Trade Token - Navajo - Gallup WM Bickel 25 cent GYT GBI

Description

This is rare 25-cent token from William Bickel in Gallup.  It is not a commonly found token despite his active role in trading.  He was an early
venture capitalist in the trading business.  He built many stores and
then leased or sold as lease to own.  Often times he ran stores until they
sold
or he hired a good manager.  Many managers were hired with the
intention that they would become owners of the store.  He purchased
many existing stores on the same basis.  His tokens could be used at any of the stores with which he was affiliated.  His primary occupation was
an insurance broker in Gallup.  Trading posts were among his major
clients.  Trading posts could only insure their inventory and leasehold
improvements.  The Tribe owned the real estate.  I grew up in Gallup about
a block from the Bickel home.  His family lived with him and I grew up
with a grandson.