Posted 13 years ago
CBlaus
(2 items)
I am a toy collector and former antique dealer, and I recently came across this wooden cooler from a colleague antique dealer. I couldn't resist the look of this treasure, but I know nothing about collecting Coke items or this cooler in particular. The inside of the chest is lined with lead. The Coca-Cola name also shows "Trademark Registered". The handles look original but the hinges likely have been replaced. Can anyone shed any light on the age of this item or what it may be worth. Thanks. Christine
My guess is that it is from the late 1920's.
Ok a little detective work . . . The trademark was in the tail until the beginning of WW2. In 1941 the trademark began being used under the logo. The works Trademark Registered were only used until the 1931 timeframe. After that the wording became Trade-Mark Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. So that places it prior to 1931. . . . or does it? The style of the drink Coca-Cola was commonly used as early as the mid-20's but came into most common use in the 30's and 40's. It is almost the same logo as was used on the 1930-40's westinghouse jr coolers. Also prior to 1940 most drink boxes (made by local bottlers) such as this were yellow with a much more crude red stenciled logo (I have owned a few examples over the years). So taking all that into consideration I would say that it was made by a local bottler during the time of WW2 when materials were scarce, and was stenciled with an older 30's stencil they had on hand.