9.5" x 9.5" x 9.5".

American. 1907-1912. In the world of collectibles, there are times when the history of a piece is as elusive as the piece itself. Such is the case with this very rare, seldom-seen, early ceramic figural cherry red Chero Crush syrup dispenser. Evoking memories of an era of drug store soda fountain nostalgia, this is considered a holy grail in the world of syrup dispensers. Syrup dispensers in general held a flavoured syrup that would have been combined with carbon dioxide and water to make soda pop. Chero Crush was a cherry flavour. The "Crush" part referred to the process of extracting oils from cherry skins to achieve the distinctive cherry flavour. Mostly all sodas still use syrups as flavouring. Now the interesting part of this rarity - the story behind its origin. In 1903, Claud Hatcher, a successful pharmacist who owned 2 pharmacies, left the pharmaceutical business to join his father, a wholesale grocer in the family business known as The Hatcher Grocery Store located in Columbus, Georgia. With Coca-Cola having grown in popularity since its creation in 1886, the product was sold in great quantities at his grocery store. After a bitter disagreement with the Coca-Cola representative over wholesale pricing (he thought he should have been paying a lower price for the Coca-Cola syrup since he was buying in bulk), Hatcher vowed to never purchase any more Coca-Cola products and instead was determined to develop his own soft drink formula. In 1905 Hatcher launched Union Bottling Works in the basement of the grocery store, where he manufactured and bottled various soft drink syrups. He started with Royal Crown Ginger Ale followed in 1907 with the introduction of Chero-Cola, a cherry cola developed to compete directly with Coca-Cola and first evidence of the use of the word "Chero". The Chero-Cola Co. manufactured a line of syrups and concentrates, providing further evidence of the inception of Chero Crush as a syrup. Hatcher eventually trademarked the "Chero" name to ensure he had exclusive use for any future products he would develop. A search of the U.S. Trademarks Database reveals that the "Chero" name was a trademark owned by the Chero-Cola Co. (which later became Royal Crown Cola Co. Inc.). According to the trademark documents, the word "Chero" covered "non-intoxicating carbonated beverage and syrup for making same". And thus we have solved the circuitous mystery of the "Chero Crush" syrup dispenser, a rarity that was only in existence from 1907 to 1912 and that produced only a handful of known survivors. This is a piece that is not to be missed as it is unknown when or if another will ever come to market. Stamped, with a mould form number, on underside. All items are guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller Auctions. All purchases are eligible for paid delivery to the Spring Dixie Gas & Oil Show on April 10-12 2025.

Very good overall condition. Untouched original. Some minor glaze loss to some of the raised edges on the upper portion of the base (mainly bottom left and right side) and to the midpoint of the left side (stem of the cherry). Minor glaze wear to the surface of the collar from dispenser contact. Remnants of the original gilding on the embossed "Chero Crush" lettering. Minor unoffending spots of use wear on the extreme outer edge of the cherry. The dispenser pump is seized, shows significant pitting and corrosion and requires a ball handle and fastener.

Ceramic.