HIRES ROOT BEER ~ vs ~ VERNOR'S GINGER ALE

[hemihampton]

That's possible. I like the Hires Stoneware bottles. you'd figure they came out first but they did not come out until 1914. Have you ever seen one Bob? LEON.

 

[SODABOB]

Whether Vernor's Ginger Ale or Hires Root Beer is the oldest continuously produced soda pop is, in my opinion, still a subject of debate. However, I'm starting to think there's no question as to which brand was first bottled in a carbonated form ...

 

[SODABOB]

That's possible. I like the Hires Stoneware bottles. you'd figure they came out first but they did not come out until 1914. Have you ever seen one Bob? LEON.

Yes, I've seen lots of pictures of the stoneware bottles, and came up with the same 1914 date for them. The last one of us who post a picture of one is a rotten egg! (Lol)

 

[hemihampton]

I got a Interesting Article of Hires in my Ginger Beer & Root Beer book. LEON.

 

[SODABOB]

Buy It Now ~ eBay ~ $300

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291892705946?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&fromMakeTrack=true

 

[SODABOB]

iggy / Rich

Did you see this one?

Buy It Now ~ eBay ~ $69

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-1800s-H...rtial-Paper-Label-Blown-in-Mold-/272395134642



This label is fodder for research. Its the first close up of one I've seen

 

[hemihampton]

My Root Beer book gives it a price of $200-$300. BUT, I've seen a few over the years & never thought it was that tough considering you see them once in awhile. I would figure more common & maybe $100? LEON.

 

[hemihampton]

I seen that one, label pretty rough. LEON.

 

[SODABOB]

As near as I can determine ...

The blob-tops date between 1893 and 1896



The crown-tops date from 1897 and later

 

[SODABOB]

As near as I can determine ...

Hires Root Beer is the first national / major brand to use a crown-top bottle

Note: I'm aware of crown-top bottles from 1894 and 1895, but they are not national / major brands