Abstract: Apparatus is provided for protecting, transporting and dispensing standard rolls of sheet material having an open center core and an inner end bent to project obliquely into the open core to define a tang. An elongate mandrel is constructed so that it can be inserted into the open center core of a standardized roll. The mandrel end not first inserted has an abutment face for abutting the end of the roll. The mandrel includes a recess for receiving the tang. A housing which can be opened to allow a mandrel to be removed or inserted defines bearing means for the ends of the mandrel. The housing further defines a slot through which the end of a roll of material can be drawn out of the housing. The mandrel includes a cranking device by which it can be rotated.