Lot 130: The Imperial Tobacco Company Two Column Cigarette Vending Machine
1 view
A two column mechanical cigarette vending machine constructed with a mahogany style wooden cabinet and metal internal components. The front features two glass viewing windows for product display and a central metal coin mechanism plate. An aluminum identification plate on the interior of the door is stamped M/C NO P 13566 and TYPE W2TC MK8. The internal metal assembly is stamped JOHN PLAYER & SONS. A blue and white adhesive label on the lower left side reads THIS MACHINE IS THE PROPERTY OF THE IMPERIAL TOBACCO COMPANY (OF GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND LIMITED). JOHN PLAYER & SONS BRANCH, NOTTINGHAM. AND IS TO BE USED FOR THEIR PRODUCTS ONLY. The coin entry plate is lettered INSERT 20p 2x10p PUSH BUTTON TO RETURN COINS CHANGE BELOW. The lot includes an assortment of printed card brand representation panels in a paper packet labeled PLAYER’S REPRESENTATION PANELS (WITH BACKING), featuring brands such as Embassy, Woodbine, Gold Leaf, and Player’s No. 6. Also included is an assortment of coins found within the machine, including British two shilling pieces dated 1961 and 10 new pence pieces.
Height: 27 inches
Width: 12.5 inches
Depth: 8.5 inches.
Condition report:
The wooden cabinet shows significant surface wear, including multiple scratches, scuffs, and areas of finish loss, with a hand-drawn ink scribble on the upper front panel (photo 1). Several empty drill holes are visible on the front face where hardware has been removed (photo 4). The metal coin plate, buttons, and delivery chutes exhibit oxidation and pitting (photo 4). The original lock mechanism appears to be missing or bypassed, and the internal chutes show dust and debris accumulation (photo 9). The paper packet for the representation panels is torn and creased (photo 11).
Share this lot: