Farrington Charge Plate Service Metal Credit Coin and Red Leather Sleeve
Farrington Mfg. Co. · Collectibles & Antiques > Vintage Advertising & Ephemera
Era / Decade
1950s (Dating clues include the embossed department store plate style used for early credit systems prior to modern plastic credit cards, and the Toledo 5 postal zone format used before ZIP codes were introduced in 1963)
Material
Embossed aluminum or lightweight metal credit plate, printed cardstock insert, and faux leather or genuine leather sleeve with debossed branding
Condition
Good. Shows expected minor surface wear, light scuffing on the leather sleeve, and slight discoloration on the metal plate commensurate with age, but remains completely intact and legible
Demand Level
Niche
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
15.00 - 25.00 - 40.00 USD
Estimated Retail Value
10.00 to 15.00 USD (Original historical departmental store credit service cost)
Comparable Sales
Similar vintage department store Charga-Plates with original sleeves typically sell between 15.00 and 35.00 USD on eBay depending on the specific store rarity and condition
Description
Vintage mid-century metal charge plate issued by Farrington Mfg. Co. for Lamson's department store (Planned Budget Account). The set includes a red leather or faux leather protective sleeve with debossed text reading 'Charge Plate Service' and a metal Charga-Plate featuring an embossed owner's name and address for Mrs. Wm J Arter Jr of Toledo, Ohio. Measures approximately pocket-sized.
Key Features
Pre-plastic era credit history collectible, featuring a named and addressed personalized department store token with its original branded red sleeve, highly appealing to vintage ephemera and retail history collectors
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Authentic vintage manufacturing markings clearly display 'Farrington Mfg. Co.' and the traditional pre-zip code address format, matching authentic mid-century credit tokens
Flaws to Note
Light surface wear and age-related patina on the metal plate; minor scuffing and edge wear on the red leather sleeve
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay, Etsy, or specialized vintage paper and ephemera collector groups
Selling Tips
Highlight the specific city and store name (Lamson's Toledo Ohio) in the listing title as local history collectors often search for these terms. Ship securely in a rigid mailer via USPS Ground Advantage.