Ford Gum Machine Serial Numbers
Gumball Machine Parts and Accessories. Gumball Machine Parts and Bulk Vending Machine Accessories for sale. We carry a complete line of candy machine and gumball. Vintage late '50s or early '60s Ford Gumball Machine in action!
Two years later Ford’s father, Wallace N. Mason, was issued a Patent for “new and useful Improvements in Vending Machines.” In 1934 after years of successful business gained Ford a favorable reputation, he moved his company to Lockport, New York and renamed the company: Ford Gum & Machine Co. The new headquarters housed the manufacturing operation for the machines and gumballs. Continuing his custom of combining integrity with innovation, Ford sought out a new marketing technique during the height of the great depression.
(Click on image to enlarge it) All of the machines pictured on this page are 100% original. I no longer own all of them. Many thanks to Erick Johnson and Victor Cole for their critical review and content suggestions. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ©Small Vintage Vending 2015.
I know this is an old Ford Gumball machine. I know the Ford Gumball Machine Co. Changed hands 4 or five times since it first started in the early 1900's. There was a short period in all this time where the company kept producing, but there is not any info I can find on who was running it. I collected these machines for many years, and even had serial #000101 of the first 150 made that were giver to special friends of Mr.
The serial number of 399621 dates this machine to 1959 or 1960 according to Silent Salesmen Too. The front tag lists the manufacturer as Ford Gum and Machine Co., Inc., of Akron, NY. I've been told by several people that Ford would give a route owner one of these for every so many machines he bought, and if that's true then this is essentially a premium. I've seen Fords replated in copper, so be careful when buying. Correct locks on most (and perhaps even all) Fords are Chicago locks, especially if they have 'Ford' embossed onto the side of the lock, and the later-style Corbin locks with the key insert on the bottom of the lock. You can see pictures of other Fords below, in somewhat-chronological order.
The fifth machine is like the fourth except for the chrome finish on the body and the slug rejector. This also has no serial number, but the front tag lists the company as Ford Gum and Machine Co., Inc., of Lockport, NY and Akron, NY. I have trouble dating this machine because Silent Salesmen Too implies that Ford moved from Lockport to Akron in 1950, yet the dish on the front suggests that this machine is earlier than that. Ford may have made the dished version longer than I think they did. The decal on this is a generic decal that mentions 'gum' but not 'Ford.' I doubt that it's rare, but I've not seen another one like it. The sixth machine is a painted version whose front tag lists the company as Ford Gum and Machine Co., Inc., of Lockport, NY and Akron, NY.
I would imagine that parts wouldn't be hard to come by since they made the same machine for over 50 years. 
These things were still a regular sight into the 1990s and I seem to remember seeing both gumballs and chicle gum in them. Not sure if they require different setups for each. _________________ Tom PM me for my email address. Nothing special about them except pay attention to the springs and make sure the ends are intact. Sometimes the ends of the springs get weak and the mech. Fb photo auto liker.
However, the serial number of 314969 dates the machine to the early 1950's, which is what I'd thought before talking to the distributor or getting the other collector's opinion. Based on everything I've heard and read, I still think early 1950's is right on this one. I like the body on this---the painted styles just have more character---but the unique feature on this example is the marquee.
The large Kiwanis Club display in the fourth picture is made to frame a machine as shown, although I doubt the machines used in the displays typically had slug rejectors. I know of 2 of examples of this display, this being one of them. (Click on image to enlarge it) All of the machines pictured on this page are 100% original. I no longer own all of them. Many thanks to Erick Johnson and Victor Cole for their critical review and content suggestions.
Ford Gum Machine Serial Numbers
I nformation/Order Desk (toll free) 888-468-0210 or 623-200-4288 > Parts Parts Free Shipping! We specialize in carrying parts for the following gumball machines: A&A Machines, Ashland Machines, Astro Machines, Beaver Machines, Carousel Machines, Eagle Machines, Ford Machines, Gas Pumper Machines, Kinetic Machines, Komet Machines, LYPC Machines, Northwestern Machines, Oak/Acorn/Vista Machines, OK Industries, PM Series, Silent Sales Force, U-Turns, Ultra Vend, Victor Machines, Wizard Spiral Machines Parts for various other machines are also available. If you have a vending machine that is in need of repair or in need of replacement parts, please and we will get right back to you with an estimate of approximate costs.
This revolutionary infusion of business with charity gave potential customers more than one reason to purchase Ford Gum. In the 1950’s Ronald Reagan was commissioned to record radio promotions.
My kids love it. Comments •, 7 years ago thanks Bellin •, 7 years ago thanks kerry •, 7 years ago thanks pickingupbones •, 7 years ago Nice! Dos the tag say Lockport or Akron NY? My wifes Grandma worked at the Lockport Ford Gumball factory back in the day. •, 7 years ago EJW, mine is from Akron. I really like this thing. My kids have had a blast the last couple days getting gum out of this.
The altruistic tactic employed by Ford distinguished the brand by giving customers the ability to assist charitable endeavors while enjoying their product. If Ford Gum’s history of adaptation and growth foreshadow anything about their future as a business, they could continue to produce delicious gum for another 100 years. Here is some historical reporting of the Ford Gum Factory shown through terrible video quality: Click to. To read the official version of the History of Ford Gum () to visit the company website. • Resources • • • • • • Get In Touch • • • • • • • Follow us • • • • • • • Stay updated.
The story I got with the marquee was that Ford did not glue their marquees down at first, but instead strapped them to the globes using wires, springs, and a retaining collar at the bottom. You can clearly see the set-up. I once saw one diagrammed in an old Ford catalog so I know it's legitimate.