Too good to be true?

[Jacko1070]

This popped on craigslist today, and I'm not really a cooler collector, so I thought I would throw it out there and get some education.   Firstly how do I tell if this is an original 1954--what should I be looking for.  Secondly if it is all original it looks to be in fantastic shape. What would one reasonably go for?

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/atq/3293793862.html

[Slider-Bob]

I don't know how you tell it's 1954, other than maybe it says that in Jeff walter's Picnic and Cooler Book (it's at home, and I'm not).

That is a good buy for that cooler in its incredible shape, at least to me.

[MaineT]

I don't know much about coolers, but by the book it appears to be an Action deluxe. No idea if they ever repopped it, but it says 1950's in the book. Semi common, and the prices are a moot point cause the guide is so old. 1994

[MaineT]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Vintage-Antique-Coca-Cola-Cooler-GREAT-Condition-For-Age-With-Tray-/251148462650?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a799d6a3a&nma=true&si=8bwoj2TzNGmt469WnwNtsXLT4vI%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coca-Cola-Cooler-1954-Model-201-Deluxe-Sandwich-Tray-Bottle-Opener-/320999370550?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abd0daf36&nma=true&si=8bwoj2TzNGmt469WnwNtsXLT4vI%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[johnieG]

It's real all right, it's also not uncommon to find one now & then that is NOS in the box, usually given away as a promo item like when you open a checking account, or when you bought a new station-wagon back in the day. then they would get squirreled away in an attic of a closet until they resurface in the present day.

With all of the ribbing & debossing on this particular model, it would be a real bear to repro. it's practically a museum quality cooler, hmm, I wonder if if they still have the box?

[Eric]

No BigFoot sighting yet!?.. He may already be on his way to pick it up.. that is a deal if you're into NOS look'n coolers

[Jacko1070]

Have at it my friends.........posted it here so hopefully someone on the board can enjoy.  Like I stated, coolers aren't really my thing.   Let me know if someone on here grabs it

[Bigfoot]

No BigFoot sighting yet!?.. He may already be on his way to pick it up.. that is a deal if you're into NOS look'n coolers

I heard my name so I came out of the woods.
I think that cooler would likely bring a few bucks more on EBay because stuff that shiney sometimes does.
It is a real piece.
I'd pass on it for me personally only because as a cooler guy I recognize that it's very common and it doesn't "go" with anything else.
Which is to say there are no other "brands" in that shape.
I have a few like it that I like that are flat topped and can be stacked and also come aluminum.
Take care my brothers and please email or PM me if you see anything rare.
BTW
I am going to offer you guys (and gals) something very , very rare next week assuming I get my Internet back from Sandy.