Georgian Or Victorian Brass Royal Chain Pier Ticket / Pass, c.1820’s-1850’s. Crown “R”. Rare.
 
From David Young, The Token Corresponding Society, Bulletin, Volume 8 no.1 (December 2004):
 
'The Chain Pier was located immediately to the east of the Aquarium. The pier platform was 1134 feet long and 13 feet wide and enclosed on both sides by neat iron railings. The pier had two entrances, one to the west and one to the east. The western entrance toll keeper was Henry Ratty, who held the job from 1824 until his death in 1858. Admission was twopence and he had his own token which bore the initial R for Ratty. Mr. Ratty was stone deaf and his everlasting utterance in reply to any question put to him was “Tuppence please.” The price had been fixed by Parliament. At the eastern entrance Mr. Gurr was the toll keeper, a post he held for 50 years. He also had his own token characterised by the letter “G”.
 
The Royal Suspension Chain Pier was Brighton's first major pier, opening in 1823. It served as a landing stage for packet boats traveling to Dieppe, France, and was a popular landmark until it was destroyed by a storm in 1896.
 
Cf: For a similar example held at the British Museum, number: MG.1382
 
An old toned brass surface.