October Fall Classic
Lot 1111:
Description
The history of Coca-Cola advertising is highly collectible, and this pairing features a stadium bottle carrier alongside a stamped metal bottle-shaped thermometer. The red metal stadium carrier, more robust than a standard six-pack caddy, is a particularly desirable form, designed for concessionaires to carry and dispense bottles at venues like ballparks. This piece, likely dating from the 1940s-1950s, is constructed of stamped, riveted sheet metal and painted in the brand’s signature red, featuring the iconic white “DRINK Coca-Cola” script. It has a sturdy arched bail handle and sectioned interior, with its overall size it was designed to carry 20 bottles (note: no bottle opener is visible on the sides). The stamped metal contour bottle thermometer sign (H 16.5″, W 5″) is modeled after the famous hobbleskirt bottle and bears the historic “PAT’D DEC 25. 1923” date on the neck—a reference to the bottle design patent, with the sign likely being 1930’s produced. Both pieces exhibit significant, authentic “folk-art” patina from decades of use and exposure. The stadium carrier shows extensive honest paint loss, scratching, and surface rust on all panels, but it is structurally sound and presents a wonderful, rustic look. The stamped metal sign is heavily oxidized with deep rust and pitting, and the original paint is severely faded and chipped, though the raised Coca-Cola lettering remains visible. The thermometer tube is present and legible, but appears to be a replacement, which is a common finding in vintage advertising thermometers of this age and condition. Items included are the red metal stadium bottle carrier and the stamped metal contour bottle thermometer sign. H 16.5″, W 12″, D 12″. See photos.
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