Old coca cola bottle

[sliktoys]

Hi, I am new here and have a question. I got this coca cola bottle from my landlord and it seems he thought it was a good idea to use it for a candle holder. There is wax both on the inside and outside of this bottle. I know that this is a nice bottle and I dont want to hurt it so do you guys have any tips on cleaning it?

Also would like to know the value of this bottle. Not much on the net about it and even less about it's value. I posted this on another forum and got some answers but just wanted to know what you guys thought. The bottom of the bottle has an H in a triangle which I am told refers to J.T.& A. Hamilton, Pittsburgh, PA (1884-1943). Mark reportedly used approximately 1900-1943. It stands 11.5 inches tall.

 

[sliktoys]

I should say this is a Coca Cola syrup bottle.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

silktoys ~

Welcome to the forum.

I am not entirely sure how to date your Coca Cola syrup bottle, but one similar to it sold on e-bay this past Sunday for $511.00. So I would do some serious research to determine just which one you have. Hopefully someone will come along here and be able to tell you more about it.

Be very careful if you attempt to remove the wax. Hot water (but not boiling) may loosen it up just enough to remove. But never, never run a heated bottle under cold water because it could crack and shatter. You might even try a blow dryer (not too hot) and see how that works. There are no chemicals that I know of that will dissolve wax. The only thing I know of is heat.

Below is the e-bay link and picture of the bottle I spoke about.

Good luck. Great find!

SPBOB

E-bay link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=170624158634&nma=true&rt=nc&si=XWYPMuwjvl0eb2Fp6W52RrHEn4Q%253D

 

[sliktoys]

Thanks, saw that link earlier. The bottom only has a H inside a trianglesame as the bottle from your ebay link. I posted over at TreasureNet as well. In fact I found this site from your Valentine's thread over there.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

I just read your post on TN. I guess it's a small world after all. I also did a quick search and found this ...



Paraffin (candle) wax is soluble in mineral spirits.

I have used mineral spirits on a variety of things and have never had a problem with it. They even use it on carpet to remove certain stains. Try experimenting with it on a different painted label bottle and see what happens. I can almost guarantee you it won't eat off the paint. Mineral spirits is not a paint thinner.

SPBOB [/align]

 

[sliktoys]

The hot water did the trick, melted the wax right off. Came out real nice to. Here's a close up of the lable after cleaning.

 

[sliktoys]

And the bottom.......

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Fantastic! It looks great! There is a way of dealing with rust spots, but you better quit while you are ahead. Please let us know if it is for sale and/or you list it on e-bay. But be prepared for your landlord wanting a chunk of the "ka-ching" Lol [] (Personally I'm not in a position to make an offer, but someone may be). Good luck.

SPBOB

 

[sliktoys]

The top.........

 

[sliktoys]

The whole bottle after cleaning. I dont dare touch that rust! My landlord can have all but whatever fees I need to pay to sell it. He is a great old guy! Gives me one heckl of a deal on rent so I don't ever complain.