Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic mid-century yellow-painted wooden Pepsi-Cola delivery crate featuring double-dot red script lettering. These sturdy slatted pine crates were designed to transport 24 glass soda bottles from local bottling plants directly to mom-and-pop grocery stores. Today, they are beloved icons of mid-century Americana and rustic industrial decor.
Story
Long before plastic totes existed, local delivery drivers stacked these heavy yellow crates into soda trucks every morning. Notice the iconic swooping red script—a design that fueled Pepsi's mid-century battle against Coca-Cola.
Maker / Origin
Invented by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1893, Pepsi-Cola grew from a North Carolina drugstore soda fountain into a global brand. During the mid-20th century, Pepsi relied on a network of franchised local bottlers across North America, each purchasing standardized wooden crates like this one to service their routes.
Condition & Value
Shows honest, attractive wear appropriate for a working commercial piece, including paint loss, surface dirt, wood weathering, and minor rust on metal fasteners. The bold red script remains clear and highly legible. Authentic wear like this enhances character for rustic display.
Full Research
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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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.