Mid 50's GE Turquoise refrigerator

[siegell]

I've just got back from visiting my mom where I snapped some shots of the working mid 50's GE Turquoise refrigerator original to the house. The refrigerator 60 1/2" height X 30 1/2" width is still in working order, currently as a second fridge in my mother's basement in Huntington NY (11743). I've posted pictures.

The refrigerator has a single full door that opens with left hand swing and is a vibrant turquoise both inside and out. A foot pedal pops the door open when your hands are full. The inside features copper-colored adjustable shelves, tip up milk bottle holders and "Lazy Susan" shelves.

My mother is interested in selling the refrigerator and I'm wondering what is an appropriate price for this vintage item is. Any insights would be appreciated.

 

[rp2813]

I think that's a 1956 model.

I've seen fridges like that going for anywhere from free to over $350 (dreamers). Perhaps some members here will advise what they think it's worth. People into turquoise may pay a premium, and that is a rare fridge with hinges on the left.

Can you post more pix of the interior?

 

[siegell]

Close up of Freezer door

Sure!

 

[siegell]

Close up of Vegitable Bins

And here

 

[siegell]

Close up Interior

Close up Interior of refrigerator

 

[siegell]

Close up interior door

Close up interior door. Thanks. Appreciate any additional insite.

 

[rp2813]

I'm surprised nobody else is commenting here.

Thanks for posting the additional pix. It appears that your mom's fridge has all of the features you'd expect to find on the Combination model of the same vintage except for the separate door for the freezer section. Even though it's a single-door model, it has the alnico magnets instead of a mechanical latch and handle, and it appears the door to the freezer seals well enough to maintain a temperature right around zero degrees.

I think a turquoise fanatic would jump on this fridge. It will clean up very nicely. Asking price is going to depend on the method your mom wants to use to advertise it. I've seen a turquoise Combination model, one year newer than your mom's and not without a problem or two, on ebay. With a bid of $300 the reserve the seller set hadn't been met. That's the overpriced scenario, but if your mom is interested in using ebay and leaving the shipping arrangements up to the buyer and setting a reserve for the minimum she'd accept for it, that is one option but she would need to consider that the shipping cost increases the buyer's total expense.

Craig's List may be easier but again it's hard to say what is the right amount to ask. If she would be thrilled to get $100 for it, someone would probably pay that. If she wants to get more, she can always try to get what she's hoping for and lower the price if no one shows interest.

Bottom line is that she shouldn't expect a windfall. It appears that it's not of much use to her anymore based on the contents in the pictures. She should consider the savings she'll see on her electric bill, which will be ongoing as a result of not having the fridge operating anymore. In the long run, she will be money ahead even if she gives the fridge away for free to a new loving home.

 

[siegell]

Thanks so much for your insights. They are greatly appreciated. I concurr about the potential savings reguarding the electricity and surely would like her to sell it quickly.

 

[rp2813]

OK, so now I have a question.

 

What's up with that "The Telephone Story" poster?  I and other members here are into old telephones, and I worked for the "Phone Company" for 17 years.

 

[siegell]

Telephone poster

Its probably been hanging up for at least 17 years behind that refrigerator. Next time I go to my mother I'll try to remember to grab it. I think it is just pictures of telephones through the ages, though I doubt it goes very far past the push button phone. ; )

 

[rp2813]

Take a Look at This Ad

Not nearly as nice or as full-featured as your mom's fridge.  It will never go for the asking price.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/app/2166330219.html

 

[pulltostart]

Just my personal opinion here, but as long as it works like it should, keeps food cold, freezes ice, etc.; appears that the only thing missing is the door to the butter compartment, and it could use some elbow-grease - I'd start out asking $500 and see what happens. Especially if you take the time to clean it up.

Looks like it's in great shape. Good luck with the sale!

lawrence

 

[countryford]

I had that same fridge in pink. Although the door on the one I had opened the other direction and it didn't have the swivel shelves. And mine wasn't in that nice of shape either.