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The Value of a Vintage Coca Cola Cooler

Vintage Coca-Cola cooler values range depending on their age, rarity and condition. First unveiled at the annual Bottlers Convention by the Glascock Brothers in 1929, they quickly became very popular due to the lack of electric refrigeration at the time. Through the 1930s, they were available in varying styles from smaller carry along sizes all the way up to counter models that had both an ice water display and storage area. These differences, along with features such as spigots and wheels also factor into the final value.

Identification
- Aside from having a collectibles guide, the easiest way to identify an item is to do a web search on the item. This will give an idea of the type of cooler you are looking for and help in assessing the quality of the item. The Collectors Weekly website, is an online resource that has several options. It offers a place to read interesting articles or to view active current auctions on specific items. There are interviews with experienced collectors and a section with upcoming events. The site may help not only identify your cooler, but help in understanding the difference between a vintage item and a reproduction.
Condition
- Sheldon Goldstein, author of Goldstein's Coca-Cola Collectibles, set general standards for grading Coca-Cola items. Many sources use his guidelines. While "Rare Class" predates 1904, "Mint" means in new condition (as originally packaged). "Near Mint" items will have very minor wear, while "Excellent" items may have minute scratches, chips or an opened original package. A "Very Good" item could have no package and may have small areas of rust, flaking or scratches, while a "Fair" item has major scratches, dents, fading, rust, flaking or chipping. Finally, items in the "Poor" category are very worn, badly rusted, pitted, dented, chipped, torn or flaked.
Value
- The best way to find out what a cooler is worth is to connect with others in the know. Local collectors chapters are available in many cities, Coca-Cola Club offers listings or check out collectible value books from a local library or bookstore. Auction sites allow for an item to be examined and valued and often members can view auctions that have ended to see what value has been placed on various items.
Collecting
- Finding that an original should have a certain handle or other accessory to be of any value is important knowledge to have. No one wants to be cheated, so it is important that a collector knows what he is looking for and how to identify the real thing from a fake. The Coca Collection website offers collectors many tools to help avoid such pitfalls. Coca-Cola items are widely collected, so knowing how to find a bargain among them can make collecting a rewarding hobby.
Top Selling Coolers
- Although trends can change these particular coolers, seem to sell steadily. Of the larger coolers, the Deco of the 1930's continues to be a leader, even selling when worn and with missing parts. In the mid-size commercial range, the 1929 Glascock Jr. Coke cooler is sought, as is the Cavalier Junior "airline model" with opener. In the more portable category of coolers, model No. 1 of the Action Cooler series and the smaller TempRite six-pack cooler lead the pack.

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