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Lady in Red | Popular items this week1 of 788 |  |  |
Posted 2 months ago
JEAlthen
(2 items)
In regards to Antique Coca-Cola trays from their classic period (produced before 1968), I noticed some have the Coca Cola trademark written on them with the manufacturer's name and some don't? Does that mean the ones that don't have that information on them are not originals?
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Coca Cola TraysThe Coca-Cola Company began distributing tin serving and change trays to so…
No but yours is definitely a fake or fantasy piece.
The particular one in this picture has all this coke info and logo's on the back of it. I can email you a pic of it so you know what I'm talking about?
But, you are saying it is definitely a fake? how do you know that?
This is a 1908 image used on calendars and paper signs, there was no tray manufactured at that time which depicted the "Good to the Last Drop" lady in red. So this is a contemporary piece with a reproduced image (commonly referred to as Fantasy Piece, because there is no old, authentic equivalent). It's an attractive decorative piece, great to display and use.
Daddy_Nobucks,
I just posted a picture of the back of the tray for you to comment on. So, what year was this actually reproduced?
c. 1990
http://www.ebay.com/itm/COCA-COLA-1908-CALENDAR-LADY-OVEL-METAL-TRAY-/7203544292
Thank you for the link. I have an elementary question;
1. Original vs. Authentic vs. Reproduction?
Could you briefly define the difference in regards to Coke trays? And just because a tray has the Coca-cola trademark & manufacturer printed on the front or back does not mean its an original and/or authentic?
You can see how I am getting confused. Especially when I look on ebay and see different prices for the same piece and the quality of the print looks the same. I hope you can enlighten me with your expertise?
I'm not an expert by any stretch. But I do have some experience. Here's the way I look at it.
An old, original item is always authentic.
A fake is an item manufactured or altered to look original with the intent of deceiving a buyer.
A reproduction is a copy of an old, original item. A reproduction is authorized.
A fantasy is an item where there was no original. It may look old and be authorized, like your tray. But it is not a reproduction nor old and original.
This is my own personal perception. Others may have a different take. There are exceptions to just about every rule! :)
How about a "made for the collectible market" piece; authorized by the company, mass produced, and marketed as a series or promotion. Another example would be like the yearly Christmas ornaments and such.
eBay is the last place to identify originals vs fake, reproductions. Visit your local bookstore and ask for Petretti's 12th Edition Coca-Cola Price Guide. Or, do what you are doing now; ask the experts on CW. Your tray was licensed by The Coca-Cola Company in 1987. And like Tommy said, mass produced by the millions as a decorative item. No significant value. In fact, most of these fantasy trays actually depreciate in value. These trays are worth around $5-$10 if that.
great information -- thanks for posting -- and thanks to the members for sharing -- learned a lot on this one!!!!
I am almost completely enlightened. After reading all the comments, just a few questions come to mind;
1. Is an original a product produced by Coke in the year it was designed/created? And if so, will it always have the Coke trademark on front with the Manufacturers/Printers name too?
2. So, a fake and a reproduction can be authorized by the Coca-Cola company? Meaning, the back of the tray has the Coke information I posted a picture of?
3. Are reproductions just as valuable as originals?
Definitely reproduction like everyone said.
Seen TONS of repro. trays like this one through the years. Originals are a lot harder to find. Searching the market will give you a sense of whats out there.
It's all about condition and rarity.
In your case this is a very common tray.
If they did make them in 1908, that would be some tray!
Dear almost completely enlightened:
1. Yes to the trademark but not always the manufacturers/printers name
2. A fantasy and reproduction can be authorized/licensed by The Coca-Cola Company
3. Reproductions are NOT just as valuable as originals. Reproductions are for the most part, cheap, worthless copies used as decorative purposes because usually one can't afford the original.
4. Your tray is a fantasy tray, produced by The Coca-Cola Company, for decorative purposes. Your tray was produced in 1987 and probably was priced at $15.00 back then. Today it's worth maybe $5.00. These mass-produced, made-for-the-collectibles-market items actually depreciate in value.
Can we put this to bed now?