Antique 1920s Hershey’s 5¢ Chocolate Bar Vending Machine — Early Advance Machine Co.

Presented here is a rare early Hershey’s 5¢ Chocolate Bar vending machine, manufactured circa 1920s by the Advance Machine Company of Chicago. Crafted from heavy-gauge steel with a nickel-plated coin mechanism, this slender wall-mounted dispenser was designed to vend Hershey’s chocolate bars for a nickel. The front retains its original style vertical Hershey’s graphic, reading “5¢ Hershey’s Chocolate Bars” in bold black and yellow lettering against a green-painted body — an iconic piece of early American confectionery advertising. Patent dates stamped on the mechanism (11-5-12 and 4-24-23) confirm its early 20th-century production, aligning with the first generation of branded vending technology used in shops and general stores.

A fine example of early U.S. vending innovation, this machine embodies the era when Hershey’s bars were a new national treat. Its compact, architectural form and aged industrial patina make it a highly desirable collectible for advertising, Americana, or vending machine enthusiasts. Rarely found complete, this example offers significant display appeal and historical authenticity.

Condition:
Good antique condition with honest wear consistent with age. The green paint is a later addition and shows scattered scratches, scuffs, and oxidation to metal surfaces. Minor denting and surface corrosion are visible, primarily at the base and dispenser housing. Coin mechanism appears intact but is untested; no key included, and contents unknown. Structurally sound and visually compelling with genuine early 20th-century character.

Dimensions:
Height: 34"
Width: 5"
Depth: 7"
Weight: 19 lbs
(Campbell’s soup can shown for scale.)