BM Davis of Chicago
by Roger P. Smith
As any collector of coin-op machines knows,
there are many instances of similarity between dif-
ferent machines. Similarities can lead to confusion
in correctly identifying a machine, or may aid in
establishing the time in which a machine was made
or used. Some times the similarities were inten-
tional, as in the "White Base" machines from
Hance. These were intended to be part of a line of
products from a single manufacturer. Some manu-
facturers made machines under different labels for
various distributors, leading to minor variations like
those seen with the "Kemaco", "Pix", and "Lion"
vendors.
Because competition for counter space and for
customer's coins was intense, machines had to be
"up-to-date" and modern. As tastes changed, the
styles of machines changed to reflect the time.
Many inadvertent similarities developed from this
...... - - - - - , cause alone. Sometimes the
similarity of features was inten-
tional but more sinister. When a
machine became popular, other
manufacturers were not above
trying to capitalize on their
competitor's success. A good
example of this is the "Star-door
Master" which employed a bla-
tant copy of the Columbus
~~.....__~---'--' thank you door (Figure 1), and
Figure 1
is said to have lead to a trade-
mark infringement suit. Another example is the
similarity between the classic Ford machine and the
copies made by Hart and H & W Machine Co.
Similarity of design can also be seen in the work
of a single designer. The most vivid example of this
type of lineage is found in the work of RD Simpson,
who's hand is evident in the progression from "The
Simpson" on to the Columbus A and beyond.
Another, little known, example of this type of simi-
larity occurs in machines that were seemingly unre-
lated; The Chicago Nut Vendor and the Advance
Match Vendor.
4
The Chicago Nut Vendor is an
elegant example of a grand and
decorated age (Figure 2). Patented
September 8, 1908, Coleman
Hardware of Chicago made this
machine. It was made in several
versions including the "Chicago",
"Sun", "Star", "Morris" (named for
the
location
of
Coleman
Hardware's foundry in Morris
Figure 2
Illinois), and "Albert Pick." These
differed only in the name on the
side and some details of the marquis above the coin
entry. This heavy cast iron machine was unique in
many ways. Its coin mecha-
nism alternated back and forth
with each successive coin,
rather that the more common
push-pull or pull-push two-
phase motion found on most
lever type machines (Figure 3).
Figure 3
The Chicago has an
unusual way of holding the
globe and top cap assembly in
place. Rather than the usual
hold down ring and center
=
=----' rod(s), the Chicago uses a set
Figure 4
of four clamps that fit over a
flange of glass at either end of the globe (Figure 4).
A second set of four clamps holds the top cap
assembly in place. This arrangement gave the
machine a very clean look and the clamps form a
decorative ring that fits well into the overall design.
As anyone who has tried to find a Grandbois
without a cracked globe can tell you, using flanges
on glass globes does not make for a durable
machine. This may explain why this system is not
seen on other machines. There is one very lovely
exception: The Advance Match Vendor.
The Advance Match Vendor was patented
February 29th, 1916, and uses a decorative ring to
hold the glass dome of the machine (Figure 5). This