Argyle fortune teller

[coppinpr]

I'm not sure if these have been on the site before but it's such an interesting looking machine I thought I'd post this photo from someone on my site. Not a great photo and, as yet, no text sent with the photo, so I don't actually know why I've been sent the photo. The wing mirrors are a bit odd to say the least. Supplied or possibly made by Argyle Automatics and dated 1895. Anyone know more?

[pennymachines]

Ufobazza posted this machine in the Museum 07/07/23 with some accompanying text...
I think the side mirrors are almost certainly an operator addition.

[badpenny]

That's the same machine.

[brigham]

Are the mirrors mounted on the machine?
I thought the machine was photographed standing on a dressing table...

[pennymachines]

It does look a bit like it, doesn't it? But the text provided says:

Three lift off hinges on each side panel which were possibly for mirror flaps. Two hinges on top for a maker’s name and also a carrying handle. Evidence of previous tags attached to the rear boards... Repatriated with two original demo "Wings"

To me that suggests the current owner surmised the lift off hinges on each side panel were for mirrors and added them. It seems more likely an operator added the lift off hinges as a means of securing the machine on location.

[brigham]

The mirrors certainly don't close over the cabinet front.
Probably because they are off a dressing table...

[moonriver]

It's all smoke and mirrors nonsense. Put together and added by one of those arty Southern dealers who like to add a few zeros