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.

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 very good shape, with a section of surface rust/crazing to the circle around the "A" and a similar 5mm patch on the "B". On the reverse, there is no original factory embossed marking, meaning it is an early example. There is a refurbishment marking of "1/FBR/67", dating it to 1967, coinciding with decimalisation. A working, original GPO lock 39 (the later model of AB coin box lock, with 5 levers as opposed to 2) and key is included. You can remove the front panel to access the marvelous 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. What is special about this one, is that the letter "A" is embossed onto the "A" button. These buttons were made for a very short time, in around 1929 when the first AB boxes (which didn't have the big lettering on the front panel yet) were introduced. The "B" button is not embossed. The mechanism has coin three slots & three runways which accept 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 only light marking to the "A" button, and the typical, lighter wear to the "B" button.

There is an original engraving to the side of the coin mechanism, which reads "HALL TELEPHONE ACCESSORIES LTD LONDON N.W.10" & "14", followed by "HA - P/3" which has been struck through. Also visible on its front surface are engraved patent numbers, which suggest that parts of the mechanism are very early and that it 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.

Unusually, there is no factory-embossed date stamp nor sign of any additional P&T marking that is usually found just above the lock 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 have been painted over, but likely read respectively "14D COMP FBR (2-digit year code) GPO FDI BATCH SAMPLED" and "8A 2". These would suggest a refurbishment post-decimalisation in 1967 to 1971.

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 the 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 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 payment via eBay only. I will dispatch the item within two working days of your payment being cleared. It will be sent by 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 (& Northern Ireland) 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, but will include relevant customs duties, so you won't face a further outlay before it's delivered to you. It will be carefully wrapped and packed in a stout, double-ply cardboard box. To prevent any risk of breakage, the coin denomination plate will be removed for shipping, and just requires a slotted screwdriver to refit it.

DO I HAVE A BUY IT NOW PRICE? No, so please don't ask. I'm also starting this auction with no reserve, and will allow the auction to 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 SEEM TO BE SURPRISINGLY IGNORANT OF THIS FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE!)

Thanks for reading.

All photographs and text Copyright 2024