Posted 8 years ago
Golfgibson
(1 item)
I recently purchased this chest from a dealer and love it. I was told it was a late 30's Westinghouse chest, but cannot find any markings. All parts appear to be original and the paint is in pretty good shape. It is missing the cap catcher, however.
Does anyone know if there should be markings or if they were even included at time of manufacturing? I like the vintage look vs complete restore. Anyone have opinions on these?
Actually found the raised numbers and letters T-38-1 on the front inside panel of cooler. Anyone knows what this might represent?
Nice one! Here's a helpful resource put together by our old CW buddy toolboxted:
https://sites.google.com/site/idcocacolachestmachines193459/home
Great link, Daddy! Looks like the "T" represents Tennessee Furniture Co and "38" was the year manufactured. The "1" was apparently the month. Mine also appears to have original cap puller. Does anyone know if the Tenn Furniture models are any more rarer than the Westinghouse ones from this date period?
The makers are equivalent, all things being considered equal. Westinghouse started making the Coke ice coolers in the early 30's, Cavalier within a couple years after. So Westy's were first and of course, with the name recognition, some may argue giving the edge there. But any edge one way or the other would be slight and dependent on collector's preference.