Sparling Envirotech

23mm, br

I did a web search and found a Sparling in El Monte, CA. Gayle at Sparling was kind enough to provide the following information:
Sparling Instruments was at one time (from 1969 and into the 70's) part of Envirotech Corporation. Sparling began manufacturing water meters in 1919. At some time in the distant past and continuing on after the purchase of Sparling by Envirotech, Sparling sold coin operated dispensing meters.
The system consisted of a Sparling Main-Line Meter, a coin box and a customer-supplied solenoid valve. When the coin was inserted into the coin box it opened the solenoid valve permitting a pre-set volume of water to be dispensed. If you lived in a desert area (like parts of Texas), you could go to the local water tower, put in a coin and receive whatever volume was programmed - 5 gal, 50 gal, 100 gal., 200 gal. etc.
A variation of this system utilized tokens such as the one you have. The tokens were actually manufactured by Sparling for use in their system.
Data Sheet 380-3 (April 1970) states that "Sparling meters are designed to provide utmost accuracy and control for water consumption where usage is intermittent or sporadic.... Coin boxes are furnished to accept specified units - 5c, 10c or 25c. Special boxes to receive tokens can be supplied." The "Sparling Envirotech" logo on the data sheet is identical to that on the token.

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