Hires Root Beer advertising tray
Estimated Value
$75-$200
Round Hires Root Beer advertising tray featuring a smiling child holding a mug of root beer, with bold red and cream lettering reading 'Drink Hires Root Beer' and 'Healthful & Pure.' The design is typical of vintage soda and beverage advertising premiums. The tray appears to be a shallow metal serving tray or display tray with a clear rim and a printed central graphic. The artwork and typography suggest an early commercial promotional piece rather than a later reproduction, though the exact date cannot be confirmed from the image alone.
Era
Early 20th century, likely 1920s-1940s
Origin
United States
Material
Lithographed tin or metal with printed paper/varnished surface and clear protective coating
Condition
Good to Fair; visible surface wear, scratches, edge wear, and several dark spots/paint loss or corrosion marks. Graphics remain strong and legible.
Physical Details
Dimensions
Approximately 10 to 12 inches in diameter
Weight
Light
Authentication
Authenticity Score
Medium; the style, aging, and period graphics are consistent with a vintage advertising tray, but the image does not show the reverse side, maker's mark, or construction details needed for firm authentication.
Provenance
Likely a promotional advertising tray distributed in the United States by the Hires Root Beer company or a bottler/retailer. Exact manufacturer and date are unknown without a back stamp or maker's mark.
Historical Significance
Hires Root Beer is one of the classic American soft drink brands, and advertising trays like this are collectible examples of early beverage marketing. Such items reflect the rise of branded consumer goods and colorful lithographed advertising in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This identification and value range are AI-generated research aids, not authentication, certification, or a formal appraisal. Learn about the limitations and when to consult a qualified professional appraiser.
