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1940-50s Universal Vendors Candy Vending Machine

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 500.00 USD
1940-50s Universal Vendors Candy Vending Machine
Featured in this lot is this 1940s-50s Universal Vendors, Inc. coin operated candy vending machine made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Irving Holzman and Seymour Weinstein established Universal Vendors, Inc. in Philadelphia in 1935. In the years preceding World War II, cigarette vending machines were becoming more and more popular, so the company initially concentrated on making them. These machines were created with a variety of cutting-edge features, including coin validators and multi-selection options, to be strong, dependable, and secure. The company Universal Vendors, Inc. shifted its emphasis to manufacturing vending machines for the military during the war, including machines that provided cigarettes and other small items to soldiers stationed abroad. These devices could withstand harsh conditions and rough handling and were often lightweight and portable. After the war, Universal Vendors, Inc. started making vending machines again for the civilian market and added candy, soft drink, and snack machines to its lineup of products. The company Universal Vendors, Inc. introduced new features like digital displays and multiple price options throughout the 1950s and 1960s as it continued to innovate and broaden its product line. In order to make sure that its products were widely accessible and well-supported, the company also established a network of distributors and service facilities across the United States. The MCA Corporation, a major producer of movies, television programs, and music, bought Universal Vendors, Inc. in the late 1960s. Universal Vendors, Inc. produced jukeboxes and other entertainment machines while it was owned by MCA, but it also continued to make vending machines and other coin-operated equipment. In the late 1980s, the company gradually went out of business. The vending machine shows a white, tan and brown color scheme and reads, "Candy" in white lettering on the glass towards the top. The vending machine features 9 slots for different items and corresponding red handles below, to choose what you would like. To the right of where the products would sit, it reads, "Universal Vendors Inc. Philadelphia 3, PA / Model M9" in red lettering. Below that it reads "Coin Return" in red lettering as well and is pointing to the white handle. Next to the coin slot it reads, "Nickels or Dimes" in red lettering. The vending machine is in good overall condition with some wear from its vintage age and years of use. No obvious signs of damage are noted. The machine has not been tested for functionality. The machine measures 13 1/4" L x 25" W x 55 5/8" H.