candlestick courtesy coinbox

[david@london]

this nice courtesy coinbox was just sold on ebay for $141.50 by 'myoldphones' -located in gambrills, maryland.

ebay link - http://tinyurl.com/pddc2kf

"This is the much sought after Courtesy Coin Box Co Antique Candlestick Telephone Coin Box. It is missing the key and has a little rust on it in places. But otherwise in terrific shape for being over 100 years old! If you are a collector/restorer and don't have one of these than here is your chance. With a little work you can have this looking almost brand new. Also, for a replacement key try OldPhoneMan D-o-t Com. He has a key and provides a print out of it so you can have one made easily!"

[Russ Kirk]

I've heard that there are some reproductions of this item around.  I've always liked those coinboxes but been hesitant to buy one. Does anyone have any comparison photos of the real one vs. the reproduction?   

[Jim Stettler]

I have a repro, they look like the originals. IMHO the originals seem like repros @ 1st glance.
JMO, Jim

[david@london]

russ..........i must admit i had not thought of a repro. for that price, i hope this is the real thing.

[DavePEI]

russ..........i must admit i had not thought of a repro. for that price, i hope this is the real thing.

The originals are a black with just a tinge of green in the right light.

Dave

[rdelius]

some of the reproductions are brass or have a shiny decal

[DavePEI]

Mine, too is original, but I don;'t think it is quite as nice as yours....



Dave

[Sargeguy]

I thought the repros were black and the originals are dark green?

[DavePEI]

I thought the repros were black and the originals are dark green?

Reoro ones are pure black. Genuine originals are dark green,, but so dark that they look black in a lot of light. Like I said, in the right light, they appear to have green in them. The dark green will show up as black in photos. Pretty accurate description if you compare legit ones and copies. Of course, the brass copies are very easy to tell.

Also one can tell by the decal - the copies are much glossier.

Dave

[Phonotele]

How can one make a key for the courtesy coin box? The web address identified above no longer works? Are key instructions still available from someone?

[cihensley@aol.com]

Phonotel - I have a PDF outline of the key. It is larger in scale than the actual key, but by measuring the height of the key opening on the box you can scale down the drawing. The ket itself can be made of any flat metal. You are welcome to a copy if you wish.

Chuck

[Phonotele]

Thanks Chuck. That will be great.

Rick

[cihensley@aol.com]

Here Is the profile of the courtesy coin box key. I don't remember the collector that originally provided it.

Chuck

[Sargeguy]

I need a key for mine as well.  Sounds like there is a nickel rattling around inside it.  Thanks.

[DavePEI]

Easy to file from the diagram below. There is no oddball keyway to make - it is s plain key.

Dave