Expert: Rodger Knutson - 10/1/2006

Question
I have an old 1 cent Topper gumball machine that I need a key for.  Any ideas where I can find one?

Answer
Hi again Bob,

I have a vary nice lady here that is willing to help you with your key, Following is her response, but I didn't get her e-mail address so you could contact her. But, if you would answer this and give me your e-mail address, I will do my best in trying to forward it to her. Here is what she wrote me: Quote.........

There is a question waiting for you in the category of "Collectibles--General (Antiques)".

Subject: gumball machine key

Question:
Hi Rodger...The question about a key for a old Victor gumball machine key was on 10-1-2006.The subject was Victor Vending Key.My grandchildren were all home over the 4th...and when everyone left,the key to my old Topper gumball machine was gone.After searching for it,I went to the Internet and found your site,and saw this question from Bob who was also looking for a key.I later found out one of my grandsons had hid my key to "keep it safe"  because some of the other kids figured out they could open the machine and get a handful of gum balls.(No Penny's Required)Lucky for me,he remembered exactly where he hid the key...and after finding it I went and had copy's made.So I thought if Bob who, was looking for a key to his gum ball machine had not found one...if he would contact me with the kind of top and the decal...if it seemed the same,I would gladly send him a key.  Just a thought! Thanks,Carol

Thank You Bob, and the ball is in your court now.
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson

P.S. And to you Carol, you are a Top notch person, thank you so very much for offering to help Bob, people like you keep the love of life alive! I thank you. Rodger

Hi Bob,

Sorry but I really don't know about the keys, you could take it into a lock smith and have him make a key, it wouldn't be that expensive. Or look on ebay and do a search for Topper gum ball keys. I do see key sets for other coin p's sell there. My guess is that not just any key will fit yours, I would think that one route operator would have his own key combination. These are the only ideas I can come up with for you. Good luck......
Thank You
Rodger Knutson