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Diamond Matches

Beaton & Caldwell Co., c. 1920s (I think), 13 ¹/₂". The round Diamond Match vendor came in 2 versions: An earlier slanted version and its successor, a straight vertical version. The example pictured above is the earlier version and is less common. Silent Salesmen Too lists it as being made by Beaton & Caldwell Co., which to the best of my knowledge didn't make another model of vending machine. I know squat about the company.

I've always liked this model. The straight version is interesting and has similar graphics as the slanted version, but the angle on this gives it a neat design twist. The graphics on these vary in condition, but in good condition they look great. Put a penny into the slot, squeeze the 2 small round knobs together, and the right knob and the vending wheel inside the machine move clockwise a small distance, just far enough to release a book of matches into the receptacle below. The right-hand knob---but not the vending wheel inside---then retreats back to its starting position to await the next customer. The machine is made of thick sheet metal, and every example I've seen has been painted red.

This example is 100% original. I no longer own this machine.