Posted 9 years ago
RuffinMorr…
(1 item)
Hello, I recently inherited this vintage looking 10 cent coca-cola vendo machine, and I was just hoping to gain some information about what I have.
It's clearly not in great condition, but I've searched around a bit online and haven't been able to find another machine that matches mine exactly. The machine I have also has what appears to be a water fountain attached. I don't know if it is intended for water, or if that was for cola similar to how bars use soda guns today.
I can see the latch at the top is to open and receive the cola bottle.
I'm not sure if the coin slot at the top is operational. I haven't tested it at all.
Just curious if anyone can give me any more information on this item. Would certainly be appreciated.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Thank you for your help sir! The water fountain addition is what was throwing me off. I have no information of the machines previous history or shop owners.
Are there collectors or restorers that would be interested in an item like this? or by now is it a pile of metal?
Love the look of this machine. I think the add on fountain just adds to its charm and originality. A Coca Cola purist collector may frown upon the changes. But I think it is awesome. A great conversation piece. Either way, if u keep it or pass it on I'm sure it will hold some value. Good luck with it.... J.Diggs
The top is called a Vendo Model 123. Vendo manufactured the lid with coin mechanism as a conversion to be added to any Westinghouse or Cavalier made Ice or Electric equivalent size cooler cabinet. This modification allowed the owner to charge at point of vend, instead of the customer taking a Coke and paying at the counter (as originally designed). Also, the drinking fountain attachment may have been an extra option designed for this specific use (fit looks pretty good). Will cost an arm and leg to have restored and maintain, but mega-enjoyment. It is desirable for those "do it yourself'ers", because it's small and has good bones. But I'm guessing most of the value is in the Vendo top. The coin mechanism by itself has some value.
http://www.vintagevending.com/vendo-spin-top-junior-soda-vending-machine
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coca-Cola-6-Cent-Vendo-Standard-top-NOS-condition-Embossed-and-completely-orig-/370615540478?rmvSB=true&nma=true&si=4V38YiuTwFt4vQ70%252BphBXIwIcww%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
https://www.google.com/search?q=vendo+model+123&biw=1024&bih=492&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=wLWpVNSND8uqNqLVgdAK&ved=0CCoQsAQ#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=WVhgbeV6GBXFWM%253A%3BeD0cld-sNGuObM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.vintagevending.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2009%252F10%252Fvendo_ad.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.vintagevending.com%252F%253Fs%253Dcooler%2526feed%253Drss2%3B455%3B600
WOW Daddy! never known you to say so much! LOL! Nice item if handled the right way. Don't go to Rick's Restorations or he will charge probably 3 times what it's worth! LOL!!!
That Vendo "Red Top" was an interesting invention. Made to convert existing hinged open lid coolers and apparently Vendo purchased coolers from Westinghouse to sell complete units. Somebody had a good idea back then.
I just came across this post. Very interesting. I was actually searching for the value of the coin mechanism being that I have one in good condition and in working order. Sadly the near perfect machine itself was disposed of by a not so bright employee during a clean up of office storage space because the machine was dirty from some 40 yrs of storage... Some people's children!
Unique machine you have/had there. Would be a great conversation piece. Restored or not.