Posted 8 years ago
wxtoo
(1 item)
Could really use some help here. This gumball machine was purchased about 40 years ago by my mother, and she left it to me when she passed away. It is a Columbus machine, size 8. It has the barrel locks (and keys) on both the top and bottom, and is made of iron. Worked great. I don't know how to identify it, otherwise, and really know nothing more about it, but I distinctly remember it coming home and the circumstances in which my mom purchased it. We are a military family and lo and behold, the packers broke it. The claim reps say a replacement globe can be purchased for $109, but any replacement globe won't have the stickers on it, like this one did. Not only that, but the cheapest one I can find is $156 without stickers. Can anyone help me by telling me how replacing the globe will affect its value? I'm not truly interested in knowing it, except to collect what we are owed. This machine did have quite a sentimental value to me - now, not so much, because it will never be the same. Would appreciate any help or even a direction to go to have it appraised. Thanks!
What a shame. You can check ebay. You never know what will turn up.
https://antiquegumball.com/parts/index.htm
It's a bit expensive but there are probably others. Your Columbus #8 is on that page.