refinished three-tier american depression era pressed heavy gauge steel "nehi" soda bottle display stand with grooved edges for hanging bottles

very unique american depression era freestanding heavy gauge steel industrial three tier grocery store or market soda bottle display designed and patented by hallet e. kwapil of racine wi. the riveted joint, graduating tier tripod store fixture was manufactured by or for the nehi bottling company, columbus, ga. the display rack contains triangular-shaped shelves or "disc" sections with notches adapted to receive the necks of bottles suspended for display purposes. the stand remains structurally sound and stable. brushed metal finish throughout. nehi was a flavored soft drink that originated in america. it was introduced in 1924 by chero-cola/union bottle works. the "nehi corporation" name was adopted in 1928 after the nehi fruit-flavored sodas became popular. in 1955, the company changed its name to royal crown company, after its rc cola brand. it was founded by claude hatcher, a georgia grocer, who began bottling ginger ale and root beer in 1905. measures 39 inches tall and 14 inches in diameter.