AboutChad Boekelheide Expertise I'm an expert on coin operated machines. I can answer questions on slot machines, gumball & peanut machines, jukeboxes, arcade machines, pinball machines, gambling machines and any other device that operates with a coin. I have a couple hundred machines in my collection and have seen hundreds of others while traveling across the country and going to antique shows. I can give an appraisal on your item, but please send a picture if possible so I can give you accurate information. You can send pictures to me at buck@nvc.net
Experience I've been a serious collector for many years. Many of my machines can be viewed on my website. www.chadscoinop.com
Expert: Chad Boekelheide Date: 7/17/2007 Subject: King Carousel Gumball Machine
Question I work with high school kids and thought it would be fun to have a gumball machine. Since the new ones in stores are all plastic, I have been looking in antique stores. I found one in great condition, filled it with gumballs, the kids love it, but now I realize I can't get the pennies out! Can you tell me how to open it?
Thank you so much for any help you can give me.
Beth Hoffman
Answer Beth,
I'm not exactly sure how a Carousel opens. Does it have a lock on the top of the lid or the bottom of the machine. All of my antique gumball machines open by removing the lid or the bottom. Any that were used on a location had to be locked so a key would be necessary. If you don't have a key, the best bet is to have a locksmith pick it open.
Good Luck,
Chad
www.chadscoinop.com