Two Sherlockian Tokens From Pendleton Detectives

“He was a young but trusted member of the detective force …”

– The Valley of Fear (VALL)

In the southern states of Louisiana and Mississippi, the firm of the Pendleton Detectives have been doing business since 1920. As seen in the images of their sign, ashtray and matchbook, they have used a caricature of Sherlock Holmes in their advertising. They would use this image again in 1968, when they would strike a brass token.

OBVERSE: PENDLETON DETECTIVES, INC. / 1920 / (Sherlock caricature, facing left, with deerstalker, pipe and magnifying glass) / 1968 / · FACTS AS FOUND SINCE 1920 ·

REVERSE: NATIONAL CORPORATION SERVICE INC. / (security guard caricature, facing right) / SINCE 1920 / · YOUR SECURITY IS OUR BUSINESS ·

24mm, Round, Brass

To celebrate their 60th anniversary in 1980, they would issue yet another token.

OBVERSE: PENDLETON DETECTIVES, INC. / 1920 / (Sherlock caricature, facing left, with deerstalker, pipe and magnifying glass) / 1980 / 60th ANNIVERSARAY /· “FACTS AS FOUND” ·

REVERSE: PENDLETON GUARD & SECURITY SERVICES / (security guard caricature, facing right) / 60th ANNIVERSARY / · “YOUR SECURITY IS OUR BUSINESS” ·

31mm, Round, Brass

Pendleton Detectives are still active today. We are not aware of any further tokens being issued for any subsequent anniversaries. Hopefully, they will consider something for their centennial in 2020.