Token 13 – DSWA – German South West Africa – “PROV. AMT WINDHOCK / 1 BROD” Bread Token, c. 1900–1914

Token 13 – DSWA – German South West Africa – “PROV. AMT WINDHOCK / 1 BROD” Bread Token, c. 1900–1914

Original brass Wertmarke issued by the Provincial Administration (Prov. Amt) of Windhoek in German South West Africa.

The token bears “PROV. AMT WINDHOCK / 1 BROD” on the obverse, with “MW” stamped below, while the reverse is blank. “Brod” is the period German spelling of Brot (bread), indicating a token redeemable for one portion or unit of bread.

The round brass token measures approximately 33.3 mm and has a large suspension hole at the top. Gerd Opalka records this variety as 5.2.1, distinguishing it from the closely related unmarked variety. The token is also recorded in the specialist literature and in a Künker auction of German South-West African material.

Catalogue: Gerd Opalka, Wertmarken-Katalog 5, Deutsch-Südwestafrika, Windhuk, No. 5.2.1. A scarce and historically significant example of colonial administrative token currency, illustrating the provision and distribution of basic food supplies in German South West Africa.