Hi Joe:
I thought fellow Forums readers would be amused by this coin-operated novelty dispenser, in my neighborhood.
The black plastic mini handcuffs shown - are approx. 3" long, and the bows actually "swing-through", but don't lock.
I don't have the other items yet.
Joe Fox
Nice find!
They didn't offer these back when we were kids. Granted, they sold just about everything under the sun from vending machines, though I've never before seen miniature cuffs sold this way.
One of the many nifty items I do recall buying from a vending machine as a youngster are the now highly collectable Pez dispensers. For a mere quarter you had your choice of dispenser with a full load of candy to keep your family dentist smiling. ebay actually started out as venue for trading and selling these highly sought after collectables. Some vintage examples
here and
here.
If candy wasn't your thing, 10 cents bought you a capsule of "creepy crawlers" or my old favorite, a "Superball" in semi-clear with glitter. The latter choice was a great seller since they were so easy to lose. For deep-pocketed pranksters, you could purchase a "Joy Buzzer" or a "Switchblade Comb" for something like 75 cents. I still have my switchblade comb in its original box. Too bad these didn't appreciate like the Pez dispensers.
Jason
