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Hance Rex Gumball

Hance Mfg. Co., Ohio, 15". Hance made several "Rex" models that were similar in size, look, and mechanism, but differed in details such as the vending wheel and the way the goods were passed from the machine to customers' hands. Within each model as well as between models, the finish (painted, nickel-plated, or porcelainized), the coin entry (short, plain gooseneck, or embossed gooseneck), and the type of globe (straight cylinder or pear-shaped) could also differ. These Hance model names and variations are hard to keep straight, and I consult Silent Salesmen Too more often about Hance models than any other manufacturers'.

I've always considered this model a sibling to the no-modifier Rex and the Rex Convertible. There's also the Rex P-nut (which is a Rex Convertible with a large globe and a lighted lid but without a Rex moniker, which it should have but doesn't) and the Standard Rex and the Rex Breath Pellet, and maybe even a few more I can't think of now. Like I said, it gets confusing. The Rex Gumball is made of cast iron, and has a nickel-plated lid, baseplate and legs, midsection, mechanism cover, and coin door. Almost every no-modifier Rex I've seen has had nickel plating that's almost gone from wherever it once was, and by that standard this is in great shape. The porcelain will be there after the cockroach goes extinct, which is as it should be. The vending wheel of this model has holes around its perimeter, making it a dedicated gumball machine if you hadn't already figured that out from the name.

I don't have a patent date for this model but I'd guess around 1908, which is when collector-rumor has it that gumballs were invented. Mr. Enes thinks it's earlier than the Rex Convertible, but he doesn't say why he thinks that, and he doesn't list a patent date for that one anyway, so it's a dead-end clue.

The example above is 100% original and complete. It's a great example of a model that's considered rare. It's the only one I've had the chance to buy, and as you can see I didn't blow it. That surprised me because I bought it at a well-attended auction in September 2017 and figured at least one other person would gotta hafta have it, but nope, didn't happen that way. Good thing for me, 'cause my max bid is what took it; one more from anyone else and you'd be looking at this on his website. I like it better on mine thank you very much.