The most unusual trade stimulator ever?

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coppinpr
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The most unusual trade stimulator ever?

Post by coppinpr »

I'm not sure what this was meant to be, but not what the seller says surely? No wonder it seems never to have reached the production stage. Or perhaps it did - looking closely, I'm wondering if the tank is metal lined. Why is the coin entry and operating knob on one side and the dispenser on the other? Anyway...I want one.
shell.JPG

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-Coin- ... 6016.l4276
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badpenny
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Re: The most unusual trade stimulator ever?

Post by badpenny »

I have a vague memory of these, although I've never seen one.

I seem to think it sat on a bar top with the coin entry facing the barman.
Was it just an America thing?
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bryans fan
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Re: The most unusual trade stimulator ever?

Post by bryans fan »

badpenny wrote:I have a vague memory of these, although I've never seen one.
Bit like me and the '70s then!
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john t peterson
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Re: The most unusual trade stimulator ever?

Post by john t peterson »

It looks like a refueling station for the (now) antique jump spark cigar lighters. Apparently you could take your lighter to the bar and have the barkeep fill your tank for you, after depositing the appropriate coins. Unless there was a regulator of some sort, it would be a manual operation, hence the fluid control spigot on the barman's side, not the patron's.

Or maybe a pay-as-you-go arsonist's kit.

Just guessing.

J Peterson
American Pyromanic :zapa:
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badpenny
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Re: The most unusual trade stimulator ever?

Post by badpenny »

bryans fan wrote:Bit like me and the '70s then!
My sympathies bryans fan, I only hit 60 a month ago, I imagine 70 will soon be here.
I'm telling everybody I'm fifty-ten.
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wembleylion
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Re: The most unusual trade stimulator ever?

Post by wembleylion »

I find it hard to believe that a big company like Shell could produce something as crude as this, even as a prototype, and surely they wouldn't label it 'Shell Quick Starting Gasoline' if it was lighter fuel. No, certainly not made by Shell.

It looks to me as if it has been made in a back garden shed as a kiddies money box which could also be used with a toy garage set up.
My thoughts are; When the toy cars need Gas. the kiddie puts a Nickel in the slot which allows him to turn the knob to set and release the spring. Releasing the spring allows the brass lever to fly back and make the clapper ball, bottom right, strike a now missing a bell or gong. Tank full he now drives away.
Oh, to be a child again. @&@

If I'm right it looks to be a very clever way to teach kiddies about how money works.

John
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coppinpr
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Re: The most unusual trade stimulator ever?

Post by coppinpr »

I find it hard to believe that a big company like Shell could produce something as crude as this, even as a prototype, and surely they wouldn't label it 'Shell Quick Starting Gasoline' if it was lighter fuel. No, certainly not made by Shell.
As BP says above, these are not unknown and did go into production and would fit with JP's cigar lighter. They might not have been a success, but they did exist.
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