Description: Vintage Donkey Mule Lithograph &Hand-painted Tin Mechanical Novelty Cigarette Dispenser by Bancroft Mfg.; Working Condition Believed to be an early version of this unique novelty cigarette dispenser. It has the gravel or sand surface on the base and a depression for an ashtray or matches. Also, no “pack” (pocket) on the mule for a small match box which is thought to be a later addition. Some of the details appear to be hand-painted. This version is made by Bancroft Mfg. Co., Toledo, Ohio and has the name stamped on the underside of the base along with “Patent Applied For”. The mechanism still works with the tail of the donkey lifting and a wood dowel pushing a cigarette out when the uppermost ear of the donkey is pushed forward. Some of the moving parts, such as the tail, seem a bit loose and the mechanism will jam if the donkey’s ear is pushed backwards. The front part of the signpost (“Canyon City” and “Onion Creek”) can be removed to load cigarettes but the chute is only about 3” wide which takes only the old non-filtered ciggies of the old days such as Pall Mall and Lucky Strike. Dimensions: approx. 10-3/8” height by 8-7/8” width side to side by 4-1/2” front to back across the base. Condition: USED, considerable “vintage patina”. Overall much better than most and displays well as a great conversation piece. Not recommended to actually dispense cigarettes. There are paint chips and scrapes on the body of the donkey particularly on the higher spots of the pressed tin surface. There are some small areas of sand or gravel loss on the base, primarily on the edge on the right side. The wooden “post” that holds both the donkey and the cigarette storage “sign” is a bit wobbly causing the assembly to lean forward a little. Does not appear to ever had burning cigarettes snuffed out in the ashtray area. No effort has been made to clean or lubricate the piece. Weight: approx.14 oz. (not packaged for shipping) Please check the photos carefully as an important part of the description and for the best measure of condition. Payment& Shipping:· Payment via eBay Managed Payments within three (3) days after the close of the auction. Local pickup can be arranged. Local area delivery considered.· Shipping cost is ESTIMATED via lowest cost carrier-insured method, unless specified otherwise by the buyer, to locations in the continental U.S.A. Shipment to Hawai’i and Alaska may be higher.· Actual shipping cost only – no handling charges or up-charges; please wait for my invoice for the most accurate estimate. I issue refunds via eBay Managed Payments or PayPal when actual shipping cost turns out to be lower than the amount paid.· This item will be packaged for shipment in a cardboard carton with ample padding. · Combined shipping is NOT available for this item.· International shipping is subject to the actual location; not all countries will be eligible. Check with me before placing a bid. In all cases, international shipment will go through eBay Global Shipping Program or via eBay International Standard Delivery. · Insurance greater than any carrier-provided insurance will NOT be included in the shipping cost unless requested by and paid for by the buyer· Returns are not accepted unless there has been a gross error in the description in which case the item is packaged and returned in the same condition as sold within ten days Happy to answer questions. Thanks for taking a look!
Price: 70 USD
Location: Redlands, California
End Time: 2025-01-03T18:40:51.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Bancroft Mfg.
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Handmade: No
Modified Item: No
