WHAT: When does an old commercial Coca-Cola cooler soar to $18,450 at auction? When it is a salesman sample in A-1 original condition, measuring only 13 inches high by 10.5 inches wide by 8 inches deep.
Before videos and the digital age, salesmen carried a small version of their product as a visual for shop owners in their territory. Samples are replicas of actual products, ranging from stoves to farm equipment and Coca-Cola coolers. They are faithful facsimiles made to scale and designed as demos. Seeing and handling the sample helped customers decide if they wanted to buy.
MORE: The sold cooler is a demo for the Glascock “standard” model with hinged twin top lids, a zinc-lined interior, and original advertising panels on all sides. As per the original, it has a bottle opener on the side and caster feet. Paint is in original but gently used condition. Note the cases and bottles that help a potential buyer see how they fit into the product.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: There is a legion of Coca-Cola collectors, and many collect items across the board: clocks, equipment, toys, clothing, ads, holiday items, you name it.
Novice collectors often confuse sales samples with miniatures. Here’s an easy rubric: Miniatures are not made to faithful scale. Even expensive collector miniatures are often made to varied scales. Most minis are not well made, and many are fantasy items. Plus, most are created for play.
HOT TIP: Many old Coca-Cola items have been and still are reproduced. Add to that fantasy items that are not reproductions or even copies; they’re simply fakes. Beware of “old” trays, belt buckles, ads or calendars marked Coca-Cola. The truism bears true: Know your seller.
BOTTOM LINE: From a known collection, the double cooler hits “Bingo!” on all points: It is authentic and complete, rare and extremely desirable, and in excellent condition.
