Checkerboard

August, 2022

• AAAA Convention: Worth the Wait!
• Happy Anniversary Checkerboard!
• Chew on This...
• Morimura Brothers
• Pepsi-Cola Tin Signs from the Past
• Indy Ad Show Returns in Sept.
• Wanted Items

We had to wait three years for the return of the in-person AAAA Convention but it was certainly worth the wait! Approximately 150 registered attendees reveled in the opportunities to learn, buy, sell, trade, play games, have fun, break bread with soulmates, and be totally immersed in the pastime they love. 

In this article, we will only provide an overview of the Convention. The entire September issue of PastTimes will be dedicated to the event, where a complete run-down will be provided. We will try to avoid duplicating any information or photos between the two pieces.

The Convention set several recent records in terms of attendance (150 not counting the public), rooms booked (85) and number of sellers (63). The Embassy Suites literally buzzed with activity---people were busy buying and selling until late each night. Some said "it was just like the good ol' days".

Seminars

One of the high points of the Convention was the seminar series. John DeVolder, Terry Kovel, and Allan Petretti each hit the ball out of the park in their respective sessions!  Further information about the presenters and their seminars will be provided in the September issue of PastTimes.

John DeVolder

"Simply Rochester"

Terry Kovel

"A Chat with Terry Kovel"

Allan Petretti

"The Art of Advertising"

Silent Auction

The silent auction was the source of fun and excitement for many attendees as 167 items went on the auction block. The top item went for $600. The event ran flawlessly, thanks to the talented leadership of Bob Hunt (pictured below), the Silent Auction Coordinator. This year, Bob was assisted by his son Elliott, rather than wife Bev, who could not attend the Convention due to a last-minute conflict. Our sincere thanks go to Bob and Elliott for a job well done!

Room Hopping

Always a Convention favorite, Room Hopping got a couple of special shots in the arm this year. As noted above, a record number of attendees were sellers. Also, a number of registrants were given "Buyer's Bucks" certificates, used like cash, which they received for their loyal membership in AAAA. There was something for everybody in almost every genre of vintage advertising, whether you wanted to spend just a few dollars or a few thousand dollars.  

Raffles and Games

Our traditional raffles and games once again spruced up our banquet dinners with intrigue and laughter. Lenny Kirby (shown to the right) officiated the event with his usual efficiency, charm, and aplomb.  Thanks, Lenny! 

Fifty-one prizes were raffled off. Top prizes included a free night of lodging at the convention hotel, awarded to five lucky recipients. Fun games were also played. As they say, "A good time was had by all!"

Favorite Finds

We asked attendees to submit photos of their "favorite finds" at the Convention. This was based on the reoccurring "Favorite Finds" articles that appear in our newsletters. We ended up with too many submissions to fit in PastTimes so we are pleased to present a few here as a "teaser" to the September article.

Dave Hirsch:  Dave purchased these beautiful tip trays from a member of the public attending the convention on Friday.  

Linda Seeley:  This tin was brought to the convention especially for Linda by another AAAA member who is always on the lookout for baking powder tins Linda can add to her fine collection.

Mary Ann Ray:  No, Mary Ann did not purchase Allan Petretti but she did buy the original work of Petretti art she is holding. Displayed on his door, he wasn't planning on selling it but eventually he did, to her delight!

Leo Fry: Leo purchased this tobacco lunchbox (above) that included the tax stamp inside, even though it was opened. Another item purchased was a catalog that included data on the lunchbox and other Lorillard tobacco products

Convention Sponsors

AAAA wishes to thank the following Sponsors of the 2022 Convention for their generous and gracious support! We consider each of them members of the AAAA family. Please patronize them whenever you have the opportunity!

• Antique Trader
• Antique Week
• Chupp Auctions
• Indy Antique Advertising Show (Route 32 Auctions)
• Indoor Antique Advertising Show (Damon Granger)
• Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
• Kovels
• Morphy Auctions
• Springfield Antique Center

2023 Convention

The 2023 AAAA Convention will take place in York, Pennsylvania at the 170-room, Wyndham Garden York Hotel (lobby shown below). The dates are Wednesday evening, July 19 to Saturday morning, July 22, 2023. More information will be provided in the September issue of PastTimes. Mark your calendars for an exciting 2023 Convention that you can look forward to all year!

My how time flies! Its hard to believe that the first issue of the Checkerboard was published exactly 10 years ago this month! The Checkerboard was created as a complementary added benefit to enhance the value of membership in AAAA.

Yes, most other collector clubs also publish newsletters but they generally come out four times per year...maybe six. But every month? Between the Checkerboard and PastTimes, AAAA members receive a newsletter every month of the year. We feel this regular contact has helped increase the connection between AAAA and our members. In the past 10 years, AAAA membership has increased from 250 to 375. This comes at a time other collector clubs have seen steadily diminishing membership and even dissolution. We hope you enjoy the Checkerboard and look forward to each issue. If you wish to offer any feedback or recommendations, click here.

Right off the bat, we need to get something straight, The Coca-Cola Company never manufactured or produced Chewing Gum!

. . . Well, then why do we have so many examples of Advertising Art featuring Coca-Cola Chewing Gum?

Good question, I’m glad you asked. On March 23, 1903 The Coca-Cola Company signed a contract allowing "The Coca-Cola Gum Company" the sole rights to use the copyrighted name “Coca-Cola” in the manufacturing of Coca-Cola Chewing Gum.

The company was very innovative using vending machines and massive amounts of advertising to promote their gum and take full advantage of the Coca-Cola Trademark. It was assumed, but not proven, that the gum contained Coca-Cola syrup as one of its ingredients. In 1905, a group of Richmond, VA investors chartered The Franklin Mfg. Co., and bought all machinery and assets of The Coca-Cola Gum Co. They were located on 2405 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA. In 1911, the company changed its name to “Franklin Caro Company, Inc.” In 1913 they moved to 200 South Sixth St., Richmond VA.

From 1914 to 1916, the company flourished and added quite a few new flavors to its inventory, including: Caro Gum, Honeyfruit, Richmint, Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Spearmint. In 1912, they applied to register the trademark to the U.S. Patent Office. When it was finally approved in November, 1914, The Coca-Cola Company was not happy and filed an opposition with the patent office. On November 23, The Franklin Caro Company withdrew its application. Another attempt to patent the trademark by the gum company was made and again challenged by Atlanta, and again the gum company caved in.

By 1916, the gum company was not financially sound. War rationing and inflated sugar prices, as well as mismanagement, resulted in them filing for bankruptcy on February 28, 1921. The Coca-Cola Company finally bought out the stock and machinery as well as its contract to prevent others from manufacturing the gum. There is some evidence that, in the early 1940s, Coca-Cola considered marketing candy, gum, and cigars with the trademark script logo on them. However, with the threat of war in Europe, the effort was dropped.

Today, we have been left with some beautiful and very rare examples of The Advertising Art, used to promote this product. A group of the most beautiful pieces is sets of 3-D cardboard, easel back, counter displays of a pair of “Dutch Boy and Dutch Girl”. Smaller versions of this set measure 5 1/4” x 7 3/4” while a larger set is 14” x 20 1/2”. These outstanding pieces of Art were produced by Sackett & Wilhelms, Co., NY. All of these very rare piece were found and bought my me years ago, after being discovered in a small cigar/candy store in Philadelphia, PA. One of the large “Dutch Boy” examples recently sold at auction for $55,000. 

Quite a bit of advertising used by this gum company was imprinted on stock pieces. However most was custom designed. Shown here in this gallery of images is just a small sampling of these rare and sought-after pieces. I hope you enjoy them...and me “Chewing The Fat”!

If I were to say to you that I collect ‘Japanese porcelain’ the first thing that might come to your mind is ‘ah, she collects Noritake.’  That response would be natural since Noritake is one of the most well-known and prolific of all porcelain, not just Japanese, companies. Still in business since their start in 1904, they are known worldwide for their line of fine dinnerware.

Morimura Brothers circa 1884. Notice the large advertising fan hanging in front of the store front.

What most people don’t realize is that there’s another company behind the success of Noritake. That company is Morimura Brothers; without them there would be no Noritake, and there would not be the porcelain that I do collect – Nippon-era ‘fancy ware’ porcelain, the majority of which was produced and imported by Morimura Brothers. 

Click here to read the full article.

My wife Kim and I started collecting Pepsi-Cola advertising in 1988. As you probably know there are numerous categories such as signs, bottles, glasses, and more. For many years, the most popular area has been porcelain and tin signs, as reflected in the record prices these signs are bringing at auctions these days. As far as Pepsi-Cola collecting, there were very few porcelain signs made for the US market and they are very difficult to acquire. Tin signs are certainly more obtainable.

Pepsi-Cola was invented in 1898. The name was registered and first appeared in print in 1902 with some small newspaper ads. The first tin sign that I know of first appeared in 1906 and was made by Chas W. Shonk Co. in Chicago. At this time I know of only one in existence. Most pre-1930 Pepsi-Cola signs are difficult to obtain. This is due to the lack of money spent on national advertising and the company's bankruptcies in 1923 and 1931.

Most of the early signs were green with white script, blue with white script and Yellow and Black block letters. Some manufacturers during that time period were Crown Cork and Seal Company and Burdick sign company. In the 1930’s you will see signs that refer to "Double Size", "Bigger and Better" and "Look for the Trademark".

In 1939 Pepsi-Cola changed to a patriotic red, white, and blue color for most of its signs. These are very popular with collectors and some specialize only in that area of collecting.

In 1950 Pepsi transitioned from what is known as "double dot" to "single dot". This refers to the hyphen(s) between "Pepsi" and "Cola". The single dot logo was used up until 1962. It was then switched to the corrugated cap logo in 1963 and then in 1965 to the smooth cap logo.

if you are interested in learning more about Pepsi-Cola company history or collecting Pepsi-Cola memorabilia, check out: 

www.Pepsi-Colacollectorsclub.com

What follows is a gallery of Pepsi-Cola signs from various periods.

Mark your calendars! The popular and always fun Indy Antique Advertising Show, more commonly known as the "Indy Ad Show" will be returning to the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Indiana September 23-24. It will run from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM each day.  

The show will return to its original Friday and Saturday format, based on feedback received at the last event. Tickets that are good for both days cost $10.00 each. For more information, contact: (765) 307-7119 or [email protected].

In this column are those sought-after items of desire that seem to be elusive. If you know where any of these items can be acquired or if you have one available, please click the link to reply directly to the seeker. To place a listing in this column, click here. There is no fee for AAAA members. Up to three listings per member are permitted. 

Justrite Pet Foods. The Justrite Company General Office was located in Milwaukee WI. A National Company. Advertising, displays, signs, tins, boxes all with logo on it. Most would come from the 1930’s through 1950’s. Thanks for the help… Gordon Addington.  To reply, click here.

Old Topper Brewery Calendar of the late 1940's featuring a pin up artist nude in large format wanted. Always seeking any Rochester Brewery memorabilia. John DeVolder 585-697-4047 or [email protected]

"Jenny" Genesee Brewing Company's girl of the 1950's. Seeking cardboard point of sale-and other items that feature Jenny, who had a ten-year run from 1953 to 1963. Also interested in any cardboard point of sale items from the 1930's through the 1950's from any of the Rochester Breweries. John DeVolder 585-697-4047 or [email protected].

Coca-Cola 24" button porcelain sign with bottle in center. Want several in as close to mint condition as possible. Call 336-970-9867.

Books on Oil & Gas Collectibles. Also looking for books on signs. Call 336-970-9867.

Yellow Kid wanted: 50 year collector looking for the unusual. Reply to: [email protected]

Pedal Cars: Photos, postcards, calendars, catalogs and advertising related to pedal cars. To reply, click here.

Beer cans, soda cans, beer and soda tin-over-cardboard signs, cork-backed bottle caps, key-wind coffee cans, quart oil cans. Please email Jeff Lebo at [email protected].

Coca-Cola 24" button porcelain sign with bottle in center. Want several in as close to mint condition as possible. Call 336-970-9867.

Books on Oil & Gas Collectibles. Also looking for books on signs. Call 336-970-9867.

Pedal car related items. To reply, click here.

Matchbook holders. To know what these are, see my articles in Checkerboard for Nov. 2020 and May 2021. I will consider all items, in any material from plastic to gold, and not necessarily with advertising. Email Andy at [email protected].

Cigarette Packs. Advanced collector looking to purchase vintage packs. Please contact Dheeraj by email: [email protected]

Donald Duck Goyer Coffee Cans; One Pound Can & 3 oz Sample Size in Good Condition With Lids. Please Send Email With Photos & Prices to [email protected]

Morimura Brothers (Japanese import company operating in NYC from 1880-1941) advertising items wanted: trade cards, pamphlets, catalog pages, salesman sample pages, porcelain items with advertising. To reply email at [email protected]

DeLaval Items and Farm Advertising Signs. Always looking for top quality and unique items. Contact Gregg Hillyer at [email protected]

Antique Advertising pertaining to Country Store or Drug Store Products or Places. Especially those showing Women or Girls with the product or location shown. I would consider any  Antique Advertising (paper, cardboard & metal Signs). Quality a plus! Dale Peterson at [email protected]

Wanted top condition: Hard A Port small top tobacco tin; Convention Hall 1 lb coffee tin (green or yellow); Army Navy coffee slip lid canister; Big Horn 1 lb coffee tin; Continental Cubes medium size kidney shape tobacco tin.

To reply, click here.

Unusual one pound peanut butter tins. Tin litho or paper label. To reply, click here.

Marshmallow Tins. Smaller than 5 Pound Size. To reply, click here.

American Cookie, Biscuit and Cracker Tins and Boxes. To reply, click here. 

Banjo related advertising wanted Pre-1940s. Long time collector buying banjo company signage, catalogs, billheads, periodicals, minstrel banjo items such as posters, broadsides, sheet music ( pre-1870s ) with illustrated banjo covers, early photographs showing banjo players (pre-1915). My main collecting interest is in 19th century material. To reply, click here.

Antique American Medicine Bottles by M. Knapp... soft cover book with price guide. Printed in 2012. [email protected] or 781-248-8620 also, see my other want ad for Clarke’s ephemera and bottles.

Looking for 3 Vintage Tins. American Eagle "Oriental Mixture" tobacco (dimensions approx. 6.5" long, 2 3/4" wide, 1.5" tall); 1 Gal. Indian Head Hydraulic Brake Fluid; and Packham´s Caramel Toffee. Any offer is welcome and any condition considered. To reply, click here.

Morton Salt, older items, and also Pacific Coast Borax, especially a crate or box. email [email protected] or call Peggy Dailey 612-522-9211

Comic Book-Related Advertising Items: Must be from before 1980. To reply, click here.

Clarke’s Vegetable Sherry Wine Bitters, Sharon, MA & Rockland, ME: All sizes, variants, smooth/pontil base. Especially need labeled Clarke’s any size! Also, any Clarke’s ephemera…trade cards, almanacs, newspaper ads, etc. Charlie Martin Jr., 781-248-8620. Email: [email protected]

George Petty: Advanced collector looking for unique or rare items. Photo’s, store displays and non paper items. NO Esquire pages. Pete Perrault. To reply, click here or call (502) 290-7661.

Ice Cream Advertising: Mr. Ice Cream desires better graphic ice cream advertising including: postcards (Advertising and RPPC), trade cards, letterheads, billheads, booklets, poster stamps, blotters, magic lantern slides, pinbacks, watchfobs, and pocket mirrors. Allan Mellis, 1115 West Montana St. Chicago, Illinois 60614-2220. [email protected] To reply, click here.

Stock food, poultry food, veterinary advertising wanted. Posters, medicine packages, give-aways. Email [email protected] or call (256) 520-5211.

Singer Sewhandy Model 20-Green-regular paint, not hammertone. To reply, click here.

National Biscuit Company, Nabisco, Uneeda Biscuit, Uneeda Bakers, Muth Bakery, NBC Bread toys, signage, tins, containers, displays, historical items. Please Email [email protected] or call (937) 205-2232.

Early Cigarette Rolling Papers: Pre-1940’s - American, Zig Zag, Braunstein Freres, Bambino, and Ottoman papers wanted. To reply, click here.

Antique/Collectible Banking and Financial System "Give-a way" and advertising items. Specifically from Pennsylvania. Alarm devices and such. To reply, click here.

Vitamins advertising, displays, signs, bottles, and anything related: Hadacol is an example. Most would come from the 1930’s thru the 1970’s. Also anything related to cod-liver oil and WEIGHT-LOSS, REDUCING, ANTI-FAT, and OBESITY ITEMS. To reply, click here.

Early tin signs lithographed by Tuchfarber, Wells and Hope, Worcester Sign Company, Sentenne and Green, etc. I can pay more for good condition, but would be interested in any condition. Don Lurito [email protected] also in the directory. To reply, click here.

Dwinell-Wright Co. Royal Ground Spice Cardboard Spice Boxes. One side displays horizontally. Approximately 3.75" by 2.25". Any type of spice is OK. To reply, click here.

ENSIGN Perfect and ENSIGN Perfection vertical pocket tobacco tins to enhance my collection. Feel free to contact me at 614-888-4619 or [email protected] to see if you can help fill the voids.

Edmands Coffee Company, Edmands Tea Company, 1776 Coffee, American Beauty Tea, Japan Tea, Devonshire Tea, (imported by Edmands, Boston/Chicago): Any items such as tins, signs, paper, or anything else related to the Edmands family of companies in Boston is desired. To reply, click here.

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!