Lot 512

1940-60s U.S. Postage Stamps Vending Machine

Estimate: $200 - $400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$25 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
For your consideration is this 1940-60s U.S. Postage Stamp Countertop Vending Machine made by the Flatto Manufacturing Company in Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach, Florida served as the home base for Flatto Manufacturing Company. The business created a range of vending machines, such as the countertop machine that dispensed cigarettes, candy, and other items, as well as the U.S. Postage Stamp vending machine. In business from the 1930s to the 1960s, the company was renowned for creating dependable and cutting-edge machinery. A small countertop vending machine called the Flatto MFG Co. U.S. Postage Stamp counter top vending machine was used to dispense postage stamps in the middle of the 20th century. The device was made to be small and portable so it could be set up on a table or countertop in a variety of settings, including post offices, convenience stores, and other retail establishments. Dime coins could be used to operate the machine. A strip of US postage stamps would be released by the machine after a customer inserted a coin. The device was made to last for many years and was created to be simple to use and easy to maintain. Despite being operational during the middle of the 20th century, the company eventually went out of business as a result of heightened competition and shifting consumer preferences. The counter top vending machine shows a grey colored metal with a wood base and rubber feature to keep the machine from sliding. The front shows red and blue lettering throughout. The top reads, "Postage Stamps" in white lettering in a red background. Below that it reads, "In Sanitary Folders" in blue lettering. In the middle it reads, 10c / Insert 10c Then Push Down" in blue lettering and points to two small slots where the dime is inserted. Below the dime slots, it reads, "The Stampmaster" in blue lettering. Next two the two levers it reads, "10¢" in red lettering. The bottom shows two slots reading, "Receive Stamps Here". The very bottom of the stamp vending machine shows the manufacturer, reading, "Flatto Manufacturing Company / P.O. Box 8, Miami Beach 39, Florida" in blue lettering. The machine is in good condition despite its vintage age and shows some wear and fading to the paint in some areas, but is still in good readable and display condition. The machine has been tested and is functioning, but there is no key so the machine cannot be opened. The vending machine measures 6" L x 7 3/8" W x 15" H.