Balling our eyes out over this beauty

Also snatched up at SJS's auction in Manns Choice, PA, was this stunner of a gumball machine created by Parkway Machine Corp. in Baltimore. Our parting dollars? 35 clams as they'd say in the olden days. We're not sure how much it's valued for or what decade this sweet contraption hails from, but despite its stacked years, it's practically in mint condition. The knockout red paint itself is something to marvel over with its smooth and lustrous surface that's barely seen a scratch. A thick cursive type is engraved upon the heavy-duty glass. Inside, are the manly mechanisms that get this baby churning. Our educated guess is that it welcomes a coin of any price since we don't detect any numbers or cent signs etched anywhere on the machine. We love the "churck, churck, churck" sound it releases when we turn the key. It's a nostalgic and soothing sound. I wonder what we should fill this machine with? Traditional gumballs? Jelly beans? Mike and Ikes? Maybe unconventional wasabi peas?

-Matt and Dani

Getting back on track

After a three-month winter lull, Retro Confidential has vowed to get back on track with posting our vintage objects of affection and discussing all things throwback. How fitting that we'd like to re-enter the spotlight so to speak by introducing this eye-popping wind-up roller coaster from circa 1940s. A whimsical toy like this set us back about $100 at SJS's auction in Manns Choice, PA. The pertinent cars and belt may be missing from the tracks, but the vibrant colors and charming illustrations are enough to keep our attention. Plus, significant elements like the key and bell are kept intact (notice the image of the creepy clownish face below, grinning from ear to ear.) Created by an American toy manufacturer called J. Chein and Company, this amusement park fixture is trimmed with all the essential vendors and attractions: a side show, hot dog stand, shooting gallery, salt water taffy shop and "play baby doll" game. We'd also love to hone in on the faux cobblestones painted on the bottom. Though it's slightly tarnished, this roller coaster still looks pretty slick. If it came equipped with the cars and belt, this miniature attraction fetches a value of $350. Enjoy the ride!

-Matt and Dani 

Ants in the Plants?

I found this box of Valentine's Day cards at a small auction in Jennerstown, PA. As this was my first time at this particular auction, this gem was definitely not something I would expect to find. After a brief bidding war with an Antique store owner, I walked away with 10 of these cards for $14. I have no idea what I will do with them, unless Dani wants the same Valentine's Day card for the next decade!

-Matt