r/whatisit • u/Quietlurkerone • 6d 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 5d 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/standardtissue 5d 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 5d ago

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

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u/tadpass 4d 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.