Luxembourg - Chapellerie Mersch-Berweiler ND
| Plastic | 9 g | 52 mm |
| Location | Luxembourg |
|---|---|
| Type | Medals › Advertising medallions |
| Composition | Plastic |
| Weight | 9 g |
| Diameter | 52 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-11-12 |
| Numista | N#388875 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Mirror, anepigraph
Comment
Advertising token from Mersch-Berweiler et fils. Mersch-Berweiler is Luxembourg's longest-established hatmaker. Founded in 1871 (or 1872, opinions differ) by Jean Mersch and Elise Berweiler, the company, initially located on rue des Capucins, seems to have got off to a rocky start, as they tried to sell their store in 1889. In 1895, the couple bought and moved their millinery business to a building at 6, rue du Marché-aux-Herbes. The business was taken over in 1903 by their son Mathias Mersch and his partner Marie van Werveke.
Marie van Werveke was the daughter of Nicolas van Werveke, a renowned historian and numismatist. Nicolas van Werveke seems to have taken advantage of the location of his daughter's store to do some research. The millinery was built on the foundations of an old tower. The foundations were (according to Prof. Van Werveke's investigations) still visible and well preserved.
In 1935, the couple closed their business on rue du Marché-aux-Herbes and reopened a year later next to the Palais Royal (4, rue de la Reine). Grandson Jules Mersch took over the millinery business in 1945. In April 1972, the company officially celebrates its centenary. Jules Mersch died without concubine or offspring on April 25, 1975.
