Serial numbers

[BrianS]

I've seen a number of posts about different model serial numbers, but none seems to address the V-56.  Several comments indicated that the first digit represents the year and the next 2 indicate the month, but the 56 was made in '58 & '59 and my SN is 13064a56a.  I am guessing that there is no date coding associated with this, but maybe it is a count of some sort?  Machine number 13,064?  Also, I have a V-39 that no longer has the original ID tag.  Assuming the compressor is still the original unit, is there any correlation to the compressor tag that might be date related? 

[collecture]

Other than what is listed here, it is all speculation IMO -

http://soda-machines.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=94&Itemid=61

Open file "Vendo Serials 46-59"

Compressor tags usually have nothing to ID the machine they're in.

[Creighton]

Best I can tell Vendo RT-56 production started in late 1957. The "decoder" charts fall short on this model.
The "other" site logged SN#'s but I could never get a copy of that database. Or even a response on a request for same. Oh well....

Mine is:
Model: 56A
Serial #: 7905 A5 6A

Could very well be a running count. Mine is vend for 10 cent's change giver. Solid bottle door.
Never have seen a tag for a glass door machine.
Creighton
 

[BrianS]

Creighton,

I guess we can start our own database, but not worth much with only 2 machines in the list

Mine is a 10 cent, nonchange giver, with a glass door

I did notice that the tag indicates it is a Vendo machine, manufacturered by the Vendorlator company.  I would assume that Vendorlator would use a completely different Serial scheme than Vendo did.  I'm going to asume that the "running count" is the most reasonable.   Tom, thanks for the link to the file.  I had seen that document and have saved a copy of it, its agreat resource.  I found it odd that the 56 is not included in the models on that list.  Any idea how many of this model were manufactured?

[Creighton]

Brian,
Well a database must start with something :-)  Hope others will post SN#'s.
Appears the A5 6A does not denote much. Change mech /Door or otherwise.
Mine also has mfg. Vendorlator on the tag.
No idea how many were made. Only gauge I have is how many turn up for sale. Far less than 81's or 110's.
Put a can rack in mine and it is a great machine. Gets to live in the kitchen. With full SWMBO approval.
Creighton