The 2p/1p/5p coin denomination plate is still nice and white, not faded yellow from UV exposure, with only light signs of normal use on the black plastic surround.

Beneath this sits a lovely, original enamel sign in black, white & red, approximately 11cm x 6cm, which reads "DO  NOT INSERT ANY COINS UNTIL THE OPERATOR ASKS YOU". This is held in place by the screws which hold the coin denomination plate, and can be removed if preferred. I have cleaned underneath it too.

The front panel (which has the "A" and "B" letters embossed on it) has the expected scratches, crazed and rusty areas, but is in largely good condition, and the black still retains most of its lustre. The white paintwork is in exceptionally good shape, with only a couple of spots of surface rust, mainly to the circle around the "A" and the bottom corner of the "B". There is a tiny loss of white also on the "B", which could very easily be repaired. On the reverse, there is a factory marking of "5/HAS", denoting the Hall Automation factory in London, and "5/FBR69". This means that it was factory refurbished in 1969. A working, original GPO lock 31 (the earlier model of AB coin box lock) and key is included. You can remove the front panel to access the coin mechanism and the remains of a terminal block inside the coin box.

The coin mechanism is generally very clean and presumed to be intact. It has coin three slots and three runways and accepts 2p/1p/5p of the new pence type, i.e.: the first wave of decimal coins. One of each Irish coin are included for you to play with. You may find that some other coins will fit, but not the current 2p.

Coins make different sounds as they travel through, hitting either a bell or a gong on their way to the coin compartment.

Press button "A" and the coins fall into the coin compartment below.

Press button "B" and the coins are returned via the chute on the front panel, whilst the governor still makes its authentic, evocative, ticking sound. The chrome plating/polished steel on both buttons still looks very good, with no gouges to the "A" button, and only typical marking to the "B" button.

There is an original sticker still affixed on the side of the mechanism, which reads "14 FBR 68/3", annotating that it was refurbished to accept decimal coins in the 3rd quarter of 1968. Also visible are embossed patent numbers, which suggest that at least part of the mechanism is very early and has been refurbished a number of times.

The original drawer plate is included, which slides out to the right so you can retrieve your coins if you pressed 'A'. There is no GPO lock 6 included, as these were destroyed when the box was decommissioned, but the drawer plate does not need this in order to stay in place. I have fitted a new brass padlock in its place. Two keys are included.

Above this lock area is a factory-embossed mark of "8A HAS 2", and no sign of any additional P&T stamp that is usually found on these coin boxes when they have been refurbished for a second lease of life in the Irish Republic. Two stickers on the back of the housing read respectively "14D COMP FBR 69 GPO FDI BATCH SAMPLED" and "8A 2". Again, this suggests that it was refurbished in 1969, and that this, the front panel and coin mechanism all belong together.

There are five factory pre-drilled fixing holes inside the box to make installation easy, whether fitting it onto a wall or inside a red telephone box.

There are no dents on any side of the coin box housing, and it maintains most of its lustre, despite wearing the expected marks from everyday use

Please study all 20 photographs for a clear indication of the condition of this item. This coin box could have easily served 25 years or more inside a telephone kiosk in Britain, exposed to the elements and daily punishment from the general public, before being refurbished by the GPO for a second tour of duty in Eire. Therefore, it carries some battle scars which add to its charm and tell an unique story. I have sympathetically cleaned this item throughout with Pink Stuff prior to this auction, so you won't get grubby handling it! You could keep it as it is or restore it further if you choose.

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to own a piece of our cultural/communications heritage, which would make an incredible gift for someone lucky enough to own a red telephone box (or who has adopted their local kiosk for £1 and needs something to put inside it). Or, it could just be used as a quirky moneybox!

QUESTIONS?: If you have any questions, please contact me BEFORE BIDDING! I will answer them as quickly as I can, and can supply more photographs if requested.

PAYMENT & DISPATCH: I accept Paypal. I will dispatch the item within two working days of your payment being cleared. It will be sent by UPS or Royal Mail through eBay/PackLink. This should take no more than 3-5 business days, but please be aware that the current situation has made delivery times quite erratic, which is obviously beyond my control, so your patience is greatly appreciated.

POSTAGE: I am offering FREE P+P on this item, only to addresses on the UK MAINLAND as recognised by all major carriers. If in doubt, please ask me BEFORE BIDDING! International shipping is available to Ebay Global Shipping Program countries only. If your nation isn't listed, then I am afraid I cannot post to you. Please also note that these prices are beyond my control. It will be carefully wrapped and packed in a triple-ply cardboard box.

DO I HAVE A BUY IT NOW PRICE? No, so please don't ask (but I can guarantee that someone will!). I'm starting this auction at 99p, with no reserve, and will let the auction run its course and let the market decide its final value. That sounds fair to me.

POLITE REMINDER: BY PLACING A BID, YOU ARE ENTERING INTO A LEGAL AGREEMENT TO PAY UP TO THAT AMOUNT SHOULD YOU WIN THE AUCTION (APOLOGIES, BUT SOME PEOPLE HERE DO NEED TO BE REMINDED OF THIS!!!)

Thanks for reading.

All photographs and text Copyright 2023