Wurlitzer 5250 Wallbox – 1957 – Original – 200 Selections

An original 1957 Wurlitzer 5250 wallbox, representing a wonderful piece of American jukebox history from the golden age of the 1950s.

Wallboxes like this were installed in diners, restaurants and bars, allowing customers to select music remotely from their table or booth while the connected jukebox played the chosen record elsewhere in the room.

With its substantial chrome housing, large curved glass display, turquoise selection buttons and original American coin information, the Wurlitzer 5250 has become a highly attractive piece of vintage jukebox memorabilia.

This example is offered in original, unrestored condition. It has not been tested and is therefore being sold strictly as is.

Original 1957 Wurlitzer wallbox

During the 1950s, wallboxes were an important part of the American jukebox experience. Rather than walking across a busy diner to the main jukebox, customers could insert a coin and make their selection directly from a wallbox positioned at their table or booth.

The selection would then be communicated to the main jukebox.

This Wurlitzer 5250 retains some wonderful period details. At the top are the original “SELECT” and “COINS” displays together with the American pricing information:

7 plays – half dollar
3 plays – quarter
1 play – dime or 2 nickels

These details give the machine exactly the character collectors look for in original American diner equipment.

200 Plays

The front is prominently marked WURLITZER – 200 PLAYS.

Behind the large glass window is the title-card mechanism, while selections are made using the distinctive turquoise letter and number buttons positioned at the bottom of the unit.

The internal mechanism is also present and, judging from its appearance, the wallbox looks complete. However, because the unit has not been technically inspected or tested, completeness of every individual internal component cannot be guaranteed.

Original unrestored condition

This Wurlitzer 5250 has not been restored. The chrome, cabinet and internal components show age and signs of previous use consistent with a genuine vintage piece.

For many collectors, that is part of its appeal. Rather than a newly refinished reproduction, this is an old wallbox retaining the character and patina accumulated over the decades.

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and show the actual condition of the item.

Ideal restoration project or display piece

For the jukebox enthusiast, this Wurlitzer 5250 provides an interesting restoration project. Alternatively, it makes a fantastic display piece exactly as it stands.

Its compact dimensions also make an original wallbox much easier to display than a complete jukebox. It would look fantastic in a home bar, mancave, diner, café, showroom, music room or collection of vintage American memorabilia.

Combined with neon signs and other 1950s Americana, it instantly adds authentic period character.

Important: untested – sold as is

This wallbox has not been tested for operation.

It is therefore offered in its present condition, as pictured, without warranty regarding its technical operation and sold as is.

Servicing, repair, wiring, additional connection equipment or replacement components may be required before the wallbox can be put back into operation.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Wurlitzer
Model: 5250
Year: 1957
Type: jukebox wallbox / remote selector
Selections: 200
Coin system: original-style American coin operation
Condition: original / unrestored
Operation: untested
Completeness: appears complete
Sale condition: as is
Functional warranty: none
Controls: letter and number selection buttons
Period: 1950s
Suitable for: collection, restoration or vintage display
A genuine piece of jukebox history

The jukebox experience of the 1950s involved much more than the main record-playing machine. Title strips, coin mechanisms and remote wallboxes were all part of the culture surrounding these machines.

The 1957 Wurlitzer 5250 is a tangible survivor from that era.

Its extensive chrome, turquoise buttons, large title display and distinctive WURLITZER 200 PLAYS lettering make it immediately recognisable as a genuine piece of mid-century jukebox equipment.

Whether restored for use or preserved in its present condition, it is a fascinating item for the Wurlitzer collector and an excellent piece of authentic American 1950s décor.

Please note: this is a vintage item approximately 70 years old. It has not been tested and is sold in its current condition as shown in the photographs.