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General Stationery Vendor

General Vending Service Co., c. 1930's, 16". This is an interesting machine and clever concept. Not only does it vend a stamp, the stamp is attached to an envelope, and a piece of stationery is dispensed as well. No pen, though; you had to find another vending machine for that component. I don't know where these machines were placed, but I'd guess hotels were more likely than were gas stations.

The machine is made of sheet metal, and all that I've seen have been wrinkle-painted black. Having at least one envelope displayed in the window adds to the machine's appeal, but very few of those I've seen have had product left in it.

This is a boxy machine, and neither boxy machines nor black wrinkle paint rank high on my list of loves. Something about this machine appeals to me, though. This came with a collection I bought, and when discussing that purchase I had this pegged as a machine to sell immediately to help recoup some of the purchase price. When I got it I liked it more than I'd expected to, so I decided to keep it for awhile. The clock on "awhile" hasn't run out yet.

This machine is 100% original.