What's Your Opener's Story?
Back in the days when most beverages were sold in glass bottles, there was a need for a bottle opener that would not crack or break the bottle. So around 1925, Raymond “Coca-Cola” Brown, an owner of several bottling plants, started Brown Manufacturing in Newport News, Virginia. This company used the original patents for a bottle opener that would become internationally renowned for its quality. These bottle openers are still produced today for bottlers, breweries, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and other manufacturers. The STARR “X” bottle opener can be printed with a flat or raised (embossed) or an engraved (debossed) logo for premium, promotional or licensed sales. Over the years, STARR bottle openers have become collectible because of their history, trademark, and variety of designs. Brown Manufacturing is currently located in Avondale Estates, Georgia, just to the east of Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
These days, STARR openers are mainly cast by Brown Mfg. Company’s foundry in Germany with their stainless-steel openers coming from Asia. Molds typically consists of 6 to 27 individual bottle openers. Made of ceramic, these molds are used to make impressions in sand. Molten iron is then poured into the sand mold creating each individual bottle opener. The openers are cooled and then broken out from the pattern mold. At this point they are sand-blasted to help remove any rough edges and then zinc or chrome plated. Over the years the openers are known to have been nickel, copper, chrome, zinc and even 24-karat gold plated. If the opener has a colored logo, that is applied next. Finally, the openers can be individually boxed with two mounting screws. Barnwood Bottle Openers uses only collectable STARR openers because of their superior quality and unique American history. These openers were hand selected for my collection, and now they’re yours.
Each Barnwood Bottle Opener is affixed to a solid piece of Tennessee red-oak barnwood. This century-old piece of history has it’s own story to tell, and has stood the test of time. From the moment you pick it up, you’re able to feel the difference…decades of exposure to the elements have given each piece its own unique feel and appearance. But what really makes Tennessee barnwood so special? Why is barnwood so popular these days? There are many qualities, but I have a favorite among them: This historic Tennessee barnwood was milled from old-growth trees. These trees were over one hundred years old before they were ever touched. There’s a substantial difference in the density and texture…you won’t find wood like this at the hardware store. Now preserved and with a new purpose, the history lives on.
Before We Get To The History Of Your Opener…
A very special thank you to David Brim, the CEO of Brown Mfg. Company, who has been so helpful and supportive of Barnwood Bottle Openers. Please take a moment to visit www.bottleopener.com and www.wholesalebottleopeners.com for more information on this historic company and to learn more about the incredible family history that is behind this brand.
My most sincere appreciation goes out to Harold J. Eblen Jr, who has graciously provided us with a wealth of information and knowledge that you will find on this site, and literally wrote the book on collecting Brown Mfg. Company (STARR) openers. Please buy his “Guide To Collecting Brown Mfg. Company STARR Bottle Openers Since 1925” HERE ON AMAZON to support his research, and advance your own interest and knowledge of the great history behind these openers. For a complete history, I’d highly recommend you also pick up his book “Wall Mounted Stationary Openers 1893-1970: Pictures – History – Patents” ON AMAZON as well. As Harold would say…Happy hunting!
The Story Awaits, And It Continues With You! Let’s Dive In…
You will find every Barnwood Bottle Opener listed below in numerical order and the history behind them, but this story is only beginning…and we want to see yours! Once you receive your opener and have it mounted, we’ve got a favor to ask: Take a picture of you and your crew with your Barnwood Bottle Opener and post it to Facebook and/or Instagram and tag “@BarnwoodBottleOpeners” in the post. You can also send it to [email protected]. With permission, we’d like to use your picture, comments, and name on the site! Thank you for preserving this unique piece of Reclaimed American History!
#001
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD “X” REG (1929-1935)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with an “X” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the first and oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#002
COCA-COLA – STARR STANDARD PATD APR 21 1925 (1925-1928)
Features: Embossed letters painted red. Made of cast-iron in the U.S.A. and was either chromed or nickel plated. This opener is sought after because of the distinct patent date, and because of its age. It is the oldest and very first Coca-Cola opener ever created by Brown Manufacturing Company.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#003
GRAND PRIZE LAGER BEER – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1963)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener.
History: Grand Prize Brewing Company, also known as the Gulf Brewing Company (1933-1963) was conceived and started by Howard Hughes just before the end of prohibition. At one time “Grand Prize” was the best-selling beer in Texas. The company was based in Houston, Texas, and is no longer in operation today.
#004
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD “X” REG (1929-1935)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with an “X” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the first and oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#005
COCA-COLA – STARR (no “X”) PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with no X present, which was added to later versions. While it is not the oldest, it is one of the rarest of the Coca-Cola line of openers because of the limited production.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#006
COCA-COLA – STARR (no “X”) PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with no X present, which was added to later versions. While it is not the oldest, it is one of the rarest of the Coca-Cola line of openers because of the limited production.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#007
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD “X” REG (1929-1935)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with an “X” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the first and oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#008
COCA-COLA – STARR (no “X”) PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with no X present, which was added to later versions. While it is not the oldest, it is one of the rarest of the Coca-Cola line of openers because of the limited production.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#009
COCA-COLA – STARR (no “X”) PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with no X present, which was added to later versions. While it is not the oldest, it is one of the rarest of the Coca-Cola line of openers because of the limited production.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#010
COCA-COLA – STARR (no “X”) PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with no X present, which was added to later versions. While it is not the oldest, it is one of the rarest of the Coca-Cola line of openers because of the limited production.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#011
COCA-COLA – STARR (no “X”) PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with no X present, which was added to later versions. While it is not the oldest, it is one of the rarest of the Coca-Cola line of openers because of the limited production.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#012
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD “X” REG (1929-1935)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with an “X” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the first and oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#013
COCA-COLA – STARR (no “X”) PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with no X present, which was added to later versions. While it is not the oldest, it is one of the rarest of the Coca-Cola line of openers because of the limited production.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#014
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#015
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#016
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#017
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#018
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#019
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#020
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#021
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#022
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#023
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#024
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD “X” REG (1929-1935)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with an “X” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the first and oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#025
COCA-COLA – STARR PATD APR 1925 (1935-1943)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with the original “PATD APR 1925” in place of the patent number, which was added to later versions. It is one of the oldest of the Coca-Cola line of openers and is sought after because of the distinct patent date.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#026
7-UP – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1975)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener.
History: A non-caffeinated lemon-lime flavored soft drink created in 1929 by the Howdy Corporation. Originally named “Bib-Label Lithiated Lime Soda”, it was introduced to the general public two weeks prior to the Wall Street crash of 1929. The label has been sold several times during its history and is currently owned by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group.
#027
ROYAL CROWN COLA – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1975)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Some post-1970’s variations found to be plated in zinc.
History: Royal Crown (RC) Line as it was called, produced several cola products including Royal Crown Ginger Ale. The company was renamed in 1925 to NEHI Corporation. RC products are still being made today, currently owned by Dr Pepper Snapple Group.
#028
PEPSI COLA (SINGLE DOT SERIES) – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1950-1975)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Many variations were made with a single dot or a double dot between Pepsi and Cola names. It was changed to a single dot in the 1950’s.
History: Pepsi originated in the early 1900’s in the small town of New Bern, North Carolina. It remains one of America’s top soda brands and is owned by PepsiCo.
#029
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#030
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#031
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#032
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#033
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#034
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#035
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#036
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#037
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#038
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#039
COORS LIGHT – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2010)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted black. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 33,263 castings were made for the 2004 version.
History: First released in 1978, Coors Light was dubbed as the “Silver Bullet” in advertisements. Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is now a division of the Molson Coors Brewing Company Denver/Montreal.
#040
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 7 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters painted in school colors. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 8,418 castings were made.
History: The University of Tennessee is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.
#041
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 7 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters painted in school colors. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 8,418 castings were made.
History: The University of Tennessee is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.
#042
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 7 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters painted in school colors. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 8,418 castings were made.
History: The University of Tennessee is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.
#043
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 7 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters painted in school colors. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 8,418 castings were made.
History: The University of Tennessee is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.
#044
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 7 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters painted in school colors. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 8,418 castings were made.
History: The University of Tennessee is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.
#045
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 7 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters painted in school colors. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 8,418 castings were made.
History: The University of Tennessee is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.
#046
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 7 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters painted in school colors. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 8,418 castings were made.
History: The University of Tennessee is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.
#047
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 7 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters painted in school colors. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 8,418 castings were made.
History: The University of Tennessee is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.
#048
GEORGIA BULLDOGS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1999-2002)
Features: This opener is 4 OF 7 in the NCAA Series, and there are two versions. Raised embossed letters painted red on the early version, and red and black on the later version. Made in Germany of cast iron and zinc plated. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 7,294 castings were made.
History: The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is the oldest and largest of the state’s institutions. They are one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States. The Bulldog is the mascot of the University of Georgia’s NCAA team. GO DAWGS!
#049
GEORGIA BULLDOGS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1999-2002)
Features: This opener is 4 OF 7 in the NCAA Series, and there are two versions. Raised embossed letters painted red on the early version, and red and black on the later version. Made in Germany of cast iron and zinc plated. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 7,294 castings were made.
History: The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is the oldest and largest of the state’s institutions. They are one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States. The Bulldog is the mascot of the University of Georgia’s NCAA team. GO DAWGS!
#050
AUBURN UNIVERSITY – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2000-2002)
Features: This opener is 1 OF 7 in the NCAA Series, and there are two versions. Embossed raised block letters with the early version painted in blue only (no orange). Later versions painted school colors, blue with orange outline. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 7,823 castings were made.
History: The school has had four official names during its 160+ year history: East Alabama Male College (1856-1872), Agricultural and Mechanical College (1872-1899), Alabama Polytechnic Institute (1899-1960), and Auburn University (1960-present). AU is the insignia of Auburn’s NCAA college teams.
#051
COCA-COLA – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1975)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label was finalized as “STARR “X”” with the patent number 2333088 directly below. While future versions share the same patent number, this opener was the last to be made in the U.S.A. before production moved to W. Germany.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#052
BALBOA BEER – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1989-2008)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted red. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener.
History: A dark beer that began brewing in 1910. It was named after conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Owned by the same brewer that produces Atlas Beer, Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana of the Dominican Republic.
#053
BALBOA BEER – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1989-2008)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted red. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener.
History: A dark beer that began brewing in 1910. It was named after conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Owned by the same brewer that produces Atlas Beer, Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana of the Dominican Republic.
#054
CANADA DRY –STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1975-1977)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted red. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener. This was the second of two versions created, identified by the narrower lettering.
History: Canada Dry Ginger Ale has been produced since 1907. Based in Toronto, Canada.
#055
CANADA DRY –STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1975)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. This was the first of two versions created, identified by the wide lettering.
History: Canada Dry Ginger Ale has been produced since 1907. Based in Toronto, Canada.
#056
7-UP – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1975)
Features: Embossed raised letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener.
History: A non-caffeinated lemon-lime flavored soft drink created in 1929 by the Howdy Corporation. Originally named “Bib-Label Lithiated Lime Soda”, it was introduced to the general public two weeks prior to the Wall Street crash of 1929. The label has been sold several times during its history and is currently owned by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group.
#057
CHEVROLET–STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2002-2012)
Features: Cast block lettering within raised landing, which is painted red. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “China” stamped on the back of the opener for castings made through 2005. Stamped “Germany” on castings made from 2006-2012. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 5,203 castings were made in China and 10,296 castings made in Germany.
History: Chevrolet is produced by the General Motors Company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.
#058
CERVEZA VICTORIA–STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1975-1999)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted red. Tome means “Drink” and Cerveza means “Beer” in Spanish. Made of cast iron and zinc plated with “W. Germany” stamped on the back of the opener for castings made until 1989. “Germany” was stamped on castings made from 1989-1999.
History: Brewed since 1928, originally from the city of Andalusia, Spain. It is currently owned by Heineken and brewed in Murcia, Spain.
#059
COCA-COLA – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1975)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label was finalized as “STARR “X”” with the patent number 2333088 directly below. While future versions share the same patent number, this opener was the last to be made in the U.S.A. before production moved to W. Germany.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#060
BLANK – STARR DWARF STANDARD PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: The earliest and most rare of six versions, this blank opener has no advertising. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Later versions were made of brass and again of cast iron, with production moving to Germany in 1975.
History: This was Brown Manufacturing Company’s generic opener for hotels and public use.
#061
BLANK – STARR DWARF STANDARD PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: The earliest and most rare of six versions, this blank opener has no advertising. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Later versions were made of brass and again of cast iron, with production moving to Germany in 1975.
History: This was Brown Manufacturing Company’s generic opener for hotels and public use.
#062
COCA-COLA – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1975)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label was finalized as “STARR “X”” with the patent number 2333088 directly below. While future versions share the same patent number, this opener was the last to be made in the U.S.A. before production moved to W. Germany.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#063
COCA-COLA – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1943-1975)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label was finalized as “STARR “X”” with the patent number 2333088 directly below. While future versions share the same patent number, this opener was the last to be made in the U.S.A. before production moved to W. Germany.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#064
FENDER– STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (2004-2008)
Features: Embossed raised letters found to be painted either red or black. Made in Germany of cast iron and zinc plated. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 19,722 castings were made.
History: Originally founded in the city of Fullerton, California in 1946. Fender is the maker of stringed musical instruments and amplifiers, including the famous Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars. Their headquarters is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.
#065
COCA-COLA – STARR (no “X”) PATENT 2333088 (1943-1945)
Features: Raised embossed letters painted in red. Made of cast iron and nickel plated with “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped on the back of the opener. Brown’s trademark label contains the word “STARR” with no X present, which was added to later versions. While it is not the oldest, it is one of the rarest of the Coca-Cola line of openers because of the limited production.
History: Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the oldest soda makers in the Americas.
#066
GEORGIA BULLDOGS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1999-2002)
Features: This opener is 4 OF 7 in the NCAA Series, and there are two versions. Raised embossed letters painted red on the early version, and red and black on the later version. Made in Germany of cast iron and zinc plated. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 7,294 castings were made.
History: The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is the oldest and largest of the state’s institutions. They are one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States. The Bulldog is the mascot of the University of Georgia’s NCAA team. GO DAWGS!
#067
GEORGIA BULLDOGS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1999-2002)
Features: This opener is 4 OF 7 in the NCAA Series, and there are two versions. Raised embossed letters painted red on the early version, and red and black on the later version. Made in Germany of cast iron and zinc plated. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 7,294 castings were made.
History: The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is the oldest and largest of the state’s institutions. They are one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States. The Bulldog is the mascot of the University of Georgia’s NCAA team. GO DAWGS!
#068
GEORGIA BULLDOGS – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1999-2002)
Features: This opener is 4 OF 7 in the NCAA Series, and there are two versions. Raised embossed letters painted red on the early version, and red and black on the later version. Made in Germany of cast iron and zinc plated. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 7,294 castings were made.
History: The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is the oldest and largest of the state’s institutions. They are one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States. The Bulldog is the mascot of the University of Georgia’s NCAA team. GO DAWGS!
#070
BUDWEISER – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1989-1999)
Features: Embossed raised lettering painted red. Made of cast iron and zinc plated. Made in Germany. A later variation was issued with script lettering.
History: Introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch. Was one of the highest selling beers in the U.S., and still maintains more than a 50% market share. Budweiser Beer is currently owned by Anheuser-Busch.
#071
BAMA – STARR “X” PATENT 2333088 (1999-2002)
Features: This opener is 2 OF 7 in the NCAA Series. Embossed raised letters, printed with school colors, crimson red. Made in Germany of cast iron and zinc plated. “ATLANTA GA” embedded on the front maker’s mark replaces “N. NEWS VA” as headquarters. Only 7,686 castings were made.
History: BAMA is short for the University of Alabama. Known as the “Crimson Tide”, the university was founded in 1831.
