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A Glimpse into Retail History: Vintage Hess Brothers Allentown PA Charga-Plate with Original Leather Case & Signed Insert
Step back in time with this remarkable piece of American retail and financial history: a rare, complete vintage Charga-Plate issued by the iconic Hess Brothers Department Store of Allentown, Pennsylvania. This isn't just a collectible; it's a tangible link to the era before modern credit cards, offering a fascinating insight into early consumer finance.
What is a Charga-Plate? Developed as early as 1928 and widely used from the 1930s through the 1950s, the Charga-Plate was an innovative precursor to today's credit cards. These small, metal plates, typically measuring around 2.5 inches long , were issued by large-scale merchants like department stores to their regular customers. When making a purchase, the plate, often resembling a military dog tag, would be placed in an imprinter with a charge slip and an inked ribbon, speeding up the manual bookkeeping process of the era. Charga-Plate was a trademark of Farrington Manufacturing Co.. The Legendary Hess Brothers Department Store Your Charga-Plate hails from Hess Brothers, a true "shopping legend" that captivated Allentown, Pennsylvania, for nearly a century. Founded in 1897 by brothers Max and Charles Hess, this department store became the vibrant heart of Pennsylvania's third-largest city. Hess's was renowned for its elegant interior design, wide array of merchandise, and a unique blend of style and showmanship. It hosted memorable cultural events, from the annual arrival of the Easter Bunny to promotional events featuring models crossing Hamilton Street. This deep community integration and historical prominence make items from Hess Brothers highly sought after by collectors and those with a nostalgic connection to the store's "golden age". Please note, this item is distinctly from the Allentown, PA, Hess Brothers, not the separate Hess Brothers store that existed in Rockford, Illinois.About This Specific Item: Uniquely Complete and Personalized What makes this Charga-Plate truly exceptional is its completeness and unique personalization. This listing includes:
The metal plate is uniquely embossed with the details of its original owner: "A MISS M REISINGER 31 SECOND ST CATASAUQUA PA 392 A" [Image 2]. Adding to its historical provenance, the original paper insert features the handwritten signature "Marcella Reisinger" [Image 3]. Finding a Charga-Plate with its original case and a signed paper insert is a rare treat for collectors, offering a direct, personal link to the past.
Condition: This vintage Charga-Plate is in good, "Used" condition, consistent with its age and historical use. As seen in the detailed photographs, the embossing on both the metal plate and the leather case is clear and legible. The leather case remains intact, showing minor wear and softening typical of vintage leather, while the paper insert with the signature is also well-preserved. This item presents as "CLEAN," similar to a successfully sold comparable.Why Collect This Piece? This Hess Brothers Charga-Plate appeals to a wide range of collectors:
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Don't miss this opportunity to own a unique piece of retail and financial history from the iconic Hess Brothers Department Store!
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles