Preliminary identification

Mason's Marina and Motel Advertising Bottle Opener, c. 1950s-1960s

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic mid-century promotional 'church key' bottle opener featuring a molded plastic handle and a stamped steel head. It advertises Mason's Marina and Motel, a local landmark in the historic coastal town of Beaufort, NC.

Story

Beaufort, North Carolina, has served as a gateway to the Atlantic for centuries, but in the post-WWII era, it became a prime destination for the new American middle-class traveler.

Maker / Origin

While the metal components were likely produced by a mass-market promotional firm, the true 'maker' of this piece's identity is the Mason family business.

Condition & Value

The steel head shows significant oxidation and pitting consistent with exposure to a maritime environment. The handle remains in good condition with the lettering mostly intact, though there is some expected yellowing of the plastic. The heavy patina on the metal confirms its age but keeps the value in the modest 'collectible' range.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD