Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 January 1905 — Sign of the Three Balia. [ARTICLE]

Sign of the Three Balia.

The three balls used by pawnbrokers are the symbol of St. Nicholas. There is n legend to the effect that the saint once offered three purses of gold to three women to enable them to marry. The purses of those days were small bags, which when tied at the top to keep coins somewhat resembled balls.