Convict Love Token - 1830 - M A Sergent
It is likely that this token relates to Samuel Sargent, 30, jobbing smith, who was tried and convicted at Devon Quarter Sessions on 12 January 1830 for stealing some silver spoons and sugar tongs as well as a copy of The Pilgrim's Progress. He was sentenced to 14 years' transportation. At the time of his conviction, Sargent was married to Mary Ann, with whom he had one child, and to whom he probably gave this token. He spent almost three years on the hulks before sailing for Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on board the Circassian on 4 November 1832. On arrival, he was assigned to Thomas Gregson. After serving his sentence, he married Mary Lewis in 1845. He died in 1895.
Transcription
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Token engraved at the top with the image of a mermaid holding a trident and at the bottom with a fish. Five lines of text, the first two being in a gothic font and the next three in a cursive style, decorated with a number of flourishes:
Sl Sergent
M A Sergent
when This you Se
Remmber Me
12 Jany 1830
Front
Reverse of a cartwheel penny, 1797.
Diameter
35.0 mm
Copyright: National Museum of Australia
