Coin? Token? Toy? What Is This? (Id: Early/Mid 20th Century American Turners Token)

to the CCF!

This token is from a German Gymnastics Club. The German Club here in Brisbane, Australia has this same four-F-in-a-cross symbol, but I suspect it's just a coincidence. This club did make tokens, but only one type that I'm aware of, and it didn't resemble this.

If I am correct, then the "TV" on your token stands for Turn-Verein, which is German for "gymnastics club". The Turnverein movement was founded in 1811 and saw clubs founded throughout Germany and into the German diaspora, and many of these clubs seem to have adopted the four-F logo. The four "F"s stand for "Frisch, Fromm, Fröhlich, Frei." (or Fresh, Faithful, Friendly, Free in slightly poeticized translation). Here's a website outlining the movement's history. The club in Brisbane is now just a social club and German restaurant, I don't think physical activity is part of their emphasis any more. It's not surprising the club's mandate has shifted from its origins, given that it was forced to shut down and hand over its membership list during both world wars.

So now, to work out where your token might be from, we just need to work out what or where "A A" might be. Presumably a place name, and somewhere with (historically) a significant German minority.

They still exist in America, and call themselves the "American Turners". Their Website lists their active clubs, though your token may be from a club that's now defunct.

And now this thread is moved to its final resting place. @sap, you are a rockstar to have figured this out so readily!

Maybe folks that can't cut it in the military gets a token like this.. (Four-F)

Sap - Here's a photo of my uncle's medal from a Turners competition in 1938.

I thought it was just a cross but now I can see the 4 Fs back to back as in the coin - never looked at it that way before reading your post. Thanks for taking the time to share.