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Convict love token for James Godfrey
Object type
Convict love tokens
Object number
2006.0086.0002
Description
Convict love token in the form of a circular copper disc stipple-engraved with ornate decorative details and "JAMES / GODFREY / HANNAH / JONES" is impressed in a clear scroll-shaped area within a paisley-like pattern on side one, flanked by "T. BOULTON" in a smaller scroll on the left and "S. STEVENS" on the right. "WHEN IN CAPTIVITY / TIME GOETH / VERY SLOW BUT / FREE AS AIR / to roam how / quick the / time / does / go" is faintly impressed inside a clear shield-shaped area on side, which also has a paisley-like patterned floral border.
Collection name
Convict Love Token collection no. 1
This collection is comprised of three convict love tokens, made from stiple-engraved, shaved down 1797 pennies: The first (circa 1830) has the words "Thomas/Lock/aged 22/Transptd/10 Years" on the front and "When/ This You/ See/ Remember/ Me When/ I.am. Far/ From The(e)" on the reverse. The second, has the words "James/Godfrey/ Hannah/ Jones, T.Boulton, S.Stevens" on the front and "When in/ Captivity/ Time/Goeth/ Very Slow But/ Free As Air/ to roan now/ Quick the/ time/Doth/ Go" on the reverse.. The final token is engraved with "A/L A/P" either side of a balloon and on the reverse "Abraham Law/ In Y 20. Transporte/d Agakeep/ Ann Pemb/uttom 1828".
Convict love tokens, typically made of smoothed down coins and engraved or stippled with a message, provide a poignant, personal insight into the transportation system, as well as its transnational character. Also known as 'leaden hearts', the tokens stem from traditional sailors' farewells. Convict tokens were made for the whole of the Transportation period in New South Wales and Tasmania, with the majority produced during the 1820s and 1830s. As objects purposely made by or for convicts to give as mementoes, to be left behind when the prisoner was transported, the tokens are a unique part of the record of a convict's transportation experience.
Place madeEngland
Date made
1820 - 1840
Approximate
Place used
England
Associated place
New South Wales, Australia
Associated place
Tasmania, Australia
Materials
Copper
Dimensions
Height: 2.5mm
Diameter: 35mm