1950 U-POP-IT Popcorn Coin-Op Vending Machine

“ATTENTION MEMORABILIA ENTHUSIATS! This 1950's U-POP-IT Popcorn Machine is the first of it's of kind ever offered from the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection. The more research I've done the more I've learned how rare and valuable it is. As example, a new reproduction hotplate part for the inside is being advertised on eBay for $2,550.00! This example has been restored to show quality standards and I don't expect it to last long. – Marc Schiliro

This exciting 1950's U-POP-IT Popcorn Coin-Op Vending Machine is eye-catching with stylish design, color combination and bright lights. The 1950's U-POP-IT is a vintage coin-operated vending machine designed for arcades and fairs producing individual bags of hot popcorn for ten cents. These machines often feature a distinctive, functional design with top-mounted oil reservoir and kernel storage. The 1948 MINIT POP, 1950's U-POP-IT, 1950's THE POPCORN SHOP, 1950's PopMatiCorn and early 1960's POP-O-MATIC were coin operated popcorn machines from the mid 1940's to the mid 1950's. They provide not only great entertainment while popping an individual portion of popcorn but fantastic movie-theatre-quality tasting popcorn in just 1 minute. Over the years, manufacturing rights for the popcorn machine passed through a number of companies. The first manufacturer in 1948 was The Viking Tool and Machine Corporation of Belleville, New Jersey who called the machine MINIT POP. Rights to manufacture the machine were apparently sold to a company in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the late 1940's who changed the name to U-POP-IT. Sometime after that, it appears to have been sold again to another company in Minneapolis, Minnesota who changed the name yet again to THE POPCORN SHOP. It appears that this wasn't the end of the road for the popcorn machine design, as more modern styled cabinets probably from the late 1950's or early 1960's bearing unmistakable mechanics of the U-POP-IT type apparatus, red popcorn supply cup and all, this time called POP-O-MATIC. It was manufactured by a company called VENDOTRONICS of Lynbrook, New Jersey. This example was the product of a show quality restoration. This is a must have piece of Memorabilia for any collection! February of 2026 is the first time we've listed it for sale.

This example is absolutely stunning with unique design and brilliant color scheme. During the restoration process the original casing was stripped and prepped to be straight with no dings or dents. It was then refinished in the perhaps the most popular color scheme of red with a yellow door. The automotive grade paint is in beautiful condition and was recently detailed by the team at MS CLASSIC CARS. The front door frames an illuminated new glass advertisement that reads, “Popcorn – Hot and Delicious” at the top of the piece. The front door also frames new glass that showcases the internal components. The glass was decorated with a new “Watch it POP” decal and Instructions Tag. The three colored lights highlight the polished stainless steel parts. The yellow door trim pieces were also restored or replaced during the restoration process. The bottom of the machine is supported with chrome style blocks that reflect the overall quality and craftsmanship.