Token - Refectoire H.S.S.
Issuer France
Type Business tokens
Obverse
A stork in flight. The token represents the Hispano-Suiza logo.
Lettering: REFECTOIRE H. S. S.
Reverse
Face value only.
Lettering: 100
Basic Information
Category
Exonumia
Ruler
Third Republic (Wikidata)
Technique
Milled
Orientation
coin
Demonetization
Yes
Face Value
100 Francs (Numeric: 100)
Physical Characteristics
Composition
Aluminium
Size
23 mm
Thickness
1.6 mm
Shape
Round
Technical Details
Obverse Lettering
REFECTOIRE H. S. S.
Reverse Lettering
100
Comments
Through A. Marchand, Mr. Maurice DESPAX gives us a valuable indication: the token represents the Hispano-Suiza acronym.
After some research, here are a few details on the company's history up to 1939.
- 1901, Swiss engineer Marc BIRKIGT meets Spanish banker Damien MATEU
- 1904, creation of Sté H.S (Hispano-Suiza) in Barcelona
- 1911, H.S. founded in France to manufacture luxury cars. Creation of the Levallois plant.
- 1914, H.S enters the aeronautical field and creates the Bois-Colombes plant.
- 1919, choice of the stork, the mythical emblem of Guynemer's SPAD air victories (with HS engine), to represent H.S.
- 1936, the end of the great period of luxury cars, when production ceased, etc...
H.S had several major production centers in the Paris region, notably in Billancourt with its (rue de) Silly and Farman centers. The letters H.S.S on the token probably stand for Hispano Suiza Silly. https://wikicollection.fr/?p=61915