Carousel Figure Identification: 'Coca Cola' Replicas

By Elizabeth Salenius

'Coca Cola' horses are decorative replica carousel horses made with aluminum, usually on a base with the Coca Cola logo on it. Despite the logo, these figures are not officially licensed Coca Cola merchandise. Many of these figures were sold in the United States with the logo before the Coca Cola Company either sued or threatened to sue the manufacturer. The bases were modified to remove the logo, but maintained the tiered style.

'Coca Cola' horses were produced in Mexico starting in the 1980s, likely being manufactured well into the 2000s. They were offered for sale by The Carousel Store, a now-defunct website that sold various carousel-related products including decorative replicas, and it is likely that they were sold by other dealers as well. They were typically sold unpainted, resulting in after-market paintwork--there are no consistent color schemes among 'Coca Cola' horses.

Since these horses are neither official Coca Cola merchandise or authentic carousel figures, their value is limited. 

There were eight styles available:

• C.W. Parker jumper

• Allan Herschell jumper

• Charles Looff stander

• Herschell body with Parker head jumper

• Parker body with Herschell head jumper

• Looff body with Parker head

• Coin-operated jumper

• Mexican jumper

The following details help identify these 'Coca Cola' horses:

• Common molds

• Recognizable bases

• Coca Cola logo on the base

• Thick pole

• Pole positioning

• Rough or uneven welding

If you are still unsure about identification, I encourage you to visit and post on the Carousel Figure Identification page on FaceBook.

C.W. Parker Jumper

This style of 'Coca Cola' horse was molded off of a C.W. Parker jumper with a flying mane. The head is tucked to the knees, with legs stretched out. There is a bushel of grapes hanging from the saddle, diamond patterning on the breastband, and leaf-like patterning on the trappings. 

Allan Herschell Jumper

This style of 'Coca Cola' horse is based on a very common Allan Herschell design, which was later modified and used by modern carousel manufacturers. The head is looking forward and slightly up. It has a frilled bridle but otherwise very simple trappings with two layered blankets. 

Charles Looff Stander

This style 'Coca Cola' horse is modeled off of an early Charles Looff stander, likely circa 1890-1900. The front left leg is raised and the tail curls towards the hind legs. The muzzle is slightly pinched and the eyes are small and round. The gems and stars on the bridle and trappings are part of the mold. 

Mixed Styles

'Coca Cola' horses were also mismatched together, using the body of one style with the head of another. These figures often have much more obvious welding lines where the neck connects with the body, in addition to strange proportions.

Coin-Operated Jumper

This 'Coca Cola' horse is molded from a relatively common figure used on coin-operated rides. This mold has been sometimes used for modern, aluminum carousels. The neck and head is stretched forward with ears pressed back into the simple mane. The trappings are simplistic with a basic saddle, blanket, and thin breastband.

Mexican Jumper

This 'Coca Cola' horse was modeled after a Mexican carving, though the original carver is unknown. Aluminum replicas of this figure sometimes appear on Mexican carousels. This style of horse is sometimes found on a floral lamp base instead of the 'Coca Cola' base. The head is upright and tilted towards the right, and the legs are thick and muscular. The blanket is tasseled and there are gems and medallions included in the mold on the trappings and saddle. 

Identification