The Rodney & Susan Wilson Coca-Cola Collection
A Lifetime Assembling the Golden Age of the American Soda Fountain
Offered here is the exceptional Rodney & Susan Wilson Coca-Cola Collection, a thoughtfully assembled archive of American soda-fountain advertising and memorabilia, formed over more than four decades of dedicated collecting.
Rodney and Sue Wilson began their collecting journey over forty years ago, traveling extensively throughout the United States in search of authentic Coca-Cola material. Long-time members of the Michigan Coca-Cola Collectors Club, the Wilsons collected with a disciplined eye—favoring originality, period correctness, and visual impact over novelty or modern reproductions. Each acquisition was made with an understanding of Coca-Cola’s advertising history and the environments in which these objects were originally used.
Now, after 64 years of marriage, the Wilsons have chosen to release their lifelong collection, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire material from a single-owner, long-held collection, fresh to the marketplace.
The collection is anchored by an impressive group of early to mid-20th century soda-fountain advertising, including framed cardboard and lithographed signs, fountain-service signage, menu and food-pairing displays, and classic slogan pieces promoting Coca-Cola as “Delicious and Refreshing.” Particularly notable is the strong presence of restaurant and lunchroom point-of-sale material, reflecting the era when Coca-Cola was most closely associated with neighborhood fountains and counter service.
Complementing the signage is an excellent selection of thermometers and clocks, including figural and bottle-form examples, as well as early tin and metal advertising, each chosen for condition and display quality. The collection also includes a well-curated assortment of small advertising objects and premiums, such as openers, tools, rulers, and novelty items—many dating from the first half of the 20th century and displaying honest wear consistent with use.
A highlight for advanced collectors is the group of early straight-sided Coca-Cola bottles, dating to the 1905–1915 period, representing multiple bottlers and regions. These bottles provide important context to the evolution of Coca-Cola packaging and reflect the Wilsons’ appreciation for early, foundational pieces.
Throughout the collection, condition, originality, and cohesive presentation are evident. Many items remain housed in period-appropriate frames or displays, underscoring the Wilsons’ commitment to preservation and respectful stewardship.
This offering represents not only a collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia, but a carefully preserved snapshot of American advertising, dining culture, and social history. Whether acquired individually or in groups, these pieces carry the provenance of collectors who understood their importance and cared for them accordingly.
We are proud to present The Rodney & Sue Wilson Coca-Cola Collection—a lifetime of collecting, now ready to be enjoyed by the next generation.
Thursday May 14TH 10am to 5pm est!
