Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Bottle Opener Value Guide

Vtg Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Bottle Opener #517 | eBay
Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Bottle Opener
Estimated Value
$15 – $20
Period
1930s
Origin
United States
Materials
Steel

This 1930s steel 'church key' opener is a classic piece of American breweriana representing the Milwaukee-based Best Brewing Company legacy. It features the iconic ribbon design adopted in 1895, serving as a durable promotional relic from the era of booming mid-20th-century beer advertising.

What Is Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Bottle Opener Worth?

The typical price range for Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Bottle Opener is $15 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Overall condition of the steel, specifically the presence of rust, pitting, or heavy oxidation.
  • Legibility of the '1001' etching and the sharpness of the stamped advertising text.
  • Historical provenance linking the piece to the early post-Prohibition era of the 1930s.
  • Market demand for Pabst Blue Ribbon memorabilia among Americana and breweriana collectors.

How to Identify Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Bottle Opener?

  • Look for the specific '1001' designation etched clearly at the bottom of the handle.
  • Verify the material is heavy-duty steel consistent with 1930s United States manufacturing.
  • Check for the authentic Pabst Blue Ribbon logo and ribbon motif stamped into the metal.
  • Ensure the 'church key' shape matches the standard promotional dimensions used by PBR in the mid-20th century.

History of Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Bottle Opener

Pabst Blue Ribbon, or PBR, dates back to 1844 when Jacob Best founded the Best Brewing Company in Milwaukee. The 'Blue Ribbon' distinction was added in 1895 after its beer won numerous awards and started tying blue ribbons around its bottles. This specific 'church key' style bottle opener with the '1001' designation was a common promotional item during the mid-20th century, a tangible piece of Americana from an era of booming beer advertising.

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