Token Found Today

[fyrffytr1]

It is aluminum and a little larger than a quarter. On one side there is a 6 (?) pointed star but I can't make out anything in it. Around the edge starting at the top and going counter clockwise is "Masons Annuity/ 1900/??" The other side reads To Identity ?? Telegraph the Numbers 6685 ??(to Masons?) Annuity/ Atlanta Ga."
I can find Masons Annuity on the internet but nothing about this token. Can anyone provide me more information?

 

[Ronstar]

Hopefully a Masonic Historian will chime in.

 

[Diggin' B]

Know idea here but sweet find!

 

[fyrffytr1]

I found out it is the life alert device of its day. You would telegraph the number to Atlanta and they would contact relatives.

 

[Explorer.se]

Very cool. How old is it do you know?

 

[JCR TX]

Also used often as a key fob. It is going to be from the era when telephones were not common in private homes and Long Distance charges were prohibitive. However, every little town had a Western Union close. Small Aluminum tokens started to be somewhat common about 1890 or so. Probably a Masonic version of The Woodmen of the World.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Very cool. How old is it do you know?

1900.

 

[Explorer.se]

1900.

Oh wow how cool. Nice find.

 

[Explorer.se]

Also used often as a key fob. It is going to be from the era when telephones were not common in private homes and Long Distance charges were prohibitive. However, every little town had a Western Union close. Small Aluminum tokens started to be somewhat common about 1890 or so. Probably a Masonic version of The Woodmen of the World.

Very cool.