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Vendex Gumball

Vendex Co., Boston, MA, c. 1930's, 12". Bill Enes says that "this Vendex machine is a complete departure from anything they had done in the past" and cites the larger base. the more substantial lever, and the interchangeable jar-type globe as evidence. I say, yeah, maybe, but the gate gives it away.

I don't know much about this model. It's not easy to find although it's not rare, and based on price it seems to be more appreciated than most other Vendex models. I like the differences between this and other Vendex models, and it seems more its own model rather than just a minor variation in body or globe style. It's a solid, cast iron machine.

The example pictured above is 100% original except for the paint, which is an old repaint applied by brush, not spray, and which has these soft brush strokes that gives it a...well, a softer look. I have one other machine like that, a Manikin vendor, and I really like the effect but hardly ever see it.