Any gumball machine fans here?

[Bob K]

I got a call on my ad for soda machines last week, and the first thing the lady said was "I don't have any soda machines, but I do have an old gumball machine".

I'm not well versed in gumballs, but I went for a look since it was a few miles from my house.  It wasn't anything great looking to me but when I got home I researched ebay and it seems they go for a few bucks.

It is exactly like this one except it is red:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6167778056

I was surprised to see a plastic (square) globe, I would have thought the old ones were all glass.  The plastic is broken - I have no idea if you can get a replacement globe.

It has two slots.  A penny gets you one turn, a nickel gets you five.  I put a penny in but it seemed to be jammed up.  No keys for the two locks.  It was half full of 30 year old pistachio nuts '> .

I offered $10.00 (she didn't accept) as I didn't think it was worth much, but seeing this one on ebay makes me think I should call her back.

Any info on this machine and whether replacement parts can be had?  Also, what should I offer?

Thanks,
Bob

[Eric]

Oh yeah.... Just bought a 1940 Northwestern Gumball machine this past weekend
that's why I road tripped. I have about 6 differnet ones now. Cheaper than soda machines
and cheaper to restore.....something to do between soda machine finds.

Try www.crowriver.com

I bought a Simpson Jr. this past winter... $250 sold on eBay $1800 it was from
the 1920s...... You gotta love coin-op stuff......

Ask her for more information.... Let her know you didin't know it was old then
ask her what she'd take then offer a little higher..... $75 ...$100

Some of the plastic globes go back to the 1940s.... Crow River Trading may have a replacement
if not call them they may be able to send you in the right direction.
I've bought from them.... I'm new to these but with the price some of them bring
they are good investments too and still pop up at swap meets and flea markets.
There's a guide book/price guide I don't have it here handy but I got it off eBay
best $20 I spent (I had it with me at the auction when I bought that Simpson)
Otherwise I would have past on it.
I'll let you know....

Good Luck

Eric

[Eric]

Hmmm.... didn't sound right... I meant ask what she'd take... IF she doesn't
know offer her more than last time ( $50-$100) NOT ask her what she wants, she gives a price then you offer her more.... She'll think you're crazy?!!?? Sorry.....

Nice machine... I need one of those too........ then I'm done. '>

Eric

[Kilroy]

I've ordered parts, and received good service from Antique Gumball Co.
I'm partial to the Ford Gumball machines....

[dr galaga]

This is the Northwestern De Luxe.  It was first produced in 1936 and didn't stay around long because it had a complicated mechanism (which is why it seemed jammed).  They came in red, yellow, white, black and green porcelain.  A 1995 price guide says it is worth $125.  Probably a little over $200 would be realistic today.
Here's another picture http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=1850

[Eric]

Here's one of those books on eBay now #6172587911  
Handy little book,  Pocket Guide to Coin-Op Vending Machines....
If you like the machine offer her $50...

Eric

[dr galaga]

Quote (Eric @ April 20 2005,7:23)

Here's one of those books on eBay now #6172587911   Handy little book,  Pocket Guide to Coin-Op Vending Machines

Is this a nice book?  My price came from the price guide that was included with Silent Salesmen Too http://www.gameroommagazine.com/bk_silentsales.htm

[Eric]

Yeah it's a great little book.... and of course I can't find it!!!! I had it with my Walters book
......anyway...... great color images, prices, it was done in 2002.
The author also recomended that Silent Salesman book
(which I've seen and that book has a lot more machines) This little book is just the right
size to carry with you from shop to auction.

Eric

[Bob K]

Thanks guys, I ended up paying $45.00.

I'm disassembling it to clean it up and get it working.  Turns out the coin mech works perfectly.  The vending wheel seems really tight - too tight to be turned by the crank handle.  It does turn if I tap the sprocket with a hammer and screwdriver.

Any advice on how to free it up?  Looks like it has white calcium/lime buildup going on in there.  I'm not sure how to get the vending wheel mechanism out.  

Eric or Dr galaga, any words of wisdom... :'>

Bob

[Eric]

The price guide I was talking about.... I found it... You should buy one you'll get hooked.... anyway....the author has a phone number in there if you have questions about
machines 414-768-1076 his name is John Carini and he's from out of Wisconsin.
That's the number in the book. That machine books here at $200 and came with both a plastic and glass globe. from the 1930s..... I wanna see a image of your new find.

There's a cleaner called CLR you can get it ACE Hardware and a few other places I'm sure....It will clean that white/greenish calium right out! It'll foam up and be gone then just rinse and clean 'er up!

That's a classic looking machine good score!

Eric