🥤 ANTIQUE COCA-COLA PEPSIN GUM WOODEN SHIPPING CRATE – CIRCA 1911–1921 🥤Outstanding early Coca-Cola advertising crate produced during the Franklin-Caro Co. era of Coca-Cola Pepsin Gum, approximately 1911–1921.This scarce wooden crate features the distinctive red key-shaped Coca-Cola Gum advertising graphic on both long sides, along with Coca-Cola Pepsin Gum and Franklin-Caro Co., Richmond, VA branding on the end panels.The Franklin-Caro name helps date this piece. The company operated under the Franklin-Caro Co. name beginning around 1911, placing this style of Coca-Cola Pepsin Gum crate within the early 20th-century production period before Coca-Cola gum production ended in the 1920s.⭐ ADVERTISING DETAILS• Coca-Cola Pepsin Gum wooden shipping crate • Circa 1911–1921 • Franklin-Caro Co., Richmond, Virginia • Large red key-shaped advertising graphic on both long sides • Slogan reads: “THE KEY – Coca-Cola GUM – TO GOOD DIGESTION” • End panels marked “Coca-Cola Pepsin Gum” and “Franklin-Caro Co. Richmond, VA.” • Classic Coca-Cola script logo • Advertising on all four sides • Finger-jointed corner construction • Nailed wooden bottom • Naturally aged wood patinaThe unusual Coca-Cola chewing gum subject matter makes this especially appealing compared with the more commonly encountered Coca-Cola beverage and bottle crates.HISTORICAL CONTEXT:Coca-Cola chewing gum was marketed separately from the bottled beverage during the early 1900s.After earlier production under the Coca-Cola Gum Company and Franklin Manufacturing Company, the business operated as Franklin-Caro Co. beginning around 1911.Crates from this Franklin-Caro period are known for the distinctive “The Key to Good Digestion” Coca-Cola Gum advertising seen on this example.This places the crate approximately within the 1911–1921 Franklin-Caro era.CONDITION:Authentic antique condition with substantial age-related character and wear consistent with an early commercial wooden shipping crate.The wood displays natural discoloration, stains, scratches, scuffs, edge wear, small chips, surface imperfections, and other evidence of decades of handling and storage.The red advertising remains clearly visible on all four sides, although fading and wear are present throughout.The bottom consists of wooden boards showing separation along the center seam. Dark oxidation and staining are visible around the old nails and portions of the wood.Interior surfaces also show staining and wear from previous commercial use.The finger-jointed corners remain assembled, and the crate presents very well as a display piece. Due to its considerable age, it should be treated as an antique collectible rather than used for functional storage or shipping.No modern sanding, repainting, clear coating, or restoration is apparent from visual inspection.📸 PLEASE REVIEW ALL PHOTOSThe photographs show the actual crate being offered and are an important part of the condition description. Please review the joints, bottom boards, interior, advertising, edge wear, and overall construction carefully before purchasing.📦 SHIPPINGWill be carefully packed with substantial protective material and shipped with tracking and appropriate insurance based on the final sale value.A fantastic early piece for collectors of Coca-Cola advertising, Coca-Cola Gum, antique wooden crates, general store advertising, soda fountain memorabilia, chewing gum advertising, country store displays, and early American advertising.
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