If you’re into breweriana, collectible liquor bottles, steins, beer posters and signs, trays – you get the idea – then this auction is for you! Our May 30, 2020 auction in Middlesex County, NJ (address TBA) will feature a large collection of outstanding beer advertising, from figural bottles, trays and steins to beer lights, posters and signs. (This auction has LOTS of other things too, from costume jewelry to mid-century furniture, but we’ll focus on all things bar-related for now.)
Beer- and alcohol-related collecting is still hot today, especially since social media and collecting websites have brought sellers, buyers and collectors together in a much larger way. There are still plenty of very active breweriana clubs you can join to share your enjoyment of this collecting hobby with like-minded collectors around the world and find out more about the history and art of individual pieces and companies. You’ll also find annual conventions all around the US where beer and alcohol collectibles are traded, shown and sold, and where you can attend discussions and make lasting connections with fellow collectors.
Recent auctions have proven that this field of collecting still holds plenty of interest – here are a few noteworthy auction results:
- Apache Export Beer cone top can: $14,500 (119 bids)
- Rheingold Pale Double Bock Beer can: $9,000 (112 bids)
- Trumps Ale Playing Cards can: $6,000 (81 bids)
- Clipper Pilsner Beer can: $5,750 (96 bids)
- Williams Purple Cow Lager zip-top can: $4,200 (90 bids)
Even cans from more commonly known brands like Pabst, Schlitz, Old Milwaukee and others can sell for hundreds of dollars each.
Other beer collectibles also hold plenty of interest for collectors. Check out these recent auction results:
- Senate Beer and Ale tin sign: $2,300 (51 bids)
- Christian Heurich corner sign: $1,850 (36 bids)
- Christian Heurich Brewing Maerzen sign: $950 (34 bids)
- Consumers Brewing tip tray: $850 (44 bids)
- Senate Beer & Ale lighted clock: $850 (30 bids)
- 8 bottle caps (Senate, Senate Bock, Maerzen, Tru-Blu, Heurich Lager, Royal Pilsen): $225 (25 bids)
Empty liquor bottles can also carry hefty values – an empty bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl in its original container sold for $8,000; figurals and other sought-after bottles can bring hundreds of dollars as well. Wood transport boxes, bottle/can openers, steins, mugs, glassware, stirrers, trays – you name it, there’s a collector for it.
Besides their monetary value, beer and other liquor collectibles are sought after for decorating purposes by commercial establishments as well as homeowners with wet bars…and they’re perfect for man caves!
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