Coca-Cola - Vending machine - Cavalier - Cavalier Corporation

Beautiful vintage Coca-Cola vending machine for glass bottles, presumably produced between the late 1940s and early 1950s by the American company Cavalier Corporation. The upright design with rounded corners, the raised inscription “Drink Coca-Cola in Bottles” and the classic wording “ICE COLD” recall the most iconic models of the era of American vending machines.

The machine features an original red-painted metal frame, with front door, mechanical coin slot and internal area complete with bottle-holding columns. Inside there is still the dispensing mechanism and the selector/coin mech labeled NRI (National Rejectors Inc.), a component typical of American vending machines of the period.

Dimensions are approximately:
64 x 60 x H 164 cm

Conditions esthetic:
the vending machine presents in good overall conservative condition, with strong stage presence and an excellent vintage patina. However there are signs of wear and use, including:
scratches and abrasions on the paint
small dents and oxidation spots
touch-ups and probable repainting carried out over time
wear on the lower parts and edges
marks and opacity on the chrome parts and coin slot

Functional conditions:
the machine is sold as a collectible/vintage décor item and has not been tested for operation. From the images it would seem fairly complete internally, but some mechanical, electrical or refrigerant components necessary to make it functional again or restore it professionally might be missing. A technical check by a restorer specialized in vintage vending machines is therefore advisable.

This type of Coca-Cola vending machines produced by Cavalier Corporation is today highly sought after by collectors, enthusiasts of American automobilia, retro-themed venues, showrooms and industrial/vintage furnishings.