Obverse Design
|
"HOWARD-ALBROOK" curves along the top. "NCO" and "OPEN MESS" appear in two
lines across the middle. "CANAL ZONE" is below that, curving along
the bottom.
Circle of small beads close to the edge. Smooth plain raised edge.
|
Reverse Design
|
A large "1" followed by "00" in smaller size. The top of the zeros is about even
with the top of the "1". Under the "00" is "IN TRADE" in an oval block going across.
Below the "IN TRADE" is a line. The line is about even with the bottom of the "1".
There is a circle of small beads close to the edge. Smooth plain raised edge.
|
Metal
|
Aluminum, anodized bronze.
|
Weight
|
Unknown.
|
Size and Shape
|
Round, 35 mm in diameter.
|
Dates Issued
|
Unknown.
|
Issuer
|
Albrook AFB and Howard AFB.
|
Mintage
|
Unknown.
|
Rarity
|
Scarce.
|
Manufacturer
|
Meyer and Wenthe Company.
|
Other Catalog Numbers
|
Henkle's CZ-83 (photo).
|
Varieties
|
There may be as many as seven varieties. Per Cunningham, he examined records
from Meyer and Wenthe Company, and determined that four varieties were made
in different colors (yellow, orange, blue and gold) during the period of time
covered by those records. The gold one Cunningham described as different in
that it has no dash between "HOWARD" and "ALBROOK". The ones I have examined
in person or via image are anodized bronze, anodized gold (with the dash), brown
and orange.
|
Function
|
Mess token.
|
Population Count
|
Four specimens in this color variety in collector hands are known to me.
I do not know of any recent sales.
|