Posted 8 years ago
luvnrust
(2 items)
I purchased a 1906 Coca Cola Bottling building about 15 years ago. At the time, it was a furniture building since the early 1950’s. In doing the rehab of the building I found this item (as well as other bottling items) above a drop ceiling repair and can’t figure out what it is. A display? Bottle examination? It is well worn as if bottles may have traveled in or out more often than what I would think a display might have. It is sheet metal and wood. I haven't cleaned it in any way that might reveal more. What is it and where should it go? Who else should I ask?
You're at the right place. Loads of Coke collectors here on CyberAsylum, aka CW. Welcome.
I think you're right about the wear indicating it's an infeed or receptacle piece of old bottle wash/fill equipment. Similar to that in the foreground of this image.
http://earlycoke.com/early-bottling-plant-photos.html
Image #8.
That's very cool and a great find. I hope you stick around and post the other things you find there! How fun is that?!
You're slick Daddy! How did you spot that? Maybe to catch those Greenville, SC oversize bottles? Spot cigarette butts? Must have had a purpose.
I remembered earlycoke.com has a gallery of old bottling plant photos. Blaine's site is catnip. You're guess is as good as mine BB2. Could have dual purpose, infeed and inspection. Or it could be where they chucked poorly sealed bottles. I can't figure it out... arrrrggggghh!!!
I'm still really impressed Daddy! Arrrggghh! We don't have to worry about your memory for awhile.
Now. It has light bulbs/elec. under it. So that eliminates wet things. How about inspecting questionable bottles for cracks etc.? Well, it sounds good to me! LOL!
Cracks and butts. Don't want those in me bottle o' Coca-Cola!
luvnrust, I'm going to post a pic identified by TGBWC, who's been collecting since the 70's (and damn near knows it all).
I thank everyone for their efforts. I figured it would take a bit since those that may have been involved with it's operation may no longer be with us. I will post a Sherwin Williams paint can specified for Coca Cola when I get better with the camera and moving items to the page. There was a 5 gallon bucket of unused bottle caps found in a wall, but one of the construction workers must have made off with it or ended up in the dumpster. Ouch!!!! Even found the bulletin board of the daily delivery routes... but???
Daddy_Nobucks, I noticed in the photo you posted its upside down so maybe that's how they checked for leaks with the lights behind you would see bubbles if it leaked, what do you think?
Yes that makes sense. I wondered about the orientation and the liquid trails under each of the bottle inserts. Looked to me like they were left by trickles of Delicious and Refreshing... and Sugary and Acidic... beverage.
If you look closely you will see the direct light is blocked somewhat by a sheet metal plate (visible at the bottom of bottle hole) then the back is curved (to reflect the light?) back towards the bottle. The building was interesting in itself. It started as a 40 x 60 store front. I've heard some bottlers would make the bottling a public display, with the bottling operation displayed in the front windows??? (I haven't study it enough to know if I'm repeating facts) The building was then added to in the second floor. It looked like the second floor may have been the "washing" area. The building was then added to again, tripling the size, and again doubling, and again. As the new owner, I didn't know I'd be involved in one of these "Historic Districts" and costs and State approvals delaying/costing boots more than expected.
Luvnrust, do you mean they are leaving the butts in them now? LOL!
If additional pictures would help, explain the angle and area and I'll get at it.
Gov. sh... stuff is always butts and cracks. My first real education of the flow thru the "cracks" LOL
Just now figured how to see Daddy-Nobucks pic, I believe from TGBWC???? By Joe, I think you've got it. Now, I've got to figure this site better so I know what you've got. That's beautiful! I love you guys and just now learning to navigate. Sorry. Now I guess I post/edit it as SOLVED!!!!
I've only been around CyberAsylum about 4 yrs.. Now can you explain it to me? Daddy's site seemed to dis on me & didn't know how to relocate it! Don't worry about it! I've only got 2 brain cells left & they have to alternate.