Collectibles Primer
There are almost as many kinds of collectibles as there are people, and one of the most popular items is anything related to soft drinks. These can be anything from items created when the beverages were first concocted to recent special bottles or cans or promotional items. Some people specialize in soda machines as well.
Bottles are one of the most popular collectibles. They don't take up much room, and they come in a wide range of styles and prices. Bottles that have not been empty are more popular, and will command a higher price.
Soda related collectibles fans have been specializing in single brands. Of these, there are quite a few fans of Pepsi, which was created in 1893 by a druggist in North Carolina named Caleb Bradham. It was originally called "Brad's Drink". Five years later, it was renamed Pepsi. Older bottles, which are rarer, are valued higher, although some more recent specially produced bottles will bring top dollar, such as the Elvis bottles from a few years ago.
Bottles that represent a change are a valued item for collectors, such as the first no deposit no return bottles and early cans. Changes in shape, label and coloring also mark items of special interest. Some even collect the wooden cases that once held bottles or even some of the cardboard six pack holders with interesting designs.
Signs are another popular collectible. These can be outdoor signs made from wood or metal, or indoor display signs of various shapes, sizes and designs, or even murals when whole walls may be removed and sold. Some signs include lighting or clocks and are popular for their functionality. Condition is a huge factor in value and treasured collectibles are wooden signs that were stored indoors before much weathering and still in new condition.
There are collectors who specialize in Pepsi vending machines. A wide variety of different machines are on the market ranging from unsophisticated metal boxes which held ice and bottles up to higher tech modern machines. The most prized of the old vending machines are the ones which are still in working condition. These machines can range in price from under $100 for simple machines to thousands for machines that are especially rare.
There is virtually no limit on the collectibles available, from porcelain through to sporting memorabilia. Soft drink companies manufacture limited edition merchandise and this can be easily sourced from online shops which specialize in such memorabilia, or through online auctions. Trays and glasses are popular to collect, and will not blow the budget. You will find a soft drink-related version of almost any item imaginable, with items to appeal to all tastes and budgets.
Browse hundreds of Pepsi and Coke collectibles of every size, shape, and type at Soda-Pop-Collectibles.com.
Published November 11th, 2007
Filed in Hobby