Posted 11 years ago
Daddy_Nobu…
(152 items)
I'm interested in feedback on this item. I have not seen one before.
A twelve bottle wood case purchased off an eBay BIN from a North Carolina merchant. Trademark detail puts it late 40's early 50's I believe.
I half expected to receive something akin to a high schooler's wood shop project. But everything about this little case is consistent with the full-size versions in my collection from same period. The wood, metal, paint, age, and wear are similar, except on a smaller scale. Construction is sturdy.
One difference: A rounded piece of wood across the width is doweled into the sides. This almost looks like it could have had a rope or wire handle attached to it as a carrier. But no wear marks to indicate it was ever used that way.
Seller said he's only seen two of these over his many years picking (and he also said he wished he'd asked more for it, but I let him know that 70 delivered was above and beyond the call of duty as far as I was concerned). I can imagine this might have been used for home delivery to a person who didn't need or couldn't handle a full case.
Dave
Could it have been cut down from a full size one? It looks like the ends are of a newer wood and different dado cuts plus fresher paint. The other thing that I would question is if one was this new looking, would the metal strapping be painted?
Cool item.
Thanks Tom for your comments. Valid observations. It does not appear to be a cut down piece. The paint is is consistent all the way around (I spent some time inspecting with a magnifying glass). It's a custom made job, everything on a smaller scale, including the insert and handles. One of the old timers in my Coca-Cola club "The Eight-Pack" offered that it appears to be period, probably a special made item by one of the bottlers who used these cases. It looks to me like the paint on the metal fasteners is worn by stacking. Really hard to say how this little case came to be (whether it is an original item or post-manufacture alteration). I'm hoping to hear from someone who has seen one before. Have a good weekend.
I'll add that this item is not shown in any of the collectibles guides in my library.
That's a tricky one there Dave. I like it though, looks original to me.
Thanks Perry. It's an oddball, of that I'm sure.
Love the mystery of these unknown pieces, very cool Dave!
Probably never will know for sure. My question on the painted metal banding was the fact that they are painted. I always thought the straps were added after the crates were painted. I don't remember seeing a new one that had painted straps be it Coke or any other brand.
Thanks Bernie!
Hey Tom, You're right, the painted straps and that round piece of wood are non-standard. I guess those fit with the rest of this piece. I'm still hopeful an old crate-maker will chime in!
Tom, If you do an eBay search "Coca-Cola crate yellow" it's not long before you run into full size versions with yellow paint on the metal strapping.
I have seen several with paint on the straps, I figured it was the bottle company dressing them up or just someone making it look better in their eyes.
I hope you find out it's worth $500.00!
I hope it's worth $70!!! (It is to me. ;0)
I've been checking out your collection Tom, great stuff. Thanks for stopping by. You have a great eye.
LOL!
(It is to me.) That is all that really matters in the end anyway.
Thank You. I have always had an eye for detail. I need to quit looking at all the stuff on here and post more,lol
I too have a crate that appears to have genuine age and also the yellow paint on the metal straps, so I wouldnt say that thats a sure sign that its a creation over original.
DRAT!!!!!!! I wish I had that intravenous Ebay like you. I have been looking for one of these for a long time or at least since Ray told me they did exist. I agree with you on the price too. So, until we find out it's a custom/fantasy...... Great Grab Dave!!!!
Thanks Tommy! This BIN wasn't up for long. Was unusual enough that I took a chance. Hope it's going good, have a great weekend.
Thanks robeo for your comment. Looking forward to seeing more of your collection.
Was interested to see this 12 bottle "Home Case" auction showing the item with paint on the metal bands.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coca-Cola-Bottle-Carrier-Crate-/221320814873?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3387bfa119
That one looks altered for sure. Straps shorter on one end, double ends on the one end and you can see the nk of Drink on the sides. Appears to be phillip head screws in the side.