The ABCs of Vintage: C is for Coca-Cola

Although I easily could've featured ceramics, china, cloisonne, chinoiserie, and the like.  As the anniversary of the birth of our United States is only days away, the choice was clear.  C had to be for Coca-Cola.  It's as American as apple pie, baseball, and...blogging.  Hey, even the logo is red and white. 
Today, one cannot go anywhere in the world without seeing the red and white signage for this classic drink.  Flip through the pages of a Pottery Barn Catalog or Country Living Magazine and I guarantee there's at least one vintage Coke prop used.

Here are some Fun Facts about Coke's long history that I gleaned from the company website:

• Coke was invented in 1886 by John Pemberton, a pharmacist.

• It was first served at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta the day it was invented.

• John Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank  Robinson created the name and the logo. (I bet he wished he had the copyright!)

• Asa Chandler bought Coca-Cola in 1889 and incorporated the name in 1892.

• Heavy marketing made Coca-Cola a household name.  A new bottle shape (one that could be recognized in the dark) was invented in order to separate the drink from its many imitators.

• In 1928, Robert Woodruff, son of the new owner Ernest, sends Coca-Cola to the Olympics with Team USA.  He also encourages the development of the 6-pack and open-top cooler so people can enjoy Coca-Cola on the go.

• In 1941, as America entered WWII, Woodruff proclaimed that "every man in uniform gets a Coca-Cola for 5 cents, wherever he is, and whatever it costs the company."

• Every generation can link this icon to an icon of their time.  In 1970, as the Coca-Cola company continued to expand globally, they came up with the slogan and unforgettable commercial, "I'd like to buy the world a Coke." View it HERE

With all this history and the strong bond to America and its past-times, it's no wonder that vintage Coke items are highly collectible and always hot.

Here are a few of my favorite Coke finds:

Coca-Cola crates like these are still kicking around flea markets and yard sales.  Expect to pay $10 and up. (This one already sold at http://www.modishvintage.etsy.com/)

The ever-popular Coca-cola cooler.  These are tougher to come by, but are great to pack drinks in at a backyard party.   Expect to pay around $100 for one in decent condition.  (This one can be found for $110 at http://www.rekindledrelics.etsy.com/)

Magazine ads are abundant.  These can be framed and hung in your home.  Check old Saturday Evening Post and Life magazines for large ads. (This one can be found at http://www.tomb8.etsy.com/)

Here are some additional collectibles...
I love this vintage truck.  This sells for over $200 at http://www.abovejewels.etsy.com/.)

A 1950s button sign from http://www.2collectcola.com/

For more info on collecting Coca-Cola, see http://www.cocacolaclub.org/.   And remember to "Have a Coke and a...Smile!"