"Carl M. Andre, professor of music in St. Gallen, Switzerland, organized Pro. Andre's Swiss Alpine Choir about 1880, starring singers Mary E. Williams, Pollie Handley, Lily Marshall, Anna Lammer and Rebecca Brooks. They toured Great Britain in 1881. The tokens are believed to have been distributed in advance of appearances as an advertising medium and may be solely British. However, research continues about Andre's U.S. tour. A photo exists of the choir in 1881, and the likeness of Andre on the token is realistic (Research courtesy Stephen Hyde)"

This is a leaflet advertising a concert by Professor Andre's Alpine Choir, which was organised by the British Association for the Promotion of Temperance. The Temperance movement was dedicated to encouraging moderation and fiscal prudence, particularly among the poor, and one of the pillars of its programme was the abstention from alcohol. By the middle of the century, the Temperance movement was organising meetings, events and concerts such as this throughout Britain, showing people that they could enjoy themselves without drinking or spending time in public houses.

A carte-de-visite portrait of Professor André's Alpine Choir, who proved popular with audiences throughout Great Britain during the 1880s. Professor André is presumably the bald man on the far right of the group.