Images(2)

Token, Store

Object number2018.118.1

Date1906-1910

MediumMetal

Credit LineHeinz History Center Collection

DescriptionCircular metal Pittsburgh Provision & Packing Company token. Front has shallow relief of bull head in three-quarter view facing slightly proper right; crescent moon frames bull on right. Reverse has shallow relief of cured ham with three-leaf clover at center. Raised text on front and back with company and product information.DimensionsDiameter x Depth: 1.25 × 0.031 in. (3.2 × 0.1 cm)
InscriptionsFront has raised text around the perimeter "PITTSBURGH PROVISION & PACKING CO. / HOME DRESSED MEATS".

Reverse has raised text around the perimeter "THE FAMOUS / IRISH CURE HAM".
Historical NotesThis Pittsburgh Provision and Packing Company token is an advertising piece most likely dating from the early years of the company's operation, c. 1906-1910. The "Irish Ham" on the back side of the coin represents one of the company's specialty products, a type of ham that was brined and typically smoked over juniper branches and berries. Pittsburgh Provision and Packing Company was not the only area producers of such hams, but it was a product that they continued making into at least the 1950s, when it was offered as a canned ham under the "Irish Brand" name. The company was a slaughterhouse, meat butchering, and packing business started in 1901—by Samuel Allerton and other partners involved with the Stockyards in East Liberty before they closed. The company was originally located on Herr’s Island, part of the larger Pittsburgh Joint Stockyards that set up operations there after 1901. Eventually the PPPC became a subsidiary of Armour meats and operated a production facility in Crafton (c. 1969-1983). They were subject to a number of Union labor disputes dating to the post-War period between 1946 and the 1960s. PPPC, as a subsidiary of Armour operated until 1983.

Related institution Pittsburgh Provision and Packing Company

Related person Samuel Allerton

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