Category: Blog

If you enjoy collecting nice vintage inexpensive advertising barware then you may think this is a good a nice find as well.  I’m thinking early 1970’s pop bottle opener at a garage sale. Americana—perfect for collectors or anyone who appreciates retro barware. One example I found is a metal opener stamped with “ROYAL CROWN COLA” and “BEST BY TASTE TEST” on both sides. It’s about 3.74 inches long and shows some wear from use, but no rust—just the kind of patina that gives it character.

If you’re looking to buy, prices vary depending on condition and rarity. Some listings go for as little as $5, while others—especially unused ones with original screws or packaging—can fetch up to $40 or more.

Are you thinking of adding one to your collection, or do you already have one tucked away in a drawer somewhere? I’d love to hear the story behind it. Vintage Royal Crown Cola bottle openers are more than just handy tools—they’re nostalgic artifacts from a golden era of American soda culture. These openers were often distributed as promotional items by RC Cola, especially during the mid-20th century when the brand was competing with giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Many were made of sturdy metal and stamped with slogans like “Best by Taste-Test”, reflecting the brand’s confident marketing style.

Collectors value these openers for their historical charm and branding. The most sought-after examples tend to be:

• Early models from the 1940s–50s, especially those with embossed lettering or unique shapes.
• Openers with original packaging or mounting screws, which are rarer.
• Versions tied to specific regional bottlers, which can be harder to find.

In terms of value, prices typically range from $5 to $40, depending on condition, rarity, and provenance. A well-preserved piece with crisp lettering and minimal rust can fetch more, especially if it’s part of a larger RC Cola memorabilia collection.

Do you have one in your possession, or are you thinking of starting a collection? I’d love to help you dig deeper into its story.Some of the rarest Royal Crown Cola bottle openers are prized for their unique branding, limited production, or unusual design features. Here are a few standout examples collectors keep an eye out for:

• Starr X wall-mounted openers from the 1940s–1970s, especially those marked “Drink Royal Crown Cola” and made by Brown Co. in the USA. These often have a cast iron build and bold raised lettering.
• NOS (New Old Stock) openers with original screws and packaging, particularly those with a crown logo above the name. These are harder to find in pristine condition and can fetch higher prices—up to $40 or more.
• Wire-style openers with slogans like “Go Fresher, Go RC” are less common and appeal to collectors of advertising novelties.
• Wood-handled openers or those with unusual shapes or regional bottler markings also tend to be rarer and more valuable.

One particularly rare listing even described a hard-to-find RC Cola opener with the full brand name clearly stamped—something not always present on generic openers.