August 23 & 24, 2022 Soda Pop & Soda Fountain Advertising
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/23/2022
Emigrating to America in 1880, Habib Etoch (pronounced Habby) opened his café in Helena Arkansas in 1888. Shortly before his death, Habib's grandsons took over the business and operated the café until 1977 when deuteriation and the death of one of the grandsons forced the closing of the café. In 1980 it was purchased and renovated once again to its original splendor until it closed permanently in the 1990's. This back bar and front bar along with the Chas. Lippincott 10 position marble soda dispenser, are original survivors from the Café. The Haussling Soda Apparatus Co. (Liquid Carbonic) lighted syrup dispenser, being sold with the soda fountain, was added to the bar when placed in the current owners home. The backbar retains all of the original stained glass, and the original center medallion with Habib's initials. Original shades to the top corners, original marble columns, and period grape cluster shades. The lighted front fountain retains the original makers plaque, all original hardware, tulip shades and top shade. The Lippincott soda dispenser retains the original soda reservoirs, all hardware, and marble. The backbar is in original finish showing wear from assembly and disassembly, but nothing that distracts from the overall beautiful luster. Stained glass is mostly intact with some small cracks at the edges but only seen on close inspection. The front bar structure had deteriorated to the point that it was rebuild out of angle iron and the marble attached giving it a very solid structure. The front bar is in 2 pieces and fits together perfectly. There are shelving units made for the interior of the front bar. the Lippincott dispenser shows some cracks to the marble, mostly on the top which cant be seen from the ground, but again, nothing inconstant with age. The lighted fountain is in excellent condition. with all the correct shades and new lighting sockets. The 6 bent wire stools are being sold with the back bar. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a wonderful survivor form the soda fountain period of the late 19th century. Comes with some historical photos and newspaper clipping verifying provenance.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.
Condition: (Very Good).
Item Dimensions: 161 - 1/4" L x 26 - 1/2" W x 130" H.