COCA COLA 6-PACK FOR 25¢ - LETTERPRESS PRINTER'S BLOCK - A REAL RARITY! 1950s

Description

COCA COLA 6-PACK 25¢,
LETTERPRESS PRINTER'S BLOCK.
A REAL RARITY, 1950s
Lead-based
Letterpress Wooden Printing Block.
NOTE꞉
If you want to purchase a piece of vintage Coca Cola history, don't buy an image ripped out of some magazine or newspaper. Instead, buy the printing block that printed the actual image!
ALSO
NOTE:
Our previously listed Coca Cola letterpress blocks sold quickly.  Very quickly!
⌛ So if you're thinking about “watching” 👀 this item, chances are you're going to “watch it sell to someone else.” 😥 Inasmuch, consider purchasing it now while it's still available.
QUANTITY꞉
ONE vintage Coca Cola letterpress printing block.
CIRCA꞉
Estimated to be early 1950s.  During our research we came across an advertisement for a 6-pack of Coca Cola in glass bottles for 25-cents on Page 7 of the September 25, 1950 Coshocton (Ohio) Tribune Newspaper.  We found similar ads in other newspapers during this time period.
RARITY꞉
You are purchasing an EXTREMELY rare / unique, American-made letterpress printing block.  In the late 1800's (and up through the mid-1900's) books, posters, tickets, forms, newspapers, and other types of printed paper were produced on a printing press.  Movable type and wooden / metal printing blocks (also known as a letterpress cut or printing dies) were set in a frame (known as a chase) and ink was rolled over the surface of the metal image with a roller (also known as a brayer) before the paper was pressed into the inked surface.  This process was known as relief printing which included woodcut, relief etching, linocut, linotype, and metal cut.
We suspect this particular letterpress printing block was intended for use at an American newspaper to print this company's advertising - - likely for a local grocery store.  In the late 1800's (and up through the mid-1900's), manufacturers would furnish their customers (usually at cost) letterpress printing blocks - - - so the local merchant could promote their products.  Distribution of these blocks were restricted to only authorized retailers - so that the local hardware store, jewelry store or other retailer - could provide highly detailed images to print in their local newspaper.
DIMENSIONS꞉
This wood and metal letterpress printing block measures 0.89" deep by 1.58" high by 1.25" wide and weighs 1.9 ounces (54 grams).  This stamp is a professionally made letterpress block used for printing.  It shows some surface wear from being in the press.
A LITTLE ABOUT COCA COLA꞉
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation, best known as the producer of Coca-Cola. The sugary drink was invented in 1886 by pharmacist John Stith Pemberton. The Coca-Cola Company also manufactures, sells, and markets other non-alcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups, and alcoholic beverages.
At the time of its invention, the product contained cocaine from coca leaves and caffeine from kola nuts which together acted as a stimulant. The coca and the kola are the source of the product name, and led to Coca-Cola's promotion as a "healthy tonic". In 1889, the formula and brand were sold for ,300 to Asa Griggs Candler, who incorporated the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta in 1892. The company has operated a franchised distribution system since 1889. The company largely produces syrup concentrate, which is then sold to various bottlers throughout the world who hold exclusive territories.
CONDITION꞉
This item is used.
ORIENTATION꞉
Wrong reading.  What this means is when you hold the block in your hand and look at the metal die, the image is reversed.
NOTES ABOUT THE IMAGE SURFACE:
Every time a die passes through the printing press, the pressure of the die imprinting on the paper subtly degrades the surface of the plate/die/block.  Please see the listing's photographs if you have any questions regarding the suitability of this block if you actually intend to use it for printing.
SHIPPING COST꞉
Your shipping cost is calculated when checking out.  To keep your shipping cost as low as possible, it's based on “DIM” (i.e. weight, package size and final destination).  This item ships by United States First Class Mail or eBay International Delivery.  Orders typically ship within one business day of your payment being received.
WE'RE ALWAYS BUYING BLOCKS꞉
We love locating and listing letterpress blocks.  If you have a collection and are looking to liquidate your blocks, please get in touch with us and let us know.  We're always buying!