Interestingly, I have more information on the models for the 1946-1955. Manley placed many advertisements about their machines, including the different models. Also, the Owner’s Manuals were better during this period. They were actually a manual with a cover. Later versions become mimeographed sheets of paper stapled together and only included the bare essentials.
Another factor is that Manley changed the markets that they served. Starting in 1925 when Charles T. Manley perfected his electric popcorn machine they targeted movie theaters. Until this point in time popcorn was cooked using gas and was primarily limited to being popped outside. His electric popcorn machine allowed the popcorn machine to come into the movie theater. Manley dominated this market during the 1940s. The most common model that I see is the M-47, made in 1947. This reflects the new model, the end of WWII, and the success of movie theaters during this period. During the late 1940s, 7 out of 10 movie theaters that had a popcorn machine had a Manley.
Manley continued to target this market heavily through the early 1950s. As the Movie Theater market changed, so did Manley’s markets. The 1950s saw Manley market to the Drive-In Theater. This included adding several items to the product line, including soft drink machines, hot-dog rollers, and counters. The 1960s saw them look to the schools and industrial popcorn machines. At some point in the 1960s or 1970s they made custom counters for concession stands. They also operated several concession stands and made caramel corn to sell.
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