Vendo 81 Appraisal

Vintage Coca-Cola Vendo 81 Bottle Vending Machine

This is a mid-century vintage Coca-Cola bottle vending machine, likely a Vendo 81 model from the 1950s. The unit features a steel cabinet construction finished in its iconic bright 'Coke Red' paint. Notable features include the white embossed 'Drink Coca-Cola In Bottles' lettering at the top and 'ICE COLD' lettering near the bottom kickplate. This particular unit has an unusual 'Say Pepsi please' decal affixed over the center, which is contradictory to the Coca-Cola branding and may be an aftermarket addition or a sign of historical brand conversion in a private setting. On the right side, there is a vertical glass product display window (bottle door) with a chrome handle, allowing users to see the inventory. A coin entry bezel and bottle opener are centrally located. The condition shows moderate wear consistent with age, including some surface scuffing, minor paint chipping, and potential patina on the chrome hardware. The paint appears to have some slight fading and minor scratches throughout. This style of machine is highly sought after by collectors for its rounded 'fridge-style' aesthetic and mechanical reliability. The build quality reflects the heavy-duty industrial standards of the 1950s American manufacturing era.