J.C. COX, MAHOGANY PUB COIN TILL, EARLY 20TH C., H 21", L 21", D 13":A English Victorian mahogany coin till, the central mechanism behind a hinged and glazed door, flanked by twin stacking shelves and all upon a rectangular base having a removable third stacking shelf, along with two opening drawers, one housing, twin turned, wooden bowls for change. Complete with brass fittings and 'Cox's' patent plaque reading "By Her Majesty's Royal Letters Patents/Fitted With Patent Return Check Bell/J.C. Cox/Inventor, Patentee & Manufacturer/174 Queen Victoria Street London E.C" to the lower right. "The coin was put into one of the two slots at the top depending on the position of the trigger just below. As the coin went in, the trigger was moved across to let the coin drop into the space underneath and also to ring a bell. Sharp customers often challenged the change they received, claiming that a half-crown was tendered and not a florin for which the change was given. The extra 6d was worth arguing about then as it was the rate of pay per hour for many workers. As the coin was held between panes of glass, and clearly visible, there was little room for debate. Even if the customer came back after another transaction had been dealt with, the coin was still to be seen, having dropped one place in a zigzag progression down the till in five or six moves. At the bottom it went into the locked box." - Antique Machines and Curiosities, Vol 1, No. 3 1979. Overall in fair condition with wear, rubbing and marks commensurate with age and use. Several small loses to stacking shelves. Please note, the mechanism has not been tested for working order.