Gas Shillings and Flat Batteries

Anyone remember that old name for a shilling? Many times as a kid, I'd go to a shop for my parents or grandparents and be told "Don't forget to ask for a couple of gas shillings in the change," reason was of course, was that the gas meter only accepted them.

Another old term was a "flat battery," actually an Ever Ready 1289 battery.

“ If your bob doesn’t give our bob that your bob owes our bob our bob will give your bob a bob ont nose”

Out electric meter took old pennies,the same one one was put in and dropped out again,you put it through over and over,it was counted somehow,you had to be quick when the light flickered,I don't remember the gas meter,I remember mi Mam saying gas is beggin though.

Gas is begging, yes, I remember that.

In the forties it was my job to put a penny in the gas meter,the highlight of my day.

my nan used to send me to the shop for "a full shilling"

I'd forgotten about gas shillings! it was great getting the rebate. It saved me many a time.

The first house we got was rented,it was 1961 and when we moved in it had no electricity,it had gas mantles,and an outside toilet with a bucket underneath,and a midden no bin,and the house was on the main road in Bryn!!

spud gun my grandparents has gas mantles and no electric until the late 60s. they did have an outside lavvy though

The times I got in trouble for breaking the gas mantle with the match or taper.

Do you remember having to flare-off the protective coating of a new mantle, prior to using for the first time?