Watkins patent dispensing machines

[treefrog]

Saw this at an auction in the north west...and the screws

Have a look at below link* on the Watkins machines and front should just come away if unlocked, is the lock engaged?

*Merged above - Site Admin.

[andy d]

Treefrog wrote:

Have a look at below link on the Watkins machines and front should just come away if unlocked, is the lock engaged?

The lock is "Open". You can see it in picture 1. The top was broken into two pieces and I managed to lift the front part (Which had been nailed )

On another note, the link in your reply actually has a picture of the machine I bought, and after some research, it was the one that sold at Grattons "on 15th Oct. 2009 was a snip at £26". I suspect that someone bought it with the intention of refurbishing it but never got around to it. But I also suspect they would be happy with the profit they made selling it on!

[pennymachines]

For the record, here's Gerrards Auctioneers catalogue description of the dispenser, 20th Jan.

Billiards Snooker Interest - Watkins Patent Automatic Delivery Machines of Shrewsbury Billiard chalk Oak dispenser, (Watkins patent) 1d placed in the slot Watkins Automatic Delivery Machine. Height 18 Inches, Together With An Edwardian Snooker/Billiard Boxwood And Brass Cue Tip Repairing Clamp With File.

[andy d]

Here are some images of the internal "Chute" for Tom Arcade.

[tom arcade]

Cheers to Andy for posting pics of the chute that is missing in my machine!!!

[treefrog]

Although probably not made by the same company, thought I would add this oddity in this billiard related thread, The Club Time Check and Billiard Cashier for issuing billiards balls. Probably I assume for 30 minutes for 6D. I am guessing after inserting your money, you get a white ball and when time is up you either put more money in or return ball to upper slot. Maybe an alarm rings out...

Lots of guesses above, anyone seen one before....? sold at Omega auctions with loads of other vending and slot machines for I think £412. You could buy a billiard table for that.

[brigham]

Interesting that it takes sixpence in pennies, which probably suggests that other settings are available, probably including ha'pennies as well.
I would think it releases all three balls, rather than just the white.

[coppinpr]

I dont think it would handle three balls,too cumbersome and pointless,my guess is it released the red ball,the one ball you cant play billiards without

[treefrog]

Although sold over a week ago on eBay thought I would give a mention to the below version which sold for £326, especially surprising given it was an empty box. The only thing I can observe from this is that it must have been a very early model with engraved name and viewing window very similar to the patent picture earlier in the thread.....lotta money for an empty box

[joanne]

Hey, I have 2 Watkins patent pellet dispensers, one isn’t in great condition but the other is :-)