June 20-21, 2020 Coin-Op & Advertising
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/20/2020
This is one of the most difficult "L" shaped machines to find. Manufactured for Thomas Adams, founder of Adams Chewing Gum and one of the early adopters of vending machines as a method to market his product, c. 1890. This is a two-column vendor where each column has its own coin entry and the front paper-under-glass signs could be changed for whatever gum was featured in that column. Made out of North American heart-pine with brass mechanisms and supports showing patent dates of 1888. It is amazing that this machine made it to today in such wonderful original condition. The paper-under-glass signs are original and near mint. The machine retains the original PEPSIN and BLOOD ORANGE flavor labels. The internal components show little use and are complete and operative. The original finish to the wood cabinet is 90% intact, and outstanding with some signs of wear or use. There is some plating loss and oxidation to the raised coin entries. Just a great example of a very early Adams vending machine. Reference in "Silent Salesman Too" by Bill Enes, page 4.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Condition: (Excellent).
Item Dimensions: 30 - 3/4" x 7 - 1/4" x 10 - 3/4".