 |
|
 |
 |
Home
Products
Contact
Shopcart
Checkout
|
 |
 |
|
Coca-Cola and Advertising-The Real Thing!
Coca Cola advertising has chronicled our times and events for more than a century. Favorite Coca Cola images have appeared on thousands of products over the years. Products with the Coca Cola logo have become favorite antiques and collectibles for nostalgia collectors. Of special interest to many collectors is the advertising Coca-Cola put out during war times. During WWI when it was necessary to ration sugar Coke asked the public for it’s patience and put out patriotic ads to demonstrate that the company was behind the war efforts. The war ended in 1919 and Coke made a quick recovery. The advertising created by Coca-Cola in the teens of the 19th Century was ahead of it’s time. Coke had a vision of the All American Girl and made sure their advertising illustrated the image. The amazing calendars that we are all so familiar with started in 1914. These are the highlight of collectible Coca-Cola advertising during that era. Robert Woodruff became President of the Coca-Cola Company in 1923 and made a dramatic change in Coke’s advertising. In 1929 Coke published a booklet titled, “Coca-Cola Bottler’s Standards (these are prized collector items today). The standardization of bottles started in the 1920’s and is still being continued today. To help the process Woodruff called for more advertising that emphasized Coke in bottles and bottle sales increased by 65%. The advertising campaign was called the “Bottle vs. Fountain” and created some interesting ad variations. Coke was presented as a “way of life” not just a soft drink. By 1925 nationwide billboard advertising was used. In 1927, Coca-Cola starting using commercial radio for twenty-five years until television.
Then in the 1930’s Coke started associating their drink with food, “Natural Partner of Good Things to Eat” was the slogan of the day. Coke’s advertising in the 30’s changed dramatically; the girls were replaced with wholesome images of boys fishing with their dogs by their sides and artwork by Norman Rockwell. The Coke Company wanted to portray a family image now that coke was portable and brought into the home. They wanted to be established as a family drink which they accomplished quite effectively! The 40’s saw one of Coke’s most successful campaigns in the company’s history with the publication of “Flower Arranging in the Home”. This was a series consisting of three booklets. More than five million were given out in three years, helping the skyrocketing sales of Coca-Cola’s six packs continue. The use of the trademark “Coke” made its first appearance in 1941. In 1942 “Coke” was highlighted by “The Little Sprite” what we know as “Sprite Boy”, Sprite Boy helped show the connection between “Coca-Cola” and “Coke.”
When America found herself at war again in the early 40’s Woodruff stated that “We will see that every man in uniform gets a bottle of Coca-Cola for 5 cents wherever he is and whatever it costs.” Sixty- four bottling operations were set up as close to battle as possible. Over 5,000,000,000 bottles of Coke were consumed by the man and women of the armed forces! Because of the war effort metal was not used in Coke’s advertising, meaning no trays, signs, tins…..wood and masonite replaced the tin. Magazine ads began in earnest with beautiful, colorful patriotic ads showing our service people in uniform which gave the whole country a sense of pride. These have become many collectors’ favorites. The 50’s showed America back in good times and leisure activities, such as picnics and ballgames! Coke saw the advantage of television and didn’t waste any time making use of it. The company sponsored a Thanksgiving special in 1950 with Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, marking their first TV appearance. In 1955 Coke started introducing different size of packages. For instance a twenty-six ounce family and two king size bottles, a ten and twelve oz. with a modified hobble skirt design. Another huge milestone for Coke was in 1954 when Ray Kroc - the man who bought out the McDonald Brothers - started offering Coca-Cola with his hamburgers and fries! As music started becoming a major part of American life Coke kept up with the times by coming up with the “Hi-Fi” club. The club consisted of dance parties sponsored by Coke and local radio stations, this proved to very an extremely successful campaign as well. The 60’s brought in the creation of “Tab” and the slogan “Things Go Better with Coke”, by the late 60’s. “It’s The Real Thing” (original advertising) was airing and a whole new look became familiar with the “Dynamic Ribbon” or as we collectors call it, the “Wave Logo”. Woodruff died in 1985 which brought an end to the Woodruff era. True Coke memorabilia the Woodruff era and before can be very hard to find and is very collectible. We feature Rare and Collectible Advertising items from decades past.. Note: Any antique collectibles we are presenting are all original and manufactured solely for The Coca-Cola Company. We are trying to find rare Coke memorabilia at prices where everyone can afford one! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|||||||||
 |
 |
