Morphy Auctions is preparing a three-day Soda Pop, Advertising & General Store Auction on August 18th-20th in Denver, Pennsylvania, and online. The auction will feature nearly 2,000 lots, highlighting lots of vintage and antique finds, including Coca-Cola and Pepsi prototype bottles.
Keep reading to learn more about the upcoming collector’s gold mine.
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Three-Day Auction at Morphy’s
The three-day auction held by Morphy Auctions will feature soda-fountain and general-store advertising material. This includes early Coca-Cola and Pepsi bottles and other exclusive memorabilia.
The large run will be available to bid on within the Pennsylvania-based gallery or online through the auction’s live bidding platform.
Items Headlining the Auction Lot
With nearly two thousand items from signage, bottles, fountain accessories, and even vending machines, there’s a lot to pick through to find prized pieces.
However, there are several marquee items to look out for. One such item is a large 1914-1916 die-cut Coca-Cola Peppermint Pepsin Gum sign.
Other items include a salesman’s sample “Munimaker” syrup dispenser from Hires Root Beer, and prototype one-of-a-kind Coca-Cola and Pepsi bottles. These bottles have several distinctive markings, from a Pepsi bottle embossed repeatedly around its circumference to a double-sided Coca-Cola porcelain fountain sign.
Morphy Auctions is placing a particular emphasis on the prototype and unique bottles, setting this lot apart from many others. Many of these lots connected to Coca-Cola or Pepsi memorabilia are estimated in the low to high five-figure range, with some even being worth six figures.
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The Value in The Lot
Morphy may be placing a lot of value on the bottles, but there is value in other pieces within the lot, too. Some of the porcelain signs within the lot will draw lots of money, as early die-cut advertising and Tennessee–enamel porcelain fountain signs are among the most collectible items in soda-brand memorabilia.
They are especially popular with specialized collectors and dealers. Keep an eye out for porcelain signs made by Tennessee-based enameling firms in the early 1930s. The large lot itself is also drawing lots of attention.
However, pay attention to the large grouping, as some of the items may be of lesser value, but a large lot of prototype and on-off bottles will always draw attention.
Other Items at Morphy Auctions
Another featured item to keep a lookout for is the Munimaker salesman’s sample dispenser. The miniature working replica is made from marble, glass, nickel, and a milk-glass globe that reads “Drink Hires / It is Pure.” It’s a rare item that is in very good condition, and should be a prize point amongst dedicated collectors.
Beyond those featured items, Morphy Auctions is also showing period radios, gum-vending machines, and display furniture. These categories have drawn more attention from collectors over the years and should continue to do so in this auction.
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Tips for Prospective Buyers
When looking into the items at Morphy Auctions, check out the online catalog that provides condition notes, images, and shipping procedures with each item. During the three-day sale, you can bid on items through the phone, absentee, in-person, and live internet bidding.
Morphy prices the pieces through collecting specialists and price guides, taking into account the condition, maker attribution, and provenance to determine the final price point. Similar pieces can vary widely in price due to these parameters.
Prospective bidders and consignors should look at the auction house’s catalog and bidding platforms for specifics and determine which pieces are worth adding to their collections.
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