This is a Coca-Cola Cavalier Junior Cooler we restored. They were manufactured from 1948 to 1952. These are often referred to as “airline” coolers because they were taken on board small passenger planes to serve cold Cokes to the passengers during flights. The Coca-Cola Company and Delta Airlines are both based in Atlanta, Georgia and have been partners since the 1930s, supplying Coke to Delta passengers.
The Cavalier Junior coolers were designed to be very sleek and compact to fit within the confined space of the passenger airplanes of the time. This model has a baked enamel finish and is lined in stainless steel to prevent corrosion from the ice that was used to keep the sodas cool. They also came in an all-stainless steel version, which is very rare today. The cooler has a sturdy carry handle, two double-hinged, safety release lid clasps and a bottle opener on the side. This airline cooler was made by the Cavalier Corporation, which manufactured soda vending machines exclusively for the Coca-Cola Company into the 1960s.
Manufactured by:
Cavalier Corporation
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dimensions: 17”L x 7”W x 12.5”H
Weight: 12 lbs.
Capacity: 12 bottles of Coca-Cola
This item is not for sale. We show restored items in this blog to encourage discussion, prompt questions and further the hobby of collecting and restoration. We also enjoy sharing the photos of the many items we have restored over the years.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Jeff // Dec 4, 2009 at 10:41 am
I have one of these in very good condition. It came from the Cavalier Corp. facility in Chattanooga where my grandfather worked. It has some minor paint chipping on the handle and top lid along with some white paint spots.
2 T D Watkins // Dec 4, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I have one in original condition…needs restoring but good bones. No rust but lots of paint chip/erosion. Available as is, email for pics if interested. mackeysmom@yahoo.com
3 David Freeman // Jan 22, 2010 at 11:16 am
I nedd to know where to get latches for restoring airline cooler, mine are pretty well pitted. I’m willing to sell as is though for $150+ shipping.
Thanks,
David Freeman
4 Kim Harvey // Jan 27, 2010 at 10:06 pm
How much is one of these coolers worth?
5 vintagevending // Jan 29, 2010 at 9:18 am
Kim,
We aren’t able to give estimates on value, but you can keep an eye out on ebay or Craig’s List. Sometimes items like this pop up, but the worth depends on the condition of the item.
6 David Freeman // Jun 22, 2010 at 10:56 am
still looking for parts to restore my airline cooler, the latches and hinges are rusty.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
David Freeman
7 vintagevending // Jun 23, 2010 at 8:56 am
David,
I believe I have found the parts you need at this link: http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/store.php?crn=245&rn=679&action=show_detail
They have chrome or nickel plated, and also sell the handles in both metals.
8 Volamus // Jul 12, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I have a Cavalier Junior, which was presented to my Mother in the late ’40s by the local Coke plant owner. She catered their annual Christmas parties. It’s probably an 8 of 10 in condition.
9 Erik Johnson // Jul 13, 2010 at 1:29 am
I was just watching the reality show Pawn Stars and they bought one of these in good condition for a 100 bucks.
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