The tag reads Automatic Products, which makes me think Apco
Any chance of a picture of the tag? I actually am employed by Automatic Products which is now owned by Crane Merchandising Systems who also own National Vendors, Dixie Narco and NRI. I believe but have no proof that Automatic Products split into 2 separate companies (Automatic Products and APCO) sometime in the early 1950's. With Automatic Products keeping the Smokeshop only. I base this on the ad shown below that is on Vintage Vending which clearly shows the Smokeshop 612 which is without a doubt the very first Automatic Products cigarette machine. I even found a copy of the original manual for it when our office in St Paul closed which shows an known Automatic Products address. One old time employee remembered Automatic Products having a cold drink machine in the early years but could not come up with any proof for me.
As for the machine pictured above I think that it was manufactured before the split and was made by Automatic Products.
I have been trying desperately to find a readable copy of the ad below and even contacted Vintage Vending but they do not have the ad any longer. If anyone has a copy I would love to have a copy of it.
Hopefully vintage vending will not have an issue with me using their photo here - Jim if you believe it is a problem please remove it.
