Story Behind the Altoids Gum Ball Machine

You might recognize this gem from a recent Friday finds. I stumbled upon this Altoids gum ball machine in the back of a thrift store without a price tag. No question I wanted to bring it to The Mustache Cat, after haggling a bit (not common at thrift stores) we loaded it in the car.

Soon to find out I did not have keys to access the gum balls or the quarters used to pay for previous gum ball. Who wants a who-knows-how-old gum ball?!

So begins the journey of finding a company to help me find a key… from locksmiths 🗝to vending machine companies back to locksmiths. Eventually found a local Saint Paul locksmith who cracked the code!

Come by the shop to see this beauty soon.