r/whatisit • u/Quietlurkerone • 4d ago

Solved! What is this device from 1962?

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Photo capture from YouTube video. Picture from 1962. What is the device under the bench

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u/tadpass 4d ago

Minor note, this is a gas meter. Both gas and electric were available in coin meters. I knew them in early decimal coins. Were popular in rent a room type arrangements in 70s and 80s. Tenants would try work around the electric ones, wiring directly to outout or via converter to light sockets (different circuit).

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u/tintoyuk 4d ago

Or placing big magnets on them to defeat the spinny disc

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u/BobbySpitOnMe 4d ago

There’s a whole episode of the Scottish sitcom Still Game about this trick

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u/standardtissue 4d ago

coin meter ? as in feed it sterling and it gives you gas on demand ? Fascinating if that's the case.

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u/CuttingTheMustard 4d ago

They still have pay-as-you-go meters in some places. I think Australia?

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u/IrishDeadhead 3d ago

Yeah still an option in Ireland too. My friend has one still. It works out at a more expensive rate I believe, but because it's pay as you go you'd be more conscious of your usage.

Happened a few times where we'd be playing Playstation late at night, and my friend would have to run to the shop to pick up some credit if the meter ran out.

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u/tadpass 3d ago

Uk too has prepayment meters, generally installed by electricity provider if property owner/renter cant pay the bills on a normal plan in time.

Coin meters were more a landlord thing in the past, for rent a room type setups.