Vending Machine (Nestlé's Chocolate)
Maker and role
Nestle New Zealand Limited, Commissioned by
Production date
Circa 1930
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Object detail
Accession number
1968.158
Production period
Description
Nestlé's Chocolate Machine. Tall red vending machine.
Brief History
Commercial coin-operated vending machines were first produced in the early 1880s in England, and most commonly found at railway stations and post offices. At the end of the decade they were introduced to the United States, appearing on subway platforms in New York. Early machines were dedicated to the supply of a brand, as this Nestlé chocolate dispenser is.
This vending machine is an example of the most common design of early machines. It was operated by the "column and drawer" principle. The chocolate bars were stacked one above the other inside the machine. A glass window on the front allowed the customer to see the amount of stock left. A coin inserted in the top of the machine activated the mechanics until the purchaser could open the drawer at the bottom and remove the chocolate bar. Closing the drawer re-locked the system.
Vending machines changed dramatically with the introduction of decimal currency when hundreds of thousands of machines had to be altered to take the new coins. Today vending machines are electronically designed to accept a wide variety of coins and notes while discarding foreign currency and plastic counters, and to scan credit or debit cards.
This vending machine is an example of the most common design of early machines. It was operated by the "column and drawer" principle. The chocolate bars were stacked one above the other inside the machine. A glass window on the front allowed the customer to see the amount of stock left. A coin inserted in the top of the machine activated the mechanics until the purchaser could open the drawer at the bottom and remove the chocolate bar. Closing the drawer re-locked the system.
Vending machines changed dramatically with the introduction of decimal currency when hundreds of thousands of machines had to be altered to take the new coins. Today vending machines are electronically designed to accept a wide variety of coins and notes while discarding foreign currency and plastic counters, and to scan credit or debit cards.
Marks
NESTLE'S / SWISS MILK / CHOCOLATE Embossed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Nestle New Zealand Limited. Circa 1930. Vending Machine (Nestlé's Chocolate), 1968.158. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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