Collecting Coca Cola Memorabilia

Not many soft drinks can claim to be so much a part of popular culture as Coca Cola. From its first production in 1886, it grew in popularity and became the favorite drink in the world and a best seller. Coca Cola memorabilia is big business and many people are avid collectors of old and contemporary items. The company has always given a lot of attention to its image and marketing the brand. The artwork over the decades, used to advertise the product, is sometimes worthy of being shown in a gallery.

One of the best places to see a variety of merchandise in one place is The Schmidt Museum of Coca Cola Memorabilia in Elizabeth Town, Kentucky. It opened in 2006 and it has an impressive collection. There are vending machines, toys, bottles, signs and serving trays. The history of the franchise is brought to life with antique delivery vehicles and a bottling plant from the early 1900s. The Santa advertising campaign is a familiar one and there is an exhibit about this. A 1950s designed soda fountain has been replicated with the company logo much in evidence. There is a gift store to buy merchandise.

Items associated with the drink are plentiful and easy to obtain, from the everyday household objects to classic artwork. The original styled glass bottles are distinctive and these can be collected along with the bottle crates that held them. There are also plastic beakers, and bottle and can openers with the familiar logo. A glass of coke with lots of ice looks good in a tumbler and a 1970s retro diner set is available with mugs, bowls and dinner plates. A Coca Cola memorabilia themed kitchen can also contain a cookie jar and salt shaker.

It's possible to create your own retro diner or soda fountain by buying the Coca Cola logo designed bar stools, tables and chairs. This can be further enhanced with tin wall signs or plaques and fridge magnets. One of the magnet designs features Betty Boop. If there is a bar in the home, there are rubber bar runners, complete with logo. Collectors can save up for more memorabilia from Coca Cola by putting loose change into a Coca Cola money tin.

Posters have always been a popular tool for promoting products and Coca Cola ones tend to be tastefully done. These are available for sale too and give an interesting insight into the culture of the times. They range from the early 20th century through to 1960s pop art designs. One of the most popular images is the French polar bear. Coca Cola memorabilia is stylish and fun.

Summary

Collecting Coca Cola memorabilia can be a very satisfying and rewarding hobby. Coke has been around for a very long time, and the advertising and logos have changed a little over the years. Posters are very common, as are kitchen items such as salt and pepper shakers and dishes.