With its combination of Cupid's Telegraph and the Matrimonial Camera, this very early example of the genre fuses two 'magical' technologies of the age. Advances in telegraphy and photography brought them into widespread use by the late 19th century, which would appear to be the date of this machine, judging by the studio cameras depicted.

Very early card-vending fortune-teller by Meurice & Co. (who manufactured fortune cards for other makers), possibly made as a one-off. No documentation or other examples of this game have been found. The Argyle Automatic badge is believed to have been added at a later date. Books attributed to the cave-dwelling 16th century soothsayer of Knaresborough, Mother Shipton (Ursula Southeil), contained rhyming couplets similar to the machine's slogan: DROP IN YOUR PENNIES I WILL TELL YOU TRUE WHAT FORTUNE HAS IN STORE FOR YOU

Spinning dial type fortune teller, possibly a revamp of another machine. Two battery operated bulbs in the top corners light up when the handle is turned.

Insert a penny and squeeze the handles together to see three bulbs illuminate revealing your romantic mood, lucky day of the week and sporting passion. Myers made several versions of these love tests in slightly different guises.

'Consultation fee 1d.' Uncle Sam's finger points to philosophical advice, personal traits and predictions as the weight of the penny causes the lithographed disc to spin.

Simple early astrological fortune telling card dispenser.

Reads: WHEN WERE YOU BORN? If you want your Character, Disposition, Capabilities, and what you will do best in FULLY DESCRIBED, PLACE PENNY IN THE SLOT MARKED THE MONTH YOU WERE BORN IN.

YOUR CHARACTER BY ASTROLOGY - CHARACTERS For Each Month

Dumb blondes and fiery red heads? So your disposition is betrayed by your hair colour! This early, rather plain wall machine exploits the notion, offering personality readings for a penny, a not inconsiderable sum at the turn of the century.