✅ SOLVED $2.99 at Goodwill-Be jealous!

[TheTh3rd]

 

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[mojjax]

switch the screws to brass slotted .

 

[austin]

Uh, sorry. What exactly is it?

 

[vhs07]

Missing a few parts, but great find.
Houten Gumball Machine - eerste kwartaal 20e eeuw. - Catawiki

 

[TheTh3rd]

switch the screws to brass slotted .

Yea the top drawer that is missing was so dry rotted it basically crumbled. I'm assuming the screws are the only thing that aren't original. Unscrewing them won't ruin anything will it?

Also, I've read that these were behind the counter at old drug stores and you actually gave them your penny then they would let you pull the drawer(which is missing)

The wooden/glass ones are very rare and usually are missing the front or back glass... or the words are rubbed off.

I think I got lucky bc I have both sides of the glass and the words are near perfect.

Any other info will be appreciated.

Here is the back side

 

[Peyton Manning]

how old is it supposed to be? doesn't look ancient

 

[TheTh3rd]

how old is it supposed to be? doesn't look ancient

Antique not ancient. 1890-1910

 

[TheTh3rd]

Missing a few parts, but great find.
Houten Gumball Machine - eerste kwartaal 20e eeuw. - Catawiki

That is the only other on like mine on the Internet (that I've came across)

Mine has both pieces of glass with clear writing. That one sold for $156 even though it is illegible and missing the back glass that says "candy 1 c"

 

[TheTh3rd]

Uh, sorry. What exactly is it?

I think it's an old duck/fish pellet dispenser but I have NO CLUE what it could be!

It says "GumBalls 1cent" and "Candy 1cent" and looks like an old candy machine.

 

[nhbenz]

Huh, the one from that auction has Phillips screws too... but I didn't seem to stop either of the two bidders.

 

[TheTh3rd]

Huh, the one from that auction has Phillips screws too... but I didn't seem to stop either of the two bidders.

I didn't notice that, Good eye!

The one in that auction doesn't even have the glass "Candy 1c" on the back.i know mine is missing the top little drawer but I'd much rather have the fron and back pieces of glass

 

[HobbyHuntress]

Yea the top drawer that is missing was so dry rotted it basically crumbled. I'm assuming the screws are the only thing that aren't original. Unscrewing them won't ruin anything will it?

Also, I've read that these were behind the counter at old drug stores and you actually gave them your penny then they would let you pull the drawer(which is missing)

The wooden/glass ones are very rare and usually are missing the front or back glass... or the words are rubbed off.

I think I got lucky bc I have both sides of the glass and the words are near perfect.

Any other info will be appreciated.

Here is the back side

View attachment 1326635
View attachment 1326636

Removing the screws will not devalue it anymore than it already has been. In an ideal world, those monsters should have never been screwed in at all. It still has value, just not as much as one in original condition and definitely more than the $3 you paid! The new screw holes are too large and may need some filler prior to creating new holes. Woodcraft should have the screws you need. You may be able to find some fatter screws with a larger head to avoid any woodwork if you are not super confident with your woodworking skills. I haven't come across those screws yet, but then again, I haven't looked.

If it were me, I'd fill the holes and set the screws while the filler is still wet. Dried filler in a space that small will crack upon entry almost immediately. I'd keep it simple with Elmer's filler - it comes in a few colors and you can mix to get the right shade. I'd grab a tube of walnut and whatever the reddish brown one is called. Maybe the oak one too... just to be on the safe side.

You could easily recreate the drawer.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

The best way to deal with oversize screw holes is to shave off a couple slivers of wood with a razor blade and put them into the holes with a drop of wood glue. trim them flush and run your new screws in while the glue is still wet. Filler on old wood like that can cause discoloration in the finish

 

[kcm]

If it were me, I think I'd leave the screws just as they are now. They have an aged look to them that no newer screws will have.

I spent 26 years as a high-end woodworker, but mostly as a hobby. All of the "fixes" could be done, but it has definite appeal just as it is. Besides, you start messing with it and the old wood could split on you, or worse.

 

[AU Seeker]

I have over 40 years experience in all kinds of woodworking, starting from framing houses to millwork to now doing custom high end cabinets and furniture.

Looking at both examples, I would say these gumball devices never had screws in the hinges, these types of little hinges were and are quite common on small boxes, etc. and they used little nails to secure the hinges, on these gumball devices one nail per hinge leaf was remove the hole in the hinge drilled larger and replaced with the screws, due to the frequent opening and closing of the door the little nails just weren't sufficient enough to secure the hinges properly, especially as the wood drys out and the nails loose their grip on the wood fibers causing the hinges to get loose, as you can see there are still 2 nails in each hinge leaf.

 

[diggummup]

I just wonder why people are always posting thrift store and garage sale finds in this forum when we have forums specifically dedicated to those types of finds already? Especially this one, since this wasn't even a "what's it" asking for information, just a show and tell instead.

 

[TheTh3rd]

I just wonder why people are always posting thrift store and garage sale finds in this forum when we have forums specifically dedicated to those types of finds already? Especially this one, since this wasn't even a "what's it" asking for information, just a show and tell instead.

I just wonder why this thread has almost 500 views and no1 seemed to have a problem with it.

Everyone has been super helpful! ..... Other than one ole' grumpy fart

Plus, I originally posted it in "Todays Finds" and then it was moved to "What Is It"

If I were you I would contact a moderator������

 

[Deftone]

Have some common sense. You know it doesn't belong in this section.

 

[TheTh3rd]

Have some common sense. You know it doesn't belong in this section.

Please forgive me for using a public forum the wrong way.

 

[Deftone]

Ok cool! Now learn to mark it solved so 500 more people don't show up and it's just a brag piece!!11!!!