What Kind of Beer Tap Knobs Are the Most Collectible by Breweriana Aficionados?
Collectors of breweriana are drawn to vintage ball knobs over modern tap handles primarily for their age and historical significance. The dawn of the tap knob industry began in the wake of Prohibition, when regulators first required bars and pubs to mark each tap clearly with the brand of beer being served. Small, simple ball knobs made of rounded metal or resin were the prevalent models from the 1930s through the 1950s.
How Can You Tell the Age of a Beer Bottle?
Material, shape, and the information on the label are all indicative of different eras. For example, the earliest American beer bottles were ceramic. Additionally, early labels included company names but were not product-specific, as companies often used the same bottles for a variety of products; therefore, the word "beer" does not even appear on some of the oldest antique beer bottles. The type of cap or other seal is another indicator of a bottle's age.
What's a Good Way to Display a Beer Coaster Collection?
Cheap, paper-pulp beer coasters are manufactured as disposable, one-time use items. They are by no means built to last. To preserve them in unblemished condition, breweriana collectors must store them carefully. To hang them on a wall, a loosened paper clip will do. Position the coasters in a spot away from moisture and direct sunlight. An even better method is to store the coasters in photo albums inside photo-protective cellophane or polypropylene pages. Alternatively, collectors can encase them under a resin or glass tabletop for a decorative display.