Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Coca Cola Trays: Is it the REAL thing?

Coca Cola items of many types have been popular among collectors for years, but the biggest single category of Coca Cola collectibles is the trays. Many versions were manufactured from 1897 to the present in many categories including: vehicles, colleges, cities, national conventions, Santas, Norman Rockwells, women (Gibson Girls), and the Olympics. Here's an example of a tray from the 1984 Olympics. The 2nd photo shows the Olympic Records listed on the back of the tray. Nice piece. Is it valuable? Nope. You will see why below.The trays gee in many sizes and shapes: round, oval, square and rectangle. Telling the difference between an original and a reproduction can be tricky, so this guide will focus on that discussion.Authenticity - Is it the REAL thing?The oldest trays in pristine condition are the most valuable. The 1897 Victorian lady tray isknown to have sold for as much as $12,000. Finding a tray in really good condition is tough since people used them, and wet glasses of refreshing Coke created lots of rust. Mint condition trays are unusual, and gemand high prices. Prices for the gemon trays from the 1950s and later have fallen substantially. For example, I've known the 1950s Menu Girl tray to sell for well over $100 years ago, but have seen her go for MUCH less recently on okay. Prices and trends go up and down with the times and the economy. Another original I bought at auction years ago for $150 (a deal) with a book price over double that at the time is now selling for substantially less. That tray was made in 1939 and is pictured below.

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