1862 Alton NH Jones and Sawyer 50 Cents Merchant Scrip - Nov 26th, 1862 - Civil War Era New Hampshire Obsolete Fifty Cent Merchant Note

This listing is for the photographed 1862 J. Jones & A. H. Sawyer Store 50 Cents Obsolete Merchant Scrip Note. This scrip is from the later issue of the store's scrip notes, dated November 26th, 1862. Located in Alton, New Hampshire. Issued and signed, adding to the notes value. Very Fine (VF) grade/condition, some folds and other signs of circulation. Great rarer find with an incredibly interesting history!

This scrip note would be used similar to a modern-day coupon, giving the customer a discount of the determined amount off of their purchase of more than 1 dollar at the merchant's store. Scrip notes were popularly used during the Civil War and the aftermath of the economic panic of 1857 in an attempt to boost sales for local businesses. 

Jerimah Jones took over his father's dry goods store located in Monument Square on the Main Street of Alton, New Hampshire in 1854. Around this time local merchant Alonzo H. Sawyer opened his own dry goods store upon returning to Alton. Sawyers store grew rapidly in popularity because of their diverse inventory that included groceries, hardware, shoes, clothing and other community needs. Jones and Sawyer combined their businesses, choosing to stay at Jones' Monument Square location in February of 1858. The business boomed in popularity after this collaboration because of the men's combined business skills and expertise. The store prospered under the operation of Jones and Sawyer until Sawyer retired in 1883, after which Jones was joined by his son, Herbert Jones, renaming the store "J. Jones & Son".

 The first scrip notes issued by the store were both postmarked and endorsed by local lawyer and Sawyer's father, Daniel Sawyer, to add to their reliability and acceptance. Many of these notes were discovered in the store's storage after their closure, making the story of these scrip notes a very interesting one! Great local history!

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1862 Alton NH Jones and Sawyer 50 Cents Merchant Scrip - Nov 26th, 1862 - Civil War Era New Hampshire Obsolete Fifty Cent Merchant Note