The Value of Vintage Bud

Used to serve beer to bar patrons, this tray shows the brewery buildings of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis. Originating in the 1890s, decorated trays were popular through 1917. This tray is sometimes referred to as the “Factory Scene Tray.” Collectors value this item at $1,200 to $1,500.

These well-crafted pocketknives were handed out as a point of sale item to patrons in bars. Located on the knife is a small peephole on the end. If one where to take a look into the peephole they would see a picture of Adolphus Busch. Collectors value this item at $300 to $400.

This particular tin is one of the oldest pieces of memorabilia that Anheuser-Busch has in its company's archives. The tin still has the company's original name - The Bavarian Brewery. The name was changed by 1880 to what we know it as today - Anheuser-Busch.

This particular metal sign is for Busch Ginger Ale, one of 26 different products that Anheuser-Busch created during prohibition. Collectors value this item at $ 250 to $300 dollars.

This pocket mirror was an advertising piece for Anheuser-Busch's carbonated coffee beverage Kaffo. Kaffo was made for a brief period of time as one of the many products created to help Anheuser-Busch stay in business during Prohibition. The company also sold ice cream, yeast, and a non-alcoholic beer. Collectors value this item at $250 to $350 dollars.

The Clydesdales are one of Anheuser-Busch's great company symbols. In 1933 August Senior was presented with six Clydesdales and a red antique beer wagon as a gift - to symbolize the end of prohibition. In this photo the Clydesdales are delivering a case of beer to the White House. Today there are over 250 Clydesdales used for promotional activities.

This particular sign is for Bevo the Beverage - a non-alcoholic cereal based beverage produced from 1916 through 1929. It was one of several products that Anheuser-Busch created to keep the company going during prohibition. Modeled after a fox from a Grimm's Fairytale, Bevo Fox is seen on several forms of advertising for this product. Collectors value this item at $250 to $300 dollars.

This print is one of several paper-lithographed signs that Anheuser-Busch produced showing beautiful women with Budweiser, in the late 19th and early 20th century. In it's frame, collectors value this item at $2500 to $3500.

Most pieces of Anheuser-Busch memorabilia have the well-recognized symbol of the “A” and Eagle. This symbol was first used on the company's products in 1872 and is still used as a symbol for Anheuser-Busch today. Originally the eagle had its wings folded back within the “A” standing on the American shield. Over time this image has changed and the Eagle's American shield was replaced with a horizontal striped shield. The look and design of the “A” and Eagle symbol on a piece of memorabilia is a good indication of how old it might be.