Vintage Coca-Cola Contour Glass Bottle

This is a vintage 6.5-ounce Coca-Cola contour glass bottle, often referred to as a 'hobbleskirt' bottle. It is crafted from thick, translucent 'Georgia Green' glass and features the iconic fluted design that became the trademark look for the brand. The bottle displays the embossed 'Coca-Cola' script logo on the shoulder, with additional embossed text below stating 'TRADE MARK REGISTERED IN U.S. PAT. OFFICE.' The bottle is topped with a red crimp-style metal crown cap, which appears to have some rust or oxidation on the top surface. The body of the glass shows signs of significant age and use, including visible surface scuffing, 'case wear' around the midsection from being transported in wooden crates, and a prominent brownish stain or residue on the interior or exterior surface on the right side. There are also small inclusions or particles visible inside the glass. This specific design and embossing style suggest mid-20th-century production, likely between the 1940s and 1960s. The overall condition is considered good-to-fair for a weathered collectible, showing authentic patina and characteristic wear from returnable use.

Based on my visual examination of this 6.5-ounce 'Georgia Green' Coca-Cola contour bottle, I assess this to be an authentic, mid-20th-century returnable bottle, likely dating from the 1940s to the early 1960s. The embossing style—specifically 'TRADE MARK REGISTERED IN U.S. PAT. OFFICE'—is consistent with standard production runs of that era. The presence of the original red metal crown cap is a positive addition, though the oxidation observed on the cap and the significant 'case wear' (scuffing around the raised belt of the bottle) significantly impact its grade. This heavy wear, along with the notable brownish staining and internal residue, categorizes the condition as 'Good' rather than 'Excellent' or 'Mint.' The market for common hobbleskirt bottles is flooded; millions were produced, and they are readily available at flea markets and antique malls. While the 'Georgia Green' glass is desirable, the lack of rare city embossing on the base (which I cannot verify from this angle) or a specific commemorative date keeps this in the entry-level collector category. The value here is largely driven by its decorative appeal as a piece of Americana rather than rarity. To provide a definitive valuation, I would need to physically inspect the base of the bottle for city/state markings and date codes, which can sometimes increase value if originating from obscure bottling plants. Additionally, cleaning the bottle to determine if the staining is permanent etching or removable residue would refine the grade. Without these details, I place the value conservatively between $5 and $15.