturers in the world at the time, producing a wide range of products including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and household cleaning items. The company was known for its innovative advertising campaigns, which helped to build its brand and establish it as a household name. In 1928, Palmolive-Peet was acquired by Colgate-Palmolive Company, which remains one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world today. The Palmolive and Peet brands continue to be used by Colgate-Palmolive for various soap and cleaning products. Here’s the timeline:
- 1806: William Colgate starts a soap and candle business in New York City, which is later named Colgate & Company after his death in 1857, when his son Samuel Colgate takes over.
- 1898: The B.J. Johnson Company, which would later become Palmolive, introduces Palmolive soap. This soap, made from palm and olive oils, quickly becomes the world’s best-selling soap.
- 1917: The B.J. Johnson Company is renamed Palmolive, reflecting the success of their flagship product.
- 1926: Palmolive merges with Peet Brothers, forming the Palmolive-Peet Company.
- 1928: The Palmolive-Peet Company acquires Colgate & Company, leading to the formation of the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company. This merger combines three of the oldest and largest soap and perfumery companies in the U.S.
- 1953: The Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company changes its name to Colgate-Palmolive Company.
Brass Coupon History
During the 1920s and 1930s, the issuance of brass and other metal tokens by American companies was a prevalent marketing strategy. These tokens, often resembling coins, were distributed as a means to encourage customer loyalty, and could be exchanged for goods or services. Companies across various sectors, notably within the cleaning products and food and beverage industries, adopted this approach. The tokens served not only as a marketing tool but also held intrinsic value for customers through discounts and rewards. Collecting these tokens became a popular pastime, as some businesses capitalized on this trend by launching special collecting campaigns or competitions that promised additional rewards or prizes.
As advertising strategies evolved and paper coupons, along with other marketing tactics, became more cost-effective and widespread, the use of metal tokens diminished by the mid-20th century. Despite their decline in circulation, these tokens have retained their nostalgic charm and historical value. Today, they are considered collectibles, often uncovered by metal detecting enthusiasts, and form a significant part of vintage advertising and numismatic collections. Their historical significance is underpinned by their role in the consumer culture of early 20th-century America.
About This Token
Obverse:
GOOD FOR ONE CAKE
PALMOLIVE SOAP FREE
WHEN YOU BUY ONE CAKE
Reverse:
P-1009
TO DEALERS
THIS CHECK WILL BE REDEEMED AT YOUR RETAIL PRICE AND ONLY
WHEN CONDITIONS ON THE REVERSE SIDE HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH
THE PALMOLIVE PEET CO – Chicago
