Penny-slot mechanical tobacco honesty box.

• All brass with metal base.
• stands on four ball feet. Rich's patent, Bridgwater, English - Circa 1770-1830.
• Needs a key similar to a meccano or clock key with a square end if you wish to lock it, otherwise we have used NZ Pennies to open the lid.
• 24 cm long x 12 cm wide x 19.5 cm to top of handle.

A great talking piece for your office desk or man cave …

Information from online - In the 1700s, before the era of cigarette machines, penny-slot machines like this one were used in taverns and pubs in London to sell tobacco for smoking, chewing and snorting. Inserting an old British penny (1d) into the slot would have sprung open the lid to reveal tobacco. The box was designed in Bridgwater, Somerset, England.