forum.manleypopcornmachine.com

The M-46, M-47, M-48, M-49 have been difficult to determine the name associated with this model. Unlike the Aristocrat for example. I have run across a couple of ads that help explain the problem with names. From a 1946 ad, they referred to the M-46 as the MLT-46. Where MLT stood for Manley Life Time model. The life time model name was also used for the 1939 model. So the same name was used for multiple models.

From a 1949 ad, they referred to the M-49 as the Standard Model.

One of our Forum members purchased an M-Line model that had Model 28 on the ID tag. So, it appears that the M-Line was made after 1949. A model number that does not represent the year of manufacture would place the machines date after 1952.

Ross

when was the last manley made? 90's? 80's 70's ?

_________________
wise advice
No Smell........No Sell...
Keep your Elevator Moving! down and up
Manley Super Stadium 37
Manley Caramel Corn Cooker/Coater Model 119
Gold Medal Cotton Candy Model WhirlWind
Gold medal Hawaii's Finest Shave Ice Model 1024

According to the State of Missouri, the company was dissolved on May 22, 1990. Around 1992 or 1993 some of the assets of the company were sold off. My understanding is that they were fairly inactive towards the end. So, I would guess that the last popcorn machines were made during the late 1980s. At the moment, I do not have any specific information on when the last machine was made.

any pics of newer models?

_________________
wise advice
No Smell........No Sell...
Keep your Elevator Moving! down and up
Manley Super Stadium 37
Manley Caramel Corn Cooker/Coater Model 119
Gold Medal Cotton Candy Model WhirlWind
Gold medal Hawaii's Finest Shave Ice Model 1024

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.

Some of their industrial machines:

The very popular Model 315 for caramel corn:


A Model 419A:

Many of the later machines had the one-piece plastic top. This started around 1960. Here is a Model 126 Jewel with the one-piece plastic top: