Double Cola Bottle Value Guide

Double Cola 12 Oz Glass Bottle Seminole Flavor Co ACL Soda ...
Double Cola Bottle
Estimated Value
$18 – $20
Period
1940-1950
Origin
United States
Materials
Glass, enamel
Category
Cola bottle

The Double Cola bottle is a significant piece of Southern soda history, originating from the 1933 Chattanooga venture by Charles Little and Joe Anderson. It gained legendary status by offering a full 12 ounces for a nickel, effectively doubling the volume of competitors like Coca-Cola for the same price.

What Is Double Cola Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Double Cola Bottle is $18 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The vibrancy and completeness of the enamel labeling, as fading or 'dishwasher wear' significantly reduces value.
  • The presence of any chips, cracks, or heavy 'case wear' scuffing from repeated commercial refilling.
  • The clarity of the glass, with clear or light green tints being standard for this mid-century production period.
  • Regional demand, as items from the original Chattanooga, Tennessee production area often command higher interest.

How to Identify Double Cola Bottle?

  • Look for the distinct Applied Color Labeling (ACL) featuring the red and white Double Cola logo directly on the glass.
  • Verify the 12-ounce capacity marking, which was the brand's primary marketing differentiator in the 1940s.
  • Check the bottle base for glass manufacturer marks and date codes consistent with the 1940-1950 era.
  • Ensure the enamel lettering is crisp and fused to the glass rather than being a paper label or modern decal.

History of Double Cola Bottle

Double Cola was founded in 1933 by Charles Little and Joe Anderson in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The brand gained fame for offering 12 ounces of soda for five cents, which was double the volume of competitors like Coca-Cola at the time. This marketing strategy of 'Double Measure, Double Pleasure' made it a staple in the American South during the mid-20th century.

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