The Metal-typer

Third of three old coin-op machines.

Setting the scene again:

The metal-typer is another old coin-op I used a few times. Back around 1960 I used one of these to make a medallion while waiting in the Topeka train station. I kept the medallion for a long time but don’t remember what I engraved on it.

The Recordio gave you a chance to create your own audio. The Metal-typer gave you a chance to mint your own tokens. Like Bitcoin, this token was valueless as currency. Unlike Bitcoin, you owned a nice silvery medallion, suitable for hanging on the wall or a necklace, with your own message permanently engraved.

You inserted a coin, turned the control crank to each letter in your message, pulled the left lever to engrave each letter, then pulled the right lever to dispense the medallion when done. The message around the edge was limited to 32 characters, so you needed to plan ahead.

The letter dial closely resembled the Breguet dial telegraph.

= = = = =

Polistra has inserted a coin. She turns the letter crank to form the message she wants, then HappyStar pulls the left lever to engrave each letter on the medallion. At the end Polistra pulls the right lever to finish off, and the coin is dispensed.

Here’s what she sees. The crank is turned to each letter, the little dials below record how many letters are used and how many remain. At the end the coin is dispensed.

Now she has a medallion she made herself, not a coin minted by a distant factory.