Harper cigarette vending machines

[treefrog]

I was looking for something else in the Arena and came across the Sarratt Auction from 2007, one of the early MMM auctions... Well blow me down, this machine is haunting me. The very same was at this sale. One has to assume the seller was a known collector, perhaps the same who sold on in the Suffolk sale 7 years later, who knows? Obviously everyone else here must have just forgotten... Never sold in that auction.

https://pennymachines.co.uk/arena/vaa-25-11-2007/

[andy d]

I know they say "Smoking stunts your growth", but the signage looks a tad low.

[jingle]

Another harper
I found this today,,
1st thing I have bought for donkeys

[daveslot]

I hope your donkeys like it.

[pennymachines]

How many donkeys did you swap for it?

[arrgee]

Sarratt Auction from 2007

What 8 years ago!!
I remember it well, but where has the time gone..................

[aristomatic]

Picked up a Harpers single column wall cigarette machine yesterday, all cash...

GP

[pennymachines]

...please.

[aristomatic]

pix

[andy d]

5 for 2d, blimey that was a long time ago.
In fact, that was about the time when smoking was good for you.

[mishishi]

Topic moved & merged - Site Admin.

Hi this is my first post on the forums and was hoping that someone could help me out with some info or advice please.

I have rather randomly inherited a Harper Automatic Cigarette Machine found in a loft space. I need to know of anywhere that would refurbish this or the best place that I could sell it onto as it is.

Can anyone help?

[aristomatic]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
I'm sure there a few people who would like to buy this to restore for themselves or just keep it as is, depending on its condition. You will probably get a number of private messages too.

It would be nice if you could post a picture of the machine - always good to see machines that have been in storage for long periods.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I have had a couple of Harper machines but there are a number of different models so the pictures or more info would be appreciated.

GP

[treefrog]

Welcome there to the forum.....

First things, would be good to see some pictures if you're able to. If you use the search function of the site for Harper's, you will see a thread on these. Lovely machines, if the chrome is good. I assume it is a floor standing machine. If so, tough job getting in and out of a loft. Does it have the lower enamel advert sign.....?

I am sure the moderators will be on tap to explain the rules on selling machines, but the smaller machines are worth a penny.

[ilovemyjukebox]

If it's in good original condition and you are in the market to sell I wouldn't jump at the first offer.

Harper also made wall hanging machines and, as Neil said, they came in a variety of shapes and sizes. The almost unique thing about them was that the vending mech and coin mech were attached to the front plate, which makes working on them a little easier.

I don't think I've ever had or seen a Harper that wasn't in good condition, unlike BMR/BDR machines of the same era. They also have a certificate attached to their back on the housing.

Dave

[alan57]

I wonder if they sold these type of cigs from the machine

[treefrog]

I had to google 'canker sours', was a bit disappointed with the search results.

Oddly cigarette manufacturers were rather under the delusion until the '60s cigarettes made you healthy. I love the 'not recommended for under 6 year olds'. I wonder what the alternative was.

[alan57]

Or maybe sold these cigs too

[treefrog]

This one I will agree with. I put on 5 stone when I gave up smoking, well that is my excuse.

[sweetmeats]

Found this on ebay today and could not resist buying it. Has anyone seen one like it before? number 331786095515

[mishishi]

Thanks for the quick responses. I will get some pictures taken at the weekend to show you.
The machine is a floor standing (very heavy) 4 column model. The advertising panel at the bottom is glass and still has most of the paintwork on it. It was in a fish and chip restaurant which is what the building i have used to be years ago. Sadly it seems that the clock is missing, wondered if these are very easy to find?