Token 20 – DSWA – German South West Africa – Turnverein Windhuk Biermarke, c. 1900–1914

Token 20 – DSWA – German South West Africa – Turnverein Windhuk Biermarke, c. 1900–1914

Original brass Biermarke (beer token) of the Turnverein Windhuk in German South West Africa.

The token bears “TURNVEREIN WINDHUK” on the obverse and “BIER-MARKE” on the reverse. It is a round brass token measuring approximately 24 mm in diameter.

The Turnverein Windhuk was founded in 1900 and formed part of the organised German community in Windhuk. The Biermarke was used in connection with the provision of beer at the association and represents the social and commercial life of the German colonial community.

Catalogue: Gerd Opalka, Wertmarken-Katalog 5, Windhuk 6.1 / Leipner MT 7033.2. A scarce and historically interesting example of private beer/token currency from German South West Africa, associated with one of the early German sporting and social associations in Windhuk.