This just in: another bottle of Marlboro Beer is currently for sale on Craig’s List ($500).
Looks like you’d have to be in Dover, Pennsylvania to purchase it.
How do I even know about this? I have a Google Alert for “Marlboro Beer.”
Why do I care? Marlboro’s 1970s contemplated brand extension —extending their cigarette brand into the realm of alcoholic beverages— has been an ongoing interest of ours…
“…although the idea was reportedly killed in 1971, it has been periodically resuscitated.
Cooler heads always seem to prevail, but, I tell you, this idea has traction!”
The idea was (again) floated internally at Phillip Morris as recently as 1994.
The artifacts of their test marketing are oddly fascinating and pretty rare.
What do such objects suggest? A heightened brand loyalty, where devoted consumers purchase an array of matching possessions, each bearing the same trademark.
See also: “Our Rarest Can”
Neat, I love things like this. It reminds me a bit of those little mini-supermarket products that were around as toys when I was a kid, or stuff from Supermarkets like Aldi that are all self product but have their own fake “brand” to make them all look different. You did a particularly good job of the PS version of the can.
Darian: Thanks for commenting!
Note to other readers: check out Darian’s analysis of candy brand, “Steam Rollers” whose trademark appears to be based on a tragic 1910 steam roller accident…
http://longwhitekid.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/bite-size-cruel-candy/
I have one in GREAT shape that got passed down to me… Still sealed, perfect label, “for its age obviously.” That I would be willing to sell for $300… And I’ll ship it in the same boxes they ship expensive wine for extra protection! Let me know
So I live in a town right next to Dover PA, How is the resale value on these things? I havent found anything on eBay….Where I currently sell things I find on craigslist. Id be willing to purchase and post it, for you to buy. Interested?