Excelsior Shoe Co. Tokens.
Good Luck Tokens with a Rider on Horseback.
As a boy scout leader and coin collector, I have done a great deal of research to share with the you the many "Shoe for Boys" tokens issued by the Excelsior shoe company.
Shoe for Boys.
The Excelsior Shoe Company took advantage of the opportunity to associate their advertising with the new Boy Scout movement that began in 1910. They created a "Boy Scout" shoe and tokens issued between July 1910 and January 1914. The tokens were manufactured by Schwaab Stamp & Seal Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Whitehead & Hoag Company of Newark, New Jersey.
The wording on the tokens, "Boy Scouts" & "Medal" were brand names of shoes made by Excelsior. Tokens were usually bronze or brass and some were zinc. Sterling silver tokens were also made in some varieties for Scoutmasters that had his entire troop buy Excelsior shoes. From the research I have done, I believe the Belle Meade Shoe Co. reverse was made around 1916.
I've classified the rider on horseback tokens into 5 major Versions:
- Version 1 - The reverse shows the Excelsior company emblem. The obverse has a rider under the wording BOY SCOUT, BOY SCOUTS OR WORLD SCOUTS.
- Version 2 - The reverse has a good luck swastika with GOOD LUCK over the swastika. The obverse has a rider under the wording BOY SCOUT, or BOY SCOUTS showing the date JULY 1910 in all case except for the Army Shoe type which has "Munson Last" below the rider.
- Version 3 - The reverse has a good luck swastika with GOOD LUCK under the swastika. The obverse has a rider (either a cow boy or Indian) under the wording BOY SCOUTS (with letters adjusted for the hole at the top in some cases). There is no date on the obverse.
- Version 4 - The reverse is similar to Version 2 with GOOD LUCK over the swastika. The obverse has a rider under the wording MEDAL showing the date July 1910.
- Version 5 - The reverse is a horseshoe opening down with the wording BELLE MEADE SHOE CO. NASHVILLE, TENN. The obverse is similar to Version 4 but without a date under the horse.
Additional Excelsior tokens exist but do not have a rider on horseback or say SHOE FOR BOYS and are not included. Except for the silver tokens, the tokens measure 32.5 mm in diameter. The three silver tokens I have are oblong and appear to be cast instead of struck and are 1 mm to 1.5 mm smaller that their counterparts. The three silver versions I have are 2, 3 and 5. Most of the tokens have a small hole at the top to allow it to be tied to the shoe before they were sold.
I've identified many variations but I expect more will be found. As they are found, I will make adjustments. If you have a variation that will help me and others, please email me that information at TheHiker@SageVenture.com. I respond to all emails.
Not too long ago, David Caines contacted me about a type where Excelsior was spelt "Excelcior"; Version 3, Type 1. Thanks David
Each of the major versions has variations which I will call "Types" and variations within each type, I will call "Varieties." In some cases, I will have sub-Varieties because it is easy to see the difference. I have not followed the identification used by either reference because when I began collecting and with no pictures, I found much of the identification difficult to follow. The important aspect is not the numbers but understanding what you have.
Reverences:
Dioszegi, Rudy J. & Spacek, John. (2007). The Boy Scout Tokens of the Excelsior Shoe Company.
Hamel, Dick. (2005). Excelsior Shoe Company Tokens. Stanton, OR: Stayton Printing.
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The Original "Boy Scouts" Shoe For Boys,
Version 1.
This group has the Excelsior company emblem on the reverse.
The obverse has a rider under the wording BOY SCOUT, BOY SCOUTS OR WORLD SCOUTS.
Version 1 не Свастическая, а посему безжалостно проигнорирована.
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The Original "Boy Scouts" Shoe For Boys.Version 2.
This group has GOOD LUCK over a swastica on the reverse.
The obverse has a rider under the wording BOY SCOUT, or BOY SCOUTS showing the date
JULY 1910 in all case except for the Army Shoe type which has "Munson Last" below the rider.
Type 1.
"Boy Scout" arched over the rider.
Type 2.
"Boy Scouts" arched over the rider.
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Variety A1.1:
Four stars on the horse blanket;
Quotes: normal
3 partial reins, 4 from hand;
date: 14.5 mm
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee |
Variety A1.2:
Four stars on the horse blanket;
Quotes: normal
3 partial reins, 2 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee |
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Variety A1.3:
Four stars on the horse blanket;
Quotes: normal
3 partial reins, 4 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee |
Variety A2:
Four stars on the horse blanket;
Quotes: first inverted
3 partial reins, 4 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee |
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Variety A3:
Four stars on the horse blanket;
Quotes: first inverted
3 partial reins, 2 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee |
Variety A4:
Four stars on the horse blanket;
Quotes: first inverted
3 partial reins, 2 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee
Horse and Rider shifted left |
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Variety B:
Quotes: normal
Four stars on the horse blanket;
3 partial reins, 4 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: none |
Variety C1:
Quotes: normal
Five stars on the horse blanket;
3 full reins, 4 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee |
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Variety C2:
Quotes: first inverted
Five stars on the horse blanket;
3 full reins, 4 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee |
Variety D:
Quotes: normal
Five stars on the horse blanket;
3 full reins, 4 from hand;
date: 13 mm;
Maker: none |
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Variety E:
Four stars on the horse blanket;
3 partial reins, 4 from hand |
Variety E:
Maker: Schwaab Milwaukee;
STERLING stamped below maker |
Type 3.
"Boy Scouts" arched over the rider
'Army Shoe' on the right & 'Munson Last' below the rider.
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Membership Emblem of the Boy Scouts Club.
Version 3.
This group has a good luck swastika with GOOD LUCK under the swastika and the wording "Membership Emblem of the Boy Scouts Club" around the swastika.
The obverse has a rider (either a cowboy or Indian) under the wording BOY SCOUTS (with letters adjusted for the hole at the top in some cases). There is no date on the obverse.
Version 3 totally revised (8/30/15).Type 1.
"Boy Scouts" evenly arched evenly over the rider. Type 2.
"Boy Scouts" arched in a wavy line over the rider.
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Variety A1:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
no rains from hand;
Ends of "C" touch top and bottom of "o";
Period after Co.;
Period after CLUB.;
Maker: none;
Reverse: no beading;
Reverse "OF" inline with top lettering. |
Variety A2:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
no rains from hand;
"o" completely in "C";
No period after Co;
Period after CLUB.;
Maker: none;
Reverse: no beading;
Reverse "OF" inline with top lettering;
STERLING stamped in edge, 31 mm. |
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Variety B1:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
3 rains from hand;
Quotes normal size;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Reverse "OF" 1 mm above swastika
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm |
Variety B2:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
No rains from hand;
Quotes small;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Reverse "OF" 1 mm above swastika
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm |
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Variety B3:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes large;
Ends of "C" touch top and bottom of "o";
Period after Co.;
Reverse "OF" 1 mm above swastika
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm |
Variety C1.0:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
No rains from hand;
Quotes small;
Ends of "C" touch top and bottom of "o";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 18 mm.
(Note: obverse of A1 & reverse of C1.1) |
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Variety C1.1:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes small, last inverted;
Ends of "C" touch top and bottom of "o";
No period after Co;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 18 mm. |
Variety C1.2:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
2 faint rains from hand;
Quotes normal, last inverted;
Ends of "C" touch top and bottom of "o";
No period after Co;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 18 mm. |
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Variety C2.1:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes normal size;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm. |
Variety C2.2:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes normal size;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 18 mm. |
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Variety C3:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes normal size, 1st inverted;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 17 mm. |
Variety C4:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
4 faint rains from hand;
Quotes normal size;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 17 mm. |
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Variety C5:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
No rains from hand;
Quotes small;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm. |
Variety C6:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
3 rains from hand;
Quotes large;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "E" in Excelsior
to the left side of the "E" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 17 mm. |
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Variety D1:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
3 rains from hand;
Quotes normal size;
Ends of "C" touch top and bottom of "o";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "H" in The
to the left side of the "O" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm. |
Variety D2:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes large;
Ends of "C" touch top and bottom of "o";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "H" in The
to the left side of the "O" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 17 mm. |
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Variety D3:
2 stars on the horse blanket;
3 rains from hand;
Quotes normal size;
"o" completely in "C";
Period after Co.;
Ground is from the top of the "H" in The
to the left side of the "O" in Shoe;
Reverse "OF" is lower than associated wording
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 18 mm;
Zinc with no hole. |
Variety E1:
3 stars on the horse blanket;
3 faint rains from hand;
Quotes small, last inverted;
"o" completely in "C";
No period after Co;
Ground ends over the letter "E" in Shoe;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm. |
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Variety E3:
3 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes normal size, last inverted;
"o" completely in "C";
No period after Co;
Ground ends over the letter "O" in Shoe;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm. |
Variety E3:
3 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes small, last inverted;
"o" completely in "C";
No period after Co;
Ground ends between the letters "HO" in Shoe;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm. |
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Variety E4:
3 stars on the horse blanket;
2 rains from hand;
Quotes small, last inverted;
Ends of "C" touch top and bottom of "o";
No period after Co;
Ground ends over the letter "O" in Shoe;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 18 mm. |
Variety E5:
3 stars on the horse blanket;
4 rains from hand;
Quotes normal size, both inverted;
"o" completely in "C";
No period after Co;
Ground ends at the letter "C" in Co;
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ, 15 mm |
Type 3.
"Boy Scouts" arched in a wavy line over an Indian scout.
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Variety A1:
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co Newark NJ |
(Note: I understand that a second variety exists
with Schwaab as the Maker) |
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The Excelsior MEDAL Shoe For Boys.
Version 4.
This group has GOOD LUCK over a swastica on the reverse.
The obverse has a rider under the wording MEDAL with the date July 1910.
Type 1.
SCHWAAB MILWAKEE on reverse below swastika Obverse: 2 full reins, no stars on the horst blanket and right arm level from shoulder to elbow:
Type 2.
Runic "D" symbol points up and no maker below the swastika.
Type 3.
Runic "D" symbol points down & there is a
B 
on the canteen Right elbow points towards left hand, no stars on the horse blanket and no there is no maker below the swastika.
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Variety A1:
2 reins, ends are back towards the saddle;
Medal 9 mm, date 13 mm;
Company appears as "Co.";
GOOD LUCK 13 mm |
Variety A2:
2 reins, ends are back towards the saddle;
Medal 9 mm, date 13 mm;
Company appears as "Co.";
GOOD LUCK 13 mm;
no hole |
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Variety B:
2 reins, ends are drop straight down |
Medal 8.5 mm, date 12.5 mm;
Company appears as "Co.";
GOOD LUCK 14 mm |
Type 4.
Runic "D" symbol points down & there is no B on the canteen Right elbow points towards left hand, no stars on the horse blanket and no there is no maker below the swastika.
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Variety A:
Left arm slightly upwards |
Company appears as "Co.";
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Variety B1:
Left arm slightly downwards;
Company appears as "Co."; |
Variety B2:
Left arm slightly downwards;
Company appears as "Co.";
no hole |
Type 5.
Right elbow points towards horses ear and Horse's ear points between "O" and "R". 2 full reins and Runic "D" symbol points down.
Type 6.
Right elbow points towards horses ear and Horse's ear points points over the "R". 2 full reins, no stars on the horse blanket and Runic "D" symbol points down.
Type 7.
Flat hat on top, 3 stars on the horse blanket and 2 full reins Runic "D" symbol points down and no maker below the swastika.
Type 8.
Stirrup lower on the horse's leg, no stars on horse blanket and 2 full reins Runic "D" symbol points down and no maker below the swastika.
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Company appears as "Co." |
Type 9.
Three reins and three stars on horse blanket
Runic "D" symbol points down and no maker below the swastika.
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Company appears as "Co." |
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The Excelsior MEDAL Shoe For Boys.
Version 5.
This group has a horseshoe opening down with the wording BELLE MEADE SHOE CO. NASHVILLE, TENN. The obverse has a rider under the wording MEDAL without a date under the horse.
Version 5 тоже не Свастическая и тоже проигнорирована.
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