Text Size: A
A
A
A
The Choo Choo Chapter of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club is hosting a Coca-Cola memorabilia swap meet and appraisal show open the general public during its bi-annual convention at the Comfort Inn and Suites in East Ridge Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“(Attendees) will enjoy looking at all the nostalgic old Coke things,” said event co-chair Helen Meadows. “You see a lot of things you remember from growing up.”
Whether you’re looking to part with items collecting dust in your grandmother’s attic or hoping to be the recipient of such unknown treasures, this could be your lucky day.
Coca-Cola memorabilia collectors George and Linda Gilcrest and Helen and William Meadows, from left, will host a swap meet at the Comfort Inn and Suites in East Ridge Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is the first time hosting the convention for the Meadows and fellow co-chairs George and Linda Gilcrest, of Hixson, all of whom have been Coca-Cola memorabilia collectors since 1993.
“It’s an American icon. Where everyone grew up, there was probably a Coca-Cola bottler,” said Mr. Gilcrest, who began his collection with an embossed hobbleskirt bottle from his hometown.
Up to two items of memorabilia such as bottles, signs, pretzel bowls, calendars, license plate frames, or anything else emblazoned with the soft drink company’s logo can be brought in for appraisal by members of the Atlanta chapter of the Coca-Coca Collectors Club, said co-chair William Meadows.
“(The appraisers) are real honest,” he said. “They don’t tell you something’s worth $10 when it’s really $100, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get that much for it.”
Mr. Meadows said a piece’s value is based on the price quoted in the appraisal book by Allan Perretti, a standard for hobby enthusiasts. The appraiser then rates the item according to its condition, he said.
“You’re looking for something no one else has that’s unique to your collection,” said Mr. Meadows, who owns approximately 2000 commemorative bottles valued anywhere from $1 to $900 apiece.
Older items, such as a porcelain sign from the 1930s Mr. Meadows said he once saw at auction, can go for $10,000 or more.
Mrs. Meadows said the thrill of the hunt often leads the couple all over the country, even to cities as far away as Palm Springs, Calif., and Portland, Ore., to attend national conventions of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club.
“No matter where you are, you’re always looking,” she said. “That’s one thing about a collector.”
Participants who wish to sell their memorabilia may rent tables for $50 each and are free to set up between 8 and 10 a.m. in the hotel’s conference room, said Mr. Meadows.
del.icio.us
digg
Furl
Spurl
YahooMyWeb
co.mments
Ma.gnolia
De.lirio.us
blogmarks
BlinkList
NewsVine
scuttle
Fark
Shadows
Comments
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.