Vintage Coca-Cola Hobbleskirt Contour Bottle (Pat'd Dec. 25, 1923)
Coca-Cola · Collectibles & Antiques > Breweriana, Beer, Soda > Soda > Coca-Cola > Bottles
Era / Decade
Mid-1920s to Early 1930s (Christmas Bottle Era)
Material
Georgia Green thick-walled glass with molded embossed lettering.
Condition
Fair to Good: Significant cloudiness/haze (likely from being buried or contact with minerals), some surface scratches, and possible minor flea bites around the rim. No major cracks visible in the photo.
Demand Level
Moderate: While common, 'Christmas' bottles remain a staple for soda collectors. Market is saturated but steady.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$15.00 - $35.00
Estimated Retail Value
$0.05 (Original deposit value) / $25.00 (Modern reproduction cost)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for the 1923 patent bottle range from $10 for heavily damaged/cloudy examples to $45+ for mint condition bottles with rare city names on the bottom.
Description
Authentic vintage Coca-Cola 'Christmas' bottle, so-called due to the December 25, 1923 patent date embossed on the side. Features the iconic hobbleskirt contour shape in classic Georgia Green glass. Embossed with 'Coca-Cola' in script and 'REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.' The city/state of origin is typically embossed on the bottom (not visible in photo). This is a heavy, thick glass piece with a nice aged patina.
Key Features
Desirable 1923 patent date (Christmas Bottle); historical hobbleskirt design; authentic embossed glass rather than applied color label; highly collectible among Coca-Cola enthusiasts.
Authenticity Indicators
Embossed 'DEC. 25, 1923' patent date; thick bottom glass; specific mold lines consistent with early 20th-century production; High Confidence in authenticity.
Flaws to Note
Pronounced internal cloudiness/haze (sickness) that may require professional tumbling to clear; various surface scuffs; minor dirt build-up inside the neck.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching niche bottle collectors), Etsy (if marketed as home decor/vintage), or local Antique Malls.
Selling Tips
Photograph the bottom of the bottle to show the city and state of the bottling plant, as some locations are rarer than others. Use the keyword 'Christmas Bottle' in the title. Do not attempt to clean with harsh abrasives as it may scratch the glass further. Clearly state the level of 'haze' in the description.