| Description |
Cox Double-Sided English Pub TillAn early device for keeping track of over-the-counter payments at public houses and other businesses, with coin shelves on both sides of the central tower. The tower contains a mechanism for depositing coins in a frame of sliding bars or receptacles between two plates of glass. With every transaction, the cashier slides a lever as the new coin is deposited and the mechanism shifts, allowing the coin from the previous transaction to fall into a lower compartment. A bell rings every time the lever slides. This process repeats itself through several iterations, until the coin falls into a locked money box in the base. Both customer and cashier can easily see the coin tendered for payment in the glass-walled compartments, making it easy to resolve disputes about improper change. Constructed of wood, brass, and thick panes of glass, the base contains two inset bowls for loose change and a locked drawer. An enameled oval plaque on the tower reads INVENTOR & PATENTEE/J.C. COX/174 QUEEN VICTORIA ST. LONDON. EC. The drawer contains keys and official letters of patent number 2986 to Jehu Christopher Cox, dated June 15, 1883. Approximately 16 x 19 x 6 inches. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15092 (realized $1080).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11877 |
