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Advance Gumball

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Advance Machine Company, Chicago, IL, c. 1920, 12 ¹/₂". This is similar to the more common Advance Model D but preceded the Model D and is one of the earliest of the Advance short-globe machines. It vends one gumball for a penny. The base is made of cast iron and has a small dish built into the base where the gumball exits. The lid is rolled steel. It has an early mechanism---the Advance #4---which is nearly round and is elevated above the surface of the body.

This model is not rare but it's uncommon and doesn't last long when offered for sale. It's a solid and hefty machine that would make a good compact boat anchor if you ever tire of looking at it on a shelf.

The examples above are 100% original. The black one is the only one I've seen painted black. Others I've seen are painted various shades of red. I also know of one---and only one---finished in white porcelain. I'd love to own that one, but the owner doesn't want to sell it even though I offered him lots of money and said 'pretty please.' Can you believe such stubborness?