Auction Item Details
Lot 295
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Lot Number: 295
Description: Rare "World's Fair Postcard Vender" free standing vending machine c.1939. Free standing vending machine designed to dispense a postcard when a coin is inserted currently has a pair of reproduction "Baseball's Great Hall of Fame" postcards displayed in the front widow. It advertises that a "Baseball Stars" postcard can be had for a penny (this portion marked "Exhibit Supply Co.") however it has been reworked to now accept dimes. One the front is a "Mutoscope" decal and metal plate which reads "World's Fair Postcard Vender." Given the design and World's Fair reference it presumably dates to 1939. The piece stands a full 82" tall (just over 6.5 feet) and it is very strong overall condition considering intended use. A 1986 dated letter, sent by a dealer offering the piece to a collector, relays that "it is our understanding that this once stood in or just outside the Yankee Clubhouse in the old Yankee Stadium...this is corroborated by the fact that when we got it, there were many unused and proof tickets for 1973...as well as several unfilled line-up forms..." One of those lineup cards is included and a trio of the referenced tickets are now displayed along the top front (behind glass). Also includes a pair of keys which open two different locked sections. When purchased by our consignor some years ago it was relayed that it may possibly have been part of an Estate sale of effects from Mrs. Babe Ruth (we relay this information but it has not/can not be substantiated): EXEstimated Price Range: ($3,000-$5,000)
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