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Stollwerck L-Vendor (with red grain porcelain panels)

Stollwerck, c. 1888, 30". This is a 2-column oak L-vendor made by Stollwerck. It's designed in the same style as some other Stollwerck vendors, including an oak example that's nearly identical to this one except for the surface material.

This model is pictured in Silent Salesmen Too, page 155. The description in that book says "This early machine was patented by Stollwerck, a German, and assigned to John Volkmann, a U. S. citizen. Wood-grained porcelain makes this an unusual example."

I agree that this model is unusual because of the wood-grained porcelain, but this is among the most common of Stollwerck L-vendors. I've heard that some collectors to thumb their nose at it because of that, but if true then I honestly don't know why. It's a great-looking model with a lot going for it: Wood-grained porcelain panels, and great symmetry of design on the front with the Stollwerck-etched mirror, the window in front of the product columns, and the coin slots. Add the ancient patina and you've got a package that really can't be beat.

The example pictured above is 100% original. This is the first L-vendor I ever bought. I'd been wanting one for several years but hadn't advanced yet to the price tag associated with even entry level L-vendors. Then one year my disease had progressed to that level, I saw this at the Chicago show, the price was fair and within reach, so I bought it. I have this placed where I see it every day, and I've not started to get tired of it.