Expert: Rodger Knutson - 9/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Rodger,  I acknowledge your self-proclaimed lack of expertise, but I really liked your answer to the Pepsi machine guy who was not appreciative at all of your efforts.  On the other hand, I would appreciate anything you can tell me about my machine.

I have photos I will send tomorrow, but the digital camera is in the car and I don't want to go out in the dark!

Anyway, my dispenser is a Model 55B, and the serial number is on the plate--it is not the 2G number the last guy gave.  Anyway, the Serial No. is 11664, Patent No. 2174712.  It is painted yellow (original paint) and advertises Dad's Root Beer on the front and Mission Orange on the sides.  I have all the "boxes"--coin, bottle cap "catcher" and even a box that makes change!  I have the keys to empty the coin box, the key that opens up the side door to fill.  The last patent date on the coin mechanism is 12/31/40, so I'm guessing it was built around 1940--yes? maybe?

Measuring the unit itself (without extending out to the boxes hanging on the sides) it is 33.5 inches wide, 18.5 inches deep and 39.75 inches floor to top not including the height of the handle on the stainless steel lid.

It runs on 110 and runs like a champ!  We used to use it all the time for soda when the kids were teenagers.  The coin mechanism also runs like a champ.

Please keep this question private until I can send the photos, OK?  Thanks a bunch.  Sheila

ANSWER: Hi Sheila,

I'll be e-mailing some information on you slider to your e-mail address, Looks Like you have yourself a PRIZE there! Way to go!......
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson

Hi Sheila,
Well I am a little gun shy but I did receive you photo's and will get back to you on you pop machine, it sure looks to be in real nice shape, it's a real prize in my opinion! Expect a answer real soon as I have to do a little research on it.
Thank You for your kind words.
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson

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QUESTION: Dear Rodger,

Thanks again for your effort and the info on my Dad's RB Dispenser.

I was wondering if you might have an idea of value and where I might shop the machine around.

As before, I look forward to any info you can send regarding value/market.

Sheila

ANSWER: Hi Sheila, Did you get the e-mail I sent you with contact information for the author of the book?
I am sure I sent it to you but I see this question is still here for me to answer.
Thank You
Rodger

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Rodger, all I received was two attachments which I guess are pages from a book you are making reference to now.  I did not receive any info on the book from which those pages came.  I would appreciate the name of the book, the author, the ISBN number if possible---just anything at all about this book.  Once again, Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
The book is "Classic Soda Machines" 3rd edition by Jeff Walters. His address is: P.O. Box 93, Pollock Pines California 95726. There is no ISBN number that I can find but it is Published by Retro Publishing under the same address. Use Jeff Walters if you want to write the author. If you read the two attachment I sent you you will see he sounded real interested in your type of soda machine.
Thank You
Rodger