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Advance Gumball

(Click on image to enlarge it)

Advance Machine Company, Chicago, IL, c. 1920, 12 ¹/₂". This is the first in a series of three models that culminated in the Model D, which is common. All three models in the series vend one gumball for a penny. The base of this model 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 protrudes from the surface of the body. This model is one of the earliest of Advance's short-globe machines.

This model is not rare but it's uncommon and considered desirable, and nice original versions don't last long when offered for sale. It's a solid and hefty machine, and denser than you'd expect.

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 wouldn't sell it to me even though I offered him lots of money and said 'pretty please.'