A rare “loyalty card” theater token created to help fund the construction of a famous theater in 1766 is expected to sell for over $6,080—and is still valid today.
The small silver token was one of only fifty produced in 1766 to help fund the building of the new Bristol Theatre—now the Bristol Old Vic.
It entitled the bearer to watch every performance played there. Of the 50 minted, only 20 silver tickets and one gold one are known to exist.
“It’s a very special piece of history,” says auctioneer Jay Goodman-Browne.
“To think that this silver token was instrumental in the creation of one of the most important theaters in the world is remarkable.”
The original owner of the token was Daniel Harson, known to be a dissenting minister from 1758 until his death in 1779.
In 1816, the ticket and relevant share were recorded as being held by one John Palmer, also of Bristol.
In the 19th century, the token changed hands several times, including Theater Lessee’s James Henry Chute in 1861 and Andrew Melville in 1887.
In 1925, the Final Dividend List shows ticket 31 as being owned by A. A. Levy-Langfield, and it stayed in the family until being purchased by the current owner in 2009.
The auction house confirmed with the Heritage department of the Bristol Old Vic whether or not the token is still valid, and Bristol Old Vic was happy to confirm that it would still be honored if presented.
“Only a handful of these have ever come up for auction,” adds Jay. “The fact the Bristol Old Vic will still honor them is wonderful and could potentially make this a very wise investment for any theater lover!”
Token No. 31 carries an estimate of $6,080 to $12,160 and goes under the hammer on November 21 at Bristol-based saleroom Auctioneum.
It can be viewed on the auction house’s website, www.auctioneum.co.uk.
