Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > This vintage Coca-Cola advertising poster sign measures 24 x 11" overall with lithographed vivid colors to paper stock. Likely designed as an insert for advertising placements on streetcars or buses, it features a festive scene with Santa Claus and three Coca-Cola sprites, often referred to as elves, marching in a band-like procession. These sprites are representations of "Sprite Boy," a character introduced by Coca-Cola in the 1940s to personify the brand and connect the terms "Coke" and "Coca-Cola." Created by artist Haddon Sundblom, Sprite Boy became a recognizable figure in Coca-Cola's advertising through the 1940s and 1950s, appearing both in holiday and general campaigns.
In this scene, Santa Claus is seated comfortably, holding a glass of Coca-Cola, while the three sprites entertain him. One sprite pours Coca-Cola from a glass bottle into a glass, another plays a trumpet, and the third beats a drum adorned with the ENJOY COCA-COLA logo in script, acting as a drumhead. The procession of sprites marching in sync creates a lively, celebratory atmosphere. Above, the slogan reads THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES.
At the lower left, the piece is marked THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, LITHO IN U.S.A., authenticating it as an original Coca-Cola advertisement. This artwork combines both the enduring Coca-Cola Santa and the playful sprites, highlighting Coca-Cola’s ability to create engaging, year-round brand imagery.
Before Coca-Cola's influence, depictions of Santa Claus varied significantly. In 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create a warm, human-like Santa Claus for their Christmas advertisements, based on the “jolly old elf” described in Clement Clark Moore’s 1822 poem ~ A Visit from St. Nicholas. Sundblom’s Santa featured rosy cheeks, a white beard, twinkling eyes, and a red suit with white fur trim, a color scheme that matched Coca-Cola’s branding. This portrayal of Santa became iconic and heavily influenced the modern image of Santa Claus worldwide.
Coca-Cola continued to use this version of Santa Claus in holiday ads from 1931 to 1964, further cementing this visual in popular culture. Sundblom’s Santa and Sprite Boy together created a brand identity that was both friendly and approachable, establishing Coca-Cola’s holiday and year-round marketing impact.
This piece exemplifies Coca-Cola’s marketing success in combining recognizable icons like Santa and Sprite Boy to create timeless, memorable advertising.
CONDITION REPORT > Some tears to the borders ~ Spotting, blemishes and creases ~ Even so, considering the fragility, age and material, a rather well preserved, likely rare, example.
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