Yes Hair was a big thing in the 1900's . Today's "hair dressers" where then called a Barber Shop .
These are British barbers tokens that were also exported to the colonies for use by hairdressers in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Originally a partnership of Charles Parton with William Henry Osborne in Birmingham around 1870, they operated until 1882 as hair merchants at 138 Digbeth. Also in London they acquired a wholesale perfumery business at 51 Frith St.
In the last year of the Parton & Osborne partnership Thomas William Garrett joined the business and the following year replaced Parton as Osborne's associate, the business became Osborne & Garrett. [hence the O.G & Co and later Ogee tokens]
Following the break-up of the partnership a new business emerged, Parton Son and Co. They moved to 5&6 Bull Ring in the 1890's, and Ltd added in 1901. They also opened in London in Regent St and later Wardour St. [Hence the P S & Co]
[hence the P & O tokens - minute letters on base of obverse] Perhaps mention should be made of the business rival, Robert Hovenden, c1828, in Finsbury, EC., wholesale perfumer, comb-maker and hairdressers haberdasher. From 1831 at 57, and later, 58 Crown Court, Finsbury Square. ...several other moves until the business, Robert Hovenden & Sons Ltd., ceased in 1951 and the business was acquired by Timothy Whites. [hence R H & Sons, London tokens]
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