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1940s Coca Cola Rare 6-Cent Machine

1940s Coca Cola Rare 6-Cent Machine

This amazing Coca Cola machine dates from the mid-1940’s, and is an extremely unusual F.L. Jacobs Co. 6-cent design. Around 1940, Jacobs first produced their elegant and very distinctive machines, often termed “mailbox style”, due to their size and arched top, resembling postal boxes. Jacobs was one of the very few companies permitted to manufacture their equipment during World War II, since caffeinated Coca-Cola was so popular with workers in defense plants. This compressor-equipped fully refrigerated machine is painted in original Coca-Cola red, with white lettering. The word “Coke”, first used in 1941, appears on one side. A nameplate affixed to the lower back states “F.L. Jacobs Co., Indianapolis, Indiana. Model JSC-160, Serial # 10887B.” Coin slots, operating levers and opener are all located on the left side of the unit; the front is plain, with “Drink Coca-Cola” in large white letters near the top. There is a standard slot for a nickel, the cost of a bottle at the time, but on this rare machine, a second slot has been added, accepting one cent for the bottle deposit, with a separate mechanism and key lock. It is likely the unit was of very limited production, possibly a transitional model, or even a prototype, since the deposit box has been mounted or retrofitted over some of the original white lettering. A large “6-cent” decal appears above the slot. In 1950, Jacobs relocated to Michigan, and ceased operations in 1953. This extraordinary machine is 100% original, in great condition, and is still working. Due to their design and weight, “mailbox” machines are often found with large dents on their tops and sides, which this machine is entirely free of. Condition overall is superb, with only minor wear and paint loss. There is a bit of loss to decals here and there, attributable to the age and use, as would be expected for a unit in original condition, and helps prove the machine has never been repainted.


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