08-14-201008-15-2010
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
August 14, 2010 03:00 PMCalender
71

Brass Coin-Operated Tobacco "Honesty Box,"

Sell one like this
$830$700
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2509Location: MarlboroughDate / Time: August 14, 2010 3:00PM

Description:

Brass Coin-Operated Tobacco "Honesty Box," England, c. 1850, rectagnular box with twin compartments, button, and handle, on ball feet, ht. 7 1/4, wd. 4 1/2, lg. 9 1/4 in.

Note: Used primarily in pubs, the patron inserted a coin, pushed the button, which opened the compartment, and took a pipeful of tobacco. They were not supposed to take more, hence the term "honesty box."
Estimate $400-600

Keywords

United Kingdom