___________________________________________________________________________________________

True Blue

Automatic Sales Co., Lansing, MI, c. 1906, 12 ¹/₂". This is an early 2-column dome machine, with a glass globe and nickel-plated cast iron base. Unlike the Wilbur's Chocolate vendor, this one is nicely bottom-weighted and is unlikely to tip over in a stiff breeze. However, Bill Enes said that early versions of the True Blue had a push rod that made it easy for the customer to push it off the counter, so there appears to have been design flaws with both models that encouraged short life spans. You can see the early push-rod version in Silent Salesmen Too, page 19. The version pictured above is the new and improved version, with a lever on the side rather than a push rod in front.

There are two coin slots on top; one to the left of the finial (which, by the way, I think is the bow on the total package) and one to the right. Put your coin into the slot corresponding to the stack you want to buy from, and then push the lever down. Unlike the Wilbur's, which has a sudden spring-loaded release of the product, the mechanism on the True Blue is smooth and pushes the product out gently toward the front, where it falls softly out the front of the machine.

This model came with at least 2 other decals, both of which are pictured in Silent Salesmen Too: Owl Vending Machines (page 88) and Pix Sweetmeat Gum (page 125). Automatic Sales Co. made the machines for all 3 lines, and they appear to be identical except for the decal.

This is a very desirable dome vendor and is considered rare. I know of only 3 others, although I'm sure more exist. The example pictured above is 100% original except for the nickel plating, which is newer.