COCA COLA QUESTION / QUANDARY

[celerycola]

From page 67 of

Coca-Cola Bottlers' Standards

published in 1929.

According to Munsey the Inland Coca-Cola Bottling Company started in 1915.
(Boise's Nye Pharmacy was advertising Coca-Cola at their fountain as early as 1898 but it shared billing with 'Kola Celery'.)

 

[morbious_fod]

ORIGINAL: celerycola

These so-called "Hutchinson" cases with the holes in the bottom were not exclusively for Hutch bottles. When crown bottles came into use bottlers continued to buy and use this type of case because it was easy to make sure they received only their bottles back by glancing over the bottle bottoms where their trade mark was embossed.

When Coca-Cola published their Standardization Guidelines in 1928 they pictured the new color scheme on a case with the holes.

I've seen these cases marked Coca-Cola priced from $50 to $200. The lid on this one is a nice feature and so is the non-standard color scheme. Is Coca-Cola in script or block?

I agree. I have also ran into these style boxes from certain local bottlers that I know were only around during the crown top era.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

I just got back from taking some photos of the box with my digital camera. My brother was able to do the cell phone download, but the photos turned out blurry. But the ones to follow should make up for it.

In case anyone intends to comment soon, please give me about 15 minutes to post about six photos. They will tell the story about the box better than I can.

Notice in the photo of the side where it has the number 404. I know this is a Root Glass number, but I am not sure yet if there is a connection between the box and the Root Glass Factory. I am trying not to speculate too much here. But even if the 404 number is pure coincidence (which I believe it is) the experiment I did (and explain below) should help shed at least a little light on what type of bottles the box was intended for.

Regarding the experiment I did (see related photo) I placed three bottles in the box … which included a Hutchinson - a 1910 Straight-side - and a 1915 hobbleskirt. (Shown left to right). The result of which was the Hutch and 1910 bottles rested well below the top edge of the box. But the 1915 hobbleskirt was slightly too tall (by about 1/8 inch) and the lid came to rest on it when closed. I’m not sure this is conclusive of anything, but it suggest that it was not intended for hobbleskirts, leaving the straight-sided bottles as the most likely candidates for the box's intent. (Question mark).

I have more research results to share, but for the time being please look over the photos and see what you think. I titled each photo the best I could. Plus, I have lowered the condition from 7.5 to 6.0.

Again, please allow me a little time to post my photos. I will indicate my last photo when I'm done.

Thanks a lot.

SPBOB

Back side showing hinges - the back is in better shap than the front.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Looking down inside of the box with my three bottles in place.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Side of box with 404 ... and ... A

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Closeup of latch on front of lid. Another box would not stack on it too good (if at all).

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

(Last photo) Box mfg. maker's mark stamped on the back wall of the inside. This company was in operation from 1883 to 1964.

Soooo ... What do you think? How old is it and what is it worth?

Mucho Gracias' to everyone . []

SPBOB

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

I just found out that (according to Coca Cola researcher, Cecil Munsey) the "Inland Coca Cola Bottling Company of Boise, Idaho" began operation in ...

~ 1915 ~

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

All things considered, if I have a shot at purchasing it on Monday, I believe it will end up at ...


$150.00 minimum
$200.00 maximum

Let's take a vote based on everything we know so far.

YES : Buy it in this price range? NO : It's too much in this price range?

(And could it possibly sell on e-bay for $250.00-plus?)

SPBOB

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

~ IN CONCLUSION ~

First ... I want to acknowledge celerycola for coming up with the 1915 I.C.C.B.C. date first.

Second ... All of the e-mail inquiries I sent out have been answered now, and according to extremely reliable sources the 404 on the box has no connection whatsoever to the straight-sided Root bottles that have 404 embossed on the heels. But that the box was likely intended for straight sided bottes of some kind from somewhere.

Third ... The box was likely intended for use as a transport case for filled bottles to be delivered to area grocers and markets from the bottler. And to be returned to the bottler when it was refilled with empty bottles.

Fourth ... A reasonable date for when the box was made can safely be set at ... Circa 1915-1920.

Which leaves the following categories in question regarding it's collectibility ...

? Supply - Demand - Rarity - Value ?