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American Mid-Century Period Vendo 39-K Coca-Cola Vending Machine
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Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Ever wonder what a 6-cent soda machine looked like? This is a classic American Mid-Century Vendo 39-K Coca-Cola vending machine. Its iconic red enamel and '6¢' price point instantly date it to the mid-1950s. Authentic and unrestored, its original patina tells a story of decades of use. Highly sought after by collectors of Americana and vintage advertising. A true piece of history. What's your favorite vintage collectible?
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Item Report
American Mid-Century Period Vendo 39-K Coca-Cola Vending Machine
By:The Vendo Company, Kansas City, Missouri (with refrigeration unit by Cavalier Corporation)
Style:Mid-Century American
Origin:United States
Materials:Painted steel, various metals for internal mechanisms, refrigeration components
Age:Circa 1955-1959
Condition:Good (unrestored, with significant paint loss, scratches, and surface wear consistent with age and use)
Maker's Marks / Writing:DRINK Coca-Cola IN BOTTLES, 6¢, ICE COLD, OPEN DOOR, SOLD OUT, COIN RETURN, BOTTLE OPENER. Nameplates: THE Vendo COMPANY - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI (Model No. 39-K, Serial No. 204739K); CAVALIER CORPORATION - CHATTANOOGA, TENN. (Ser. No. 30957 585, Mod. CAV-871).
Date:2026-07-01 00:11:39.143015
Description:
A classic American Mid-Century period Vendo 39-K Coca-Cola vending machine, featuring its original red painted steel body with white 'DRINK Coca-Cola IN BOTTLES' lettering and a '6¢' price indicator. The machine includes a coin slot, bottle opener, and internal rotating bottle rack. It shows significant wear and original patina.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is an authentic and iconic piece of American industrial design and advertising history. The Vendo 39-K is a desirable model for collectors, and its unrestored condition with visible patina is often preferred by those who appreciate original character. The 6-cent price point is a key indicator of its mid-1950s production, making it a significant collectible.
Individual Images:
whole vending machine front view
detail of coin mechanism interior
front upper half of vending machine
detail of Vendo nameplate
detail of Cavalier refrigeration unit nameplate
interior view with door open
detail of bottle opener and coin return
detail of coin slot and 'OPEN DOOR' handle
Provenance:
N/A
Condition:
Good (unrestored, with significant paint loss, scratches, and surface wear consistent with age and use)
Identification Score: 100%
The item is clearly identified by its prominent Coca-Cola branding, distinct design, and visible manufacturer's nameplate (Vendo 39-K) and refrigeration unit nameplate (Cavalier Corporation).
Authenticity Score: 95%
The design, materials, visible wear, and manufacturer's plates are all consistent with an authentic Vendo 39-K vending machine from the mid-1950s. The patina and signs of age further support its authenticity as a period piece. The slight deduction is only due to not being able to physically inspect the item.
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