October 29, 30, & 31, 2020 Coin-Op & Advertising
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2020
This is believed to be the oldest coin-op device made in America: a tobacco vending machine called "Penny Papers", made by the Green & Broad Co. of New York in 1839. For a penny - which were large at the time - it dispensed a small packet of tobacco. Vending machines were actually the first coin-op devices, and the fact that this machine exists today defies time. This example shows signs of oxidation and corrosion, and remarkably has a remnant of the word "tobacco" on the front and the original brass tag stating "Manufactured by Green & Broad, New York". There is a key and the machine is operative. A great piece of early vending history.
Condition: (Good).
Item Dimensions: 11" x 6 - 1/2" x 6 - 1/2".