EARLY ROYAL CROWN GINGER ALE PAPER LABEL

[SODAPOPBOB]

I might be jumping to conclusions, but sometimes you just gotta read between the lines in order to come up with any form of logical explanation. No matter how many searches I do and references I find regarding the Union Bottling Works of Columbus, Georgia, almost without exception every one of them states that Claud Hatcher's Union Bottling Works was established in 1905. The only exception I have seen to the 1905 date is from the following link that states the bottling works was established in 1907. http://tinyurl.com/q8zkcnb Scroll to Page 21, Number 25, where you will find the information I attached below But regardless if it was 1905 or 1907 when the Union Bottling Works was established, I find it almost impossible to accept they would go to the expense and trouble to form a new company which had it's own bottles and not put their new company name on their labels as well. Hence, I am currently of the opinion the three labels being discussed here precede anything involving the Union Bottling Works, which would (in my opinion) date them to circa 1901-1905. Note: I'm not saying the Union Bottling Works never produced Royal Crown Ginger Ale, because there is ample evidence to indicate they did. I'm merely suggesting the paper labels were used before the Union Bottling Works was established and registered in 1905-1907 Why produce a bottle with the company name on it but not put the name on the label? [ Attachments ] 1. Portion of Archeology article from link2. Union Bottling Works straight-sided bottle3. Close up of embossed label

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

For those who might be wondering why the paper labels don't have the name Hatcher Grocery on them, the most logical explanation I can offer at the moment refers back to the various histories which describe Claud Hatcher's dealings between 1901 and 1904 as a "basement operation," during which time he was still experimenting with things before he was able to fully established the Union Bottling Works.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Rich and Brad: I'm mailing your labels today (Wednesday February 25, 2015) Please let us know when they arrive, which I expect will take about a week. I'm buying a special frame for mine and will post a picture of it in a few days. I hope you enjoy them Bob

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

~ Value ~ Even though some of my findings are based on speculation, based on everything I know about Royal Crown and the fact I can find absolutely no record of these particular labels ever being sold, coupled with the possibility they are the only examples currently known to exist, I feel that gives me at least a little leeway in determining their current value. If I were to offer mine at auction and provide the information from this thread, even if it only hinted at the possibility of the labels being from circa 1901-1904, I think a reasonable auction estimate of their current value would be ... [font="arial black,avant garde"]$125.00 each[/font] ( I would not even consider an offer for less ) []

 

[iggyworf]

Bob, can't wait for the label to get here. Thanx a million. Here is another good history of royal crown. I am sure you seen this one but wanted to post it. But I can't seem to get a link posted to it. Will keep trying.

 

[iggyworf]

It was by Cecil Munsey.

 

[dbv1919]

Thanks again bob I will be watching.

 

[jblaylock]

Just wanted to add that I LOVE SPB's research. You sir, are amazing. I love reading these threads.

 

[dbv1919]

Me too

 

[iggyworf]

Ditto!