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59 Vintage US Navy Lily (Lily-Tulip) Cold Vending Cups Model #785
Collectable mid-century 1950s-1960s items.
These cups have 3 different designs:
- PREPARATION - PERFORMANCE - PRESTIGE
- MAN OF TOMORROW
- SECURITY THRU SEA POWER
The #785 model designation refers explicitly to the standard 7 ¼ oz size waxed paper cups engineered by the Lily-Tulip Cup Corporation specifically for use in automated commercial or military vending machines.
- Manufacturer: Lily-Tulip Cup Corporation (New York, NY)
- Model Number: No. 785
- Capacity: 7 ¼ oz (7.25 oz), optimized for standardized mid-century vending machine pours
- Material: Heavy waxed paper intended for cold beverages
This is 59 loose cups - no box - when originallydistributed to military installations and commercial venues these were in box sleeves of 100.
According to Google AI: During the Cold War era, the US Navy relied heavily on automated vending contracts to supply both shore bases and large vessel mess decks (such as aircraft carriers) with refreshments. Lily-Tulip was a primary supplier of these disposables. While Model #785 was used for major soda brands like Dr Pepper, 7-Up, and Coca-Cola, the specific US Navy variants typically feature distinct, period-accurate military stock numbers, naval branch insignia, or generic naval morale/safety typography.
