Aristocrat Model, Model 32
Manley's Aristocrat popcorn popper employs the Cascade kettle to give it
a very attractive look. This Manley model would have been popular
during the 1950s. It was introduced in 1950. It is unique in
that the kettle can have either 1, 2 or all 3 elements turned-on to control
the heat of the kettle. Standard operations call for 2 of the 3
elements to be used. It appears to be a 220 volt kettle as it has 2
power wires leading to the kettle (1 black, 1 red). However, it is a
110 volt kettle. Both wires come from one side of the 220 volts that
enter the machine. The other side of the 220 is used to power the
lights, heaters, and motors. One power wire turns on 1 element; the
other turns on 2 elements. Therefore, together you have the option of
1, 2, or 3 elements turned-on.
Manley's Aristocrat is easily identified by the arm that holds the
kettle.
There appears to be two different Aristocrat models. One model
matches the introductory advertisements that appeared in 1950 in Boxoffice
Magazine--this would be the early model. This model did not have a
model number. Model numbers appear to have been introduced in 1952.
Before this date, model numbers referred to the year of manufacture.
It appears that the late version was assigned model number 32.
The following table details the differences in the early versus late
model.
| |
Model
|
|
Feature
|
Early
|
Late
|
| Frame |
Metal |
Wood |
| Top |
Steel |
Aluminum |
| Sides |
Handle is spring-loaded and not visible
|
2 recessed handles using casting from Premier model
|
| Cash Drawer |
Pivots--cast metal
|
Wood with metal front--traditional drawer
|
| Middle Corners Front |
Part of casting--see photo of side |
Separate trim piece--also see photo of side
|
| Doors/Drawer Fronts |
Stainless Steel |
Painted |
| Inside Lighting |
Neon or Traditional can light |
Traditional can light |
Early Model
Notice the Neon light for lighting the interior of the machine.
Photos of older model 32 courtesy of eBay seller TomTheWom.
Late Model
Photo courtesy of Forum Member rbuchholz.
This original machine remains in a closed theater, photo by Erik Eggers.
The Aristocrat also came in a counter top model:
Image courtesy of Erik Eggers.
Thanks to
eBay member bossauctions we have the following photos of Aristocrat
counter top model. It is a model 54.
Scan of Model 32 Owner's Manual Courtesy of Forum Member rbuchholz.
Model 32 Manual
The manual contains a wiring diagram for the Aristocrat.
So what does a Model 32 look like disassembled?
The above is my current project taken Fall 2009--Now if I can just get it
back together--Ross.
