Henderson's Govan Omnibus token

[artsmith]

Henderson's Govan Omnibus Inside token from Glasgow, Scotland. 25mm. Lead. Not listed in Breingan or Smith. Probably from the 1850/60's.

[Figleaf]

Came across some fun illustrations here (on page 40), but the history starts only in 1861 and there is no mention of Henderson. Disregarding the sales announcements of this token, I did find several mentions of a James Henderson, architect in the 1920s. A more significant find was "Henderson Travel", which apparently had a fleet and service routes in Lanarkshire and Monklands until 2014, according to Wikipedia. See also this document with 187 mentions of Henderson travel with address 4, Whistleberry Park, Hamilton ML3 0ED, an industrialised area, some hits connected with Monklands Hospital.

The token looks more modern than 1850/60's. The decorations do not look modern, though. The word omnibus does not apply only to horse-drawn multi-passenger vehicles, but also to the first bus lines replacing electric trams, much later. However, INSIDE suggests that there were outside seats (an important distinction in the Scottish climate) also.

I believe Breingan is still around, but can he be contacted?

Peter

[artsmith]

From a post in the Facebook Transportation Tokens Collectors group by Yosef Sa'ar:
Yosef Sa'ar
The 1861 Scottish Post Office Directory lists, "Henderson Andrew, house factor and property agent,
Govan Omnibus Office, 4 St. Enoch square, and
Victoria st, Govan"

This would seem to place it in the 1860's


Art

[brandm24]

However, INSIDE suggests that there were outside seats (an important distinction in the Scottish climate) also.

I found the INSIDE interesting too. Apparently, they had outdoor seating that would have been cheaper. It would be fun to find an image of an outdoor token, assuming they exist.

Bruce

[artsmith]

From the World of Tokens:
John Greenwood of Manchester Outside token.
On the horsedrawn omnibus, passengers also rode on the roof.



Art

[malj1]

here is a London omnibus picture showing inside and outside use.

[brandm24]

That's cruel making the "outsiders" sit next to a cocoa advertisement...in the winter.

Bruce

[Figleaf]

Old fogey's sitting inside behind an ad for Eric Clapton don't have it easy either.

Peter