Clothing
+ Fashion
Jewelry +
Watches
Home +
Furniture
 Pottery 
+ Glass
Art +
 Photos 
Paper +
  Books  
Music +
Movies
Toys +
Games
Sports +
Outdoors
Ads +
  Signs  
Eras +
Themes

From its invention by John S. Pemberton in 1886 to today, Coca-Cola has become a staple of American and worldwide culture. As the consumerism of the mid-20th century blossomed, Coke showed itself to be a master of mass advertising, and it was this skill which helped the company dominate the American market. Indeed, even in 1886, Pemberton spent more money on ads than he made in sales, producing dozens of signs and other promotional items.

Aside from techniques that today seem quite conventional—TV and magazine ads, for example—Coca-Cola pioneered the art of brand recognition with an almost endless variety of promotional materials, from clocks to coolers to calendars. All bore the immediately recognizable logo and, in some form or another, the classic red-and-white color scheme. Many also included a Coke slogan, like “Thirst knows no season,” “Delicious and Refreshing,” and “Things Go Better with Coke.”...

Collectors today can find a flood of Coke memorabilia and collectibles—part of these items’ genius in the first place was their durability and usability. To pick one example among many, Coca-Cola thermometers served a practical purpose that helped ensure a long promotional life. This set them apart from the posters and other advertisements that most store owners would routinely discard. As the decades passed and popular styles changed, so did the design of these thermometers. Some in the 1940s, for example, featured an Art Deco-inspired design.

Coke bottles, too, evolved over the decades, from a non-standardized hodgepodge of improvised glassware in the early 20th century to the now-classic curved shape known as the “Mae West” or “hobbleskirt” bottle, which was patented in November 1915 after a two-year contest to find the perfect design. Then as now, consumers instantly associate the shape with the Coca-Cola brand.

When Christmas came around, it was a safe bet that Coke would market Santa figurines, ornaments, or snow globes, all bearing the Coke logo. If Dad needed a way to bring the family’s cool, refreshing bottles of Coke on a picnic, he could buy a Coca-Cola cooler, a portable version of the larger coolers which retailers relied on to store and display Coke in the early years.

Alongside all of these items, collectors also prize oilcloth, tin, and especially porcelain Coca-Cola signs, some of which helped popularize the famous “red button” bottle cap shape. Other collectibles include tin-plate serving trays and even the vending machines themselves.

About our sources | Got something to add?

▼ Expand to read the full article ▼

Show & Tell - Share Your Stuff!

» See all coca cola Show & Tells

Interviews & Articles

An Interview With Coca-Cola Historian and Archivist Phil Mooney

As the archivist for Coca-Cola, I’m interested in preserving the history of this company. Integrally tied to that history are all … [more]

An Interview with Coca-Cola Bottle Collector and Author Doug McCoy

My grandfather got me started collecting bottles when I was about eight years old. A couple of years later, I was walking along a … [more]

Coca-Cola Collector Bobby Liao Explains Why Things Go Better With Coke

I started collecting Coca-Cola in 1994. The World Cup soccer games were being hosted at the Stanford Stadium and I saw Coke bottle… [more]

San Fran Fizzes Over 'Ghost' Coca-Cola Sign

Coca-Cola collectors take note: A vintage Coke sign has prompted an epic "only in San Francisco" battle royale, as passionate pres… [more]

An Interview With Vintage Coca-Cola Collector Ray Kilinski

I started collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia back in the early 1970s. I was working the night shift at a company, and as I walked ho… [more]

▼ Expand this section

Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)

Coca-Cola Conversations

Coca-Cola Conversations

Phil Mooney's Coca-Cola blog focuses on everything from memorabilia (antique, vintage, and modern) to the company's… [read review or visit site]

Bobbys Coca-Cola on the Web

Bobbys Coca-Cola on the Web

This site, a group effort, is a great reference for Coca-Cola collectors. Start with the timeline and product lists… [read review or visit site]

Falvo Collectables Gallery

Falvo Collectables Gallery

Ralph and Carol Falvo's excellent collection of automobiles, petroliana, jukeboxes, soda, and general store items. … [read review or visit site]

Soda-Machines.com

Soda-Machines.com

The ultimate guide to vintage soda vending machines, from Coca-Cola to Pepsi to Royal Crown to Dr. Pepper. Start at… [read review or visit site]



Clubs & Associations: Coca-Cola

Other Great Reference Sites: Coca-Cola

Top eBay Auctions

Showing 60. See all 106 by  highest bidmost watchedcompleted
Vendorlator 27a Coke MachineCoca Cola MachineV23e Coke Machine Restored Works GreatModel 27a Vendorlator Vintage Coke Machine 1947-19511950 S Coke Machine Cavalier C - 51 " Unrestored Original"Extremely Rare Coca Cola Fountain Serve Soda Porelain Sign,1939, Vtg,collectableVintage Coke TrailerReferbished 1950's Westinghouse 42t Coke MachineCoke Vending MachineVintage1940s Neon Products Inc., Lima Ohio, Coca Cola Diner Advertising Clock Rare! Vintage 1940s Coca Cola Stadium Vendor Bottle Carrier Cooler & StrapVintage Coca Cola Bottle Vending MachineHtf! Antique Old Coca Cola Litho Tin Metal Sign Ice Cold Sold Here Chas W Shonk1930's Porcelain Enamel Coca Cola Coke Rod Iron Door Hand Push Display Sign Coca Cola Machine1947 Mint 12" Am Coca Cola Button Sign With PaperVintage Northwestern 49 Gumball/candy/nut Machine - Coca Cola !Vintage 1950s Oak Brand *coca Cola Pepsin* Gumball Peanut Candy Vending MachineVintage 1949 Northwestern *coca Cola* Gumball Peanut And Candy Vending MachineOld Vintage Coca-cola 10 Oz Bottle Vending Machine Vendo V83 Coke Advertising Coca Cola Sign From Grand Central Station Ny Late 60sCoca Cola Outdoor Quality Tall Pub Bistro W Glass Top Table 2 Swivel Seat Stools1950s 15" Round Coca Cola Pam Clock With Gold BottleFranklin Mint Coca-cola Collector's Edition Ho-scale Train New In BoxOriginal Working 1949 Coca - Cola Cooler Am Bakelite Radio Soda Advertising *nrVendo Orignal Paint Coca Cola Coin Op Coin Changer SignClassic 24" Antique Advertising Soda *coca-cola* Bottle Button Sign, *nr*1930's Porcelain Enamel Coca Cola Coke Rod Iron Door Hand Push Display Sign - NrCoca Cola All Metal Glider Porch Swing Retired Rare 1 LeftCoca Cola Employee Service Year Award 10k Ring Jostens Coke $220.00 ScrapVintage Original 1916 Coca Cola Coke Tray Nice & Bright 1931 Coke 2 SignsRare 1933 Coca-cola Embossed Tin Advertising Sign Dec 1923 Bottle Coca Cola Cooler Vintage Rare Coca-cola Green Coke Original Antique CollectibleVintage 1950s Oak Brand *coca Cola Car* Gumball Peanut Candy Vending MachineLarge Antique 20" Coca Cola Glass Store Display Bottle Sign W/ Original Coke CapCoca-cola Theme Northwestern Vending Machine Arcade Game Coke Sign Cup DispenserVintage 1950s Victor Vendorama *coca Cola* Gumball/candy/peanut Vending MachineAntique Aaa Porcelain Sign Goes With Coca Cola Gulf Esso Texaco Pepsi AmericanaVintage 1930's Coca Cola Cooler W-ndb (metal)Vintage Coke Coca-cola Tin Enamel 60's Ice Cold Drink Paper Cup Green Sign Pop Coca-cola Breakmate Fountain Soda Machine ***brand New*** Last 1 Don't Miss It!!Lgb - Coca Cola Brand Model Train SetVintage 1950's Coca Cola Tin Bottle Sign Fish Tail Old Metal Drink Coca-cola In Bottles Advertising License Plate Topper Soda SignVintage 1940's Design Coca Cola Porcelain Sprite Boy Door Push Sign,perfect!!!Neat Old And Original Porcelain Coca Cola Door Push Sign, Coke Door Push SignCoca Cola Soda Can Vending Machine W/bill Changer 1940's Porcelain Coca Cola Coke Sign Truck Topper Sharp !!!1960s Sogt Coca Cola Fishtail Sign With Bottle1950's Coke Vending Machine Antique Vintage 1950's Era Coke Coca Cola Western Themed Display SignMadame Alexander 8" School Days Coca Cola #28275 Lunch Box, Key Chain, Bic, Tag1955 Coca-cola Cooler, Vintage French-canadian Coke CoolerVtg 1950's Original Ice Cold Coca Cola Flange Sign Button & Bottle No ReserveAntique Wall Coca Cola Advertising Clock For F.w Woolworth Co. Clean And Running1940's Canadian 17"x58" Coca-cola Tin Sign NiceOriginal Nu Grape Soda Imitation Grape Soda Advertising Sign Coca Cola CokeGlasco. Gbv 50 Coke Machine Ideal 55 Coca Cola 1950's Vintage Red Coca Cola Cooler - Progress Original, Bottle Opener Vgc L@@k
»» Get our weekly Coca Cola email



Right now on eBay



Recent News: Coca Cola

Source: Google News

Santa Fe Railroad Advertising, Beatles Songbook and Nostalgic Soda ...
PR Web (press release), May 20th

Rare Navajo art calendars printed by the Santa Fe Railroad to promote its offerings and vintage paper collectibles featuring the Beatles, Coca Cola, Pepsi and Dairy Queen are being offered for sale at the 8th Annual DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) Postcard and...Read more

A classic store
Durham Herald Sun, May 17th

The cluster of shops along NC 86 North at the southern edge of Hillsborough has drawn purveyors of country collectibles and kitsch. Mitchell's shop brings a touch of elegance. “I'm not interested in surrounding myself with Coca-Cola bottles and the...Read more

New Shop Featuring Old Treasures Opens on Bank Street in New Milford
Litchfield County Times, May 16th

Among their smaller counterparts are a suitcase fabricated from uncut Coca Cola can steel; a lamp fashioned from a Model T transmission gear; a circa 1960s' bar and two vinyl-webbed high stools in sunny yellow; and a selection of vintage marketing...Read more

Antiques: Pottery, license plates, phonographs
AZ Central.com, May 16th

Q: I have an old "Big Chief" soda-pop bottle that was issued by the Coca-Cola Bottling Co., probably in 1928. Whom can I contact to find out more about it, including a current value? -- Darlene, Payson A: I found a "Big Chief" bottle from 1925 on eBay...Read more

Bristol Auction
Antiques and the Arts Online, May 14th

QUALITY ANTIQUE SALE • • OLD-TIME COKE COLLECTION 1905 thru the 1950's Including COCA-COLA ADVERTISING SIGNS, COCA-COLA COOLERS, COKE BOTTLES & CADDYS, COCA-COLA FOUNTAIN, COKE THERMOMETERS and More … 75+ Pcs. • • GUSTAV STICKLEY Drop Front Desk 32 In...Read more

Antiques & Uniques
Danville Commercial News, May 2nd

There are collections with Pepsi Cola and Coca-Cola memorabilia, as well as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Mr. Peanut, Betty Boop and A&W Root Beer. There are vintage toys, vintage glass, presidential china plates and old furniture, as well as TV lamps...Read more

Coca-Cola offers $1.5M for missing Norman Rockwell illustrations
StandardNet, April 27th

By Leon Stafford ATLANTA -- A trio of Coca-Cola illustrations by Norman Rockwell have been put on the Most Wanted list and the bounty is worth about $1.5 million. After searching on its own for decades, the Atlanta-based beverage giant has teamed up...Read more

Coca-Cola searching for the real thing: Norman Rockwell illustrations
Bellingham Herald, April 27th

By LEON STAFFORD - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA - A trio of Coca-Cola illustrations by Norman Rockwell have been put on the Most Wanted list and the bounty is worth about $1.5 million. After searching on its own for decades,...Read more