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Do you think this top sign is original? or an add on after the fact? Just curious I've never seen anything like it. Sign seems era correct.

         The sign was done by Pepsi, I had a machine similar many years ago.

Not a Pepsi guy, but that is a pretty sweet looking machine.

Like that machine.

Definetly one of the better looking pepsi machines.  You buy it or looking to buy it?

I saw that machine also on CL. Forgot where or price. Just a converted Coke machine, if it was a embossed Pepsi there would be no need to put the sign over it. Does look cool though.

He wants 1700.00. He says its in perfect original condition. I like the unique machines so this caught my eye. I may be interested at a better price. Moondawg said he's had one before so It makes me think it could possibly be a original pepsi with a special eye catching top. Maybe they added the sign because the embosed top was not catching people attention. This top does for sure. Mygoose101 That also makes sense that it is covering a embosed Coca Cola under there but it doesn't look repainted. You may think different after seeing these pics or you might see something I missed.

        Coke never embossed 33's and this one has never been red. Remove the sign and it's just another 33.

        When you first posted the pic. I thought it had been repainted and had too many decals applied.

        Now I would place a higher value on the originality than the sign.

        He will probably sell it to you for your price, since if most people are going to spend $1000.00 or more on an antique soda machine, they want to use it. This one only vends small Coke bottles.

        Very nice original!
     

Thanks Glen. I didn't even realize they were never embossed. So if that is the case there would be no need to cover up a coca cola decal so this is an original sign. Knowing the machine and sign are original does make it very appealing to me. The sign must have been put on to attract extra attention. I think I may give him a call. Thanks for helping me figure that out.

One cool looking machine!

what was 10 cent? (a coke? LOL) and what was 3 cents?   Can't make it out from the pic

Not exactly sure. I was a little confused myself. I wasn't able to get a hold of him today. Going to try tomorrow. I'll let you know.

3 cents is probably the deposit on the bottle if taken from the location

Yup, 3 cents is the bottle  taken charge

Thanks guys. I was a wondering what that was all about.

nice looking machine

I will be the minority here
ack...ack..ack..

never was a fan of the Pepsi Baby blue, or the Choice vend marquis.  It is a nice looking machine condition wise, personally, I'd run

Really??I think it sets it apart from boring, especially the sign. What do you guys think of 1200.00? Haven't bought it yet. Just thinking??? He said its paint is great only one scratch. He said drum has flaps that are broken. Not sure what that means...

I like it and if i had the chance to buy it I would... That's no endorsement though because I'd buy most of the stuff you guys post...

This one though is cute. even Mrs B likes it.

I'm not really fond of it myself,  I prefer the standard 33 or embossed versions.  That just looks like an after thought to me. 

Well its nice to hear both opinions. Thanks for your input. I do agree about the afterthought but I think that's why I like it more. Pepsi must have felt the lettered versions weren't attracting enough attention so they decided this was a better alternative. Anything to beat out Coke is what I'm sure they were thinking. I'm bored with the regular everyday machines I see on ebay and craigslist. It's only after looking for an hour I find one or two unique machines I may be interested in. You can find several 33's listed everyday but nothing that sets them apart. This one has that eye appeal the other ones don't. Not sure If I should pull the trigger or save money for Chicago. Hmmm. Tuff call

Sounds like you like the machine so go for it. $1,200 is fair, perhaps you can get it for less when you're there. Nice looking machine.

I've seen a few of these like this over the years, I also seen a 7up one a few weeks ago on my GA trip. My thoughts this was done by the bottling companies to update the look of the 1950s machines into the more modern look of the 1960s machines. The plastic pepsi sign on this one is the same that was used on early transitional square top machines.


Joey

Only problem is I have to pay shipping on top of that which I'm thinking is 350.00-400.00. I think it would be at my house already if it was local. Cokeandstuff that is an interesting point maybe it was just to freshin up an old look. I bet you are correct.

Then again the serial number says its a 1954 and this guy said his uncle had it since new and nothing has been changed. So the theory of it being updated to 60's style goes out the window. I would have believed that to be the case if the serial number came back as late 50's.. Not sure If I'll ever figure it out.

I wouldn't assume the uncle story is correct....I can't tell you how many times I've gone to look at original machines and there is paint overspray everywhere...and the seller says they have had it since day one...just happened the other day. This guy is selling a Vendo 81D and it's all red- overspray everywhere and I explain it to him and he still insists its original and never been painted...when I looked closer at the pictures you can easily see the overspray.
I'm not saying someone isn't being truthful...but memories fade, etc.

I personally have never seen a unrestored original Pepsi round top machine in the light blue color. I have seen some refurbished and restored ones though. The light blue was a image change that was used in the early 1960s. I did a google search for the light refreshment slogan and it was used from 1950-1963.

Joey

Three weeks ago I saw a machine that is virtually identical and in amazing shape.   It's in the same city as the one pictured is this post.     The seller wanted $1500 however I chose not to purchase.   I have no doubt these machines came this way from the factory and were never coke red.    The sign is attached to the door with tons of rivets.  
        

I here ya guys I've run into that as well with people saying it's all original when its not even close. Thats what I'm afraid of here. It's so tuff to tell from pictures. Thats why I like to get everyones opinion because sometimes they point out something you miss. GreenMo did you personally see the machine?

        That paint is original, at least on the insides....it was never dark blue or red.

        At some point Pepsi may have experimented with a new color scheme and a run of these may have been produced?

        The rivets only hold the sign together, the entire sign is held in by the bottle chute bezel and screws behind the door gasket.

I have not seen the exact one you posted however I did see one that is identical.  Interesting there are two very similar 33s in Denver.  The guy wants $1500.  It is very clean only missing the key.   I did spend some time looking at it.  I've seen plenty machines that were hijacked and re-branded, this it was not one of those.   It is in my opinion these machines  are completely original and came that way from the factory.   As i said before the sign is securely attached to the machine. It would be a chore to remove.
  BTW- The door inside liner had a 1/4" hole near the top which i suspect someone drilled to get an inside view of the area that might have been embossed with the Pepsi logo.   Hopes this helps.     

1500 That's too much!

I'm sure most here have see a pic or in person a Jacobs 56 done in that baby blue colour.
maybe it was a choice Pepsi made to test out that look?

I have three 33's painted that same light blue right now. These were all non embossed coke machines hyjacked by Pepsi.

I'm still waiting for him to send some more close up pictures.