Crosley CR-92 Nostalgic Wall Telephone (Coca-Cola Edition)
Functional decorative art, electronics, mass-produced collectible • Crosley Radio Corporation under license from The Coca-Cola Company
Style & Movement
Neo-Victorian / Nostalgic Revival / Americana Pop Culture
Medium & Technique
Wood (likely honey-oak finish), molded plastic (receiver), silk-screened glass, chrome-plated hardware, and synthetic components (coiled cord)
Creation Period
Late 1990s to early 2000s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 18 x 9 x 7 inches; vertical portrait orientation for wall mounting
Subject Description
A reproduction of a turn-of-the-century hand-crank wall telephone. It features the Coca-Cola brand logo 'Delicious and Refreshing' on a black slanted base and a silk-screened glass pane on the upper cabinet door depicting the iconic contour bottle and a push-button rotary-style dial.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows signs of domestic use including dust accumulation and minor surface wear
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $120 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Mass-market retail distribution (electronics or novelty stores); likely a single-owner household decoration
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the late-20th-century trend of 'nostalgia marketing' where modern technology was packaged in historical casings to appeal to consumer sentimentality for pre-digital Americana. It is an example of brand extension and licensing between major corporations.
Notable Features
Hybrid technology featuring functional push-buttons arranged in a circular 'rotary' pattern; dual branding of Coca-Cola and Crosley; period-accurate aesthetic for a mid-century kitchen or 'man cave' decor.
Condition Issues
Surface dust, minor scuffing on the wooden edges, potential oxidation on chrome parts, and expected wear on the coiled handset cord.
Conservation Recommendations
Cleaning with a micro-fiber cloth and mild wood polish; storage in a climate-controlled environment to prevent wood warping or adhesive failure on logos.