Pearl Automatic vending machine date ?

[widget2k4]

I have just restored a few of these Pearl vending machines and think they are a lovely vendor but wondered if anyone knew the date they were made etc.
I have contacted Pascalls and they don't have a clue what I'm on about and have never heard of Pearl Drops even though they made them.
I'm thinking 1930s but could be miles off.
I have included poor photos of them when I got them, sorry for the quality - it's all I have. I won't put on the restored versions, as I know what some people are like with restored stuff and don't like it.

[treefrog]

I would have said '30s sounds about right or late '20s.

They seem to come up in batches and two or three came up on eBay not long ago, including the black one you have. Never owned one, but look the part. A few sold at the Elephant over the years and the below one sold in 2013 in restored condition, which looked pretty good for 200 quid.....

[widget2k4]

200 was cheap for that, I wish mine was that cheap.
My restoration looks nothing like that. Did they even make one like that?

[ilovemyjukebox]

I have a picture of one that seems to suggest late '20s, early '30s. It's in a row of machines at a railway station.

To my knowledge they made three different types: Pearl Drops, Ambrosia Devon Milk and Clear Drops.
I have a good original Pearl Drop and a poorer original Devon Milk. As you say, they are lovely substantial machines. With a gravity operation.
Would love to purchase a good original version of the Devon Milk or Clear Drop if anyone has one for sale...
In fact would love to buy any original Sweet Vending Machine.

Dave

[gameswat]

I have this design by Brecknell, Munro & Rogers Ltd that is for a shape that I have assumed was an early version of the same machine, Registered in Australia in Aug 1927. And an all original machine that came up for auction here in Perth in 1994.

[widget2k4]

Well here is mine. I had to design them just going off pictures, so I tried my best. I wasn't lucky enough to get one to be left in original condition.
I know it looks new and shiny and modern but I like them.
They are not quite back together yet neither.
And thanks for the information - much appreciated. I think we can safely say late '20s.

[ilovemyjukebox]

I think you have done a great job. My Devonshire Milk is probably too far gone now so might just get motivated to have a go at restoring mine.
May need to come to you in the near future..

Dave

[special when lit]

They look great. Love the Pearl Drops one.

[widget2k4]

thank you

and dave no problem mate give me a shout.
seen some of your restorations and they are stunning