Vintage Coca-Cola 'Sprite Boy' Round Metal Thermometer

This is a vintage mid-century Coca-Cola advertising thermometer, featuring the iconic 'Sprite Boy' character introduced in the 1940s. The piece is circular in shape, likely measuring approximately 12 inches in diameter, and is constructed from lithographed metal with a convex glass or clear plastic lens protecting the face. The background is finished in classic Coca-Cola red with white branding including the 'Drink Coca-Cola' script and the slogan 'Delicious and Refreshing.' The 'Sprite Boy' is depicted in the lower right quadrant, wearing his trademark bottle-cap hat. The Fahrenheit scale ranges from -40 to 120 degrees, marked with white numerals and a diamond-shaped border. At the bottom, manufacturing text is visible, indicating it was 'MADE IN U.S.A.' by 'THE OHIO THERMOMETER CORPORATION OF AMERICA.' The condition shows significant signs of age and exposure; the metal surface displays noticeable spotting and finish loss across the red field. The mounting bracket at the bottom exhibits heavy surface rust and oxidation. The indicator needle is white and appears intact, though the overall patina suggests an authentic vintage item from the late 1940s to early 1950s.