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Coca-Cola Sign Language Tracks American Culture

by Daniel Wright

The Coca-Cola Company has made a worldwide name for itself, in no small part due to the help of colorful, decorative signs advertising the bubbly beverage throughout the company's history. Coke signage has included various types including wooden, tin, and the highly coveted enameled (porcelain Coca-Cola signs).

Tin was cheap and plentiful and many signs were tin ones. As a Coca-cola collectible, tin signs are popular and affordable. Replica signs are a very thrifty choice for anyone on even a tight budget who likes the look without the price of the real thing.

While painted tin was reasonably durable, enameled signs held their color better and were sturdier than simple tin ones and a porcelain or enamel Coca-Cola sign is a prize. These often look just about as good as they did when brand new, while tin will show more weathering on average.

Wooden signs were also in use, and the older these are, the more collectible and expensive the pricing. Wood simply does not hold up as well as metal and a wooden Coca-cola is not as likely to survive and even less likely to be in excellent condition. A fortunate find is a sign that was put away in a barn or attic or storeroom and protected from light and the elements.

Some Coke signs were murals painted directly onto interior and exterior walls. Preserving and relocating this type of sign is problematic and not in the scope of most Coca-Cola sign enthusiasts. For them, smaller and more portable signs are more sensible. Fortunately, that still leaves many choices.

It is remarkable just how many different types of signs were produced in the company's history. Perhaps it is this great diversity that adds to the collecting appeal of Coca-Cola signs. The round "button" sign is always a favorite among collectors and is available in many sizes. The porcelain "fountain service" flange signs are also quite popular. Additional choices for the Coca-Cola collector to consider include the rectangular, square, die-cut, cardboard, paper (festoon) and even glass (mirror) signs. Some collectors like to get an example from each category for their Coke collection.

Some Coca-Cola signs reflect the times and their styles and events. Coke "went to war" and WWII era Coca-Cola signs reflect the war effort. Since its beginning, Coke advertising has reflected the history and culture around it. Coke also commissioned famous artists like Norman Rockwell to do sign art, so many are not just ads but artworks to cherish as well.

Soda-Pop-Collectibles.com features thousands of Coca-Cola, Pepsi and cola memorabilia.

Published November 1st, 2007

Filed in Art, Hobby, Home