Description
Originally created by a pharmacist Charles Hires of Philadelphia, and based on a combination of herbs, berries and roots dating back to the colonial era, Hires was originally sold as packets of powder which was brewed at home like a tea. Charles decided sales would be ever better if it were sold already brewed, and by 1884, he was producing a liquid extract and a syrup for use in soda fountains, and was soon shipping root beer in kegs and producing a special fountain dispenser called the “Hires Automatic Munimaker.” This was then marketed and sold to druggists and promoted for its presumed medicinal properties. “Join Health and Cheer; Drink Hires Rootbeer” But his choice of name for his product caused a problem: the word “beer” drew the wrath of the temperance movement. He had his root beer tested by a laboratory, which came to the conclusion that a glass of his root beer contained less alcohol than a loaf of bread It was then promoted as “The Temperance Drink” and “the Greatest Health-Giving Beverage in the World” He advertised aggressively, believing “doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.” Sales of Hires Root Beer took off and today Hire’s Root Beer is the longest continuously made soft drink in the United States. This great antique Hire’s “Rootbeer” mug was made in 1907 by Villeroy & Boch to promote sales of Hires at drug store soda fountains. Measuring 4 1/2″ tall with a great graphic of a child with a mug of root beer in his hands with the words “Drink Hires Rootbeer” above it, it is marked “Made In Germany For The Charles E Hires Company” with the Villeroy & Boch coat of arms on the bottom. It is also stamped “3095” and “42 07” which indicates it was made in 1907. It has some slight crazing and discoloration (its over 100 years old!) but is otherwise great shape with no cracks or chips. There is what looks like a slight manufacturing defect on the lip (pictured) but please view the photo and judge that for yourself. We are certainly not experts on these kinds of things! A great looking example of early Hire’s Root Beer advertising that is extremely hard to find in this kind of condition! Please look closely at all photos for best idea of condition. We are asking $125 but would entertain offers… Email us with any questions! This is one of many listings of to come as we move back into the online world after many years. We are a small family owned business located in the Green Mountains of Vermont and have 1000’s of great vintage and antique items we have acquired over the years to list over the coming months. We are always happy to combine shipping wherever possible and stand behind everything we sell, so rest assured if there is a problem we will make it right! We do accept reasonable offers on items as well. so feel free to shoot us an email with any offers or questions. All shipping costs are actual shipping costs (we never charge for handling or packaging) and will promptly refund any overages. Most items ship with a day or two of payment (we do not ship on weekends). We hope you to enjoy these vintage and antique items as much as we do and hope to earn your business! Happy Hunting!
