Determing Values of Jim Beam Bottles produced for The World Collectors Net
by Bernie V. Durance
Determing Values of Jim Beam Bottles
I receive a lot of letters asking me to help in determining the value of
decanters. Most important is the condition. Bottles that are missing
labels, parts, or that are cracked or broken of course aren't worth as
much as bottles that are in mint condition.
Labels are important because they not only determine the maker but they
are part of the bottle. Most Beams came with some kind of a box or case.
This makes a difference in the value to many collectors. A bottle that
is broken or missing a stopper is not worth as much either, it's like a
coin with a whole in it. It's simply not all there. That's not to say
people won't buy that bottle, because someone probably will. Some people
will even collect parts and labels for resale or to complete a bottle in
their own collection.
The most frequently asked question I hear has to do with the value of the
bottle if it is full with seal unbroken. My answer is always the same.
Collectors are only interested in the bottle, not the contents. It is
illegal to sell liquor without a license. There have been cases where
ATF agents have actually arrested people for selling decanters that are
full. Don't take the chance, empty the bottle. The contents of the
bottle can also do harm to some decanters after many years. The bottles
can leak and discolor the exterior . This would of course have a
negative affect on the value. The liquor in the bottle will not age with
time. It only ages in the oak kegs. There is no reason to keep liquor
in the decanter, empty it and enjoy.
Perhaps the most sought after of the Beams is the series they made called - Wheels.
Beam made their first 'Wheels' decanter in 1972. It is a 1903 Oldsmobile.
The bottle lists for $30.00. It was very popular from the
start and the value was much greater in the 70's and 80's. This is not
uncommon for bottles. In the sixties, Jim Beam was having such a success
with their decanters that bottles stores and clubs were springing up
everywhere. There were thousands of clubs throughout the world and many
more collectors. This interest of course brought the prices up. As the
interest grew, other distributors saw the light and began making their
own decanters.
Some companies made thousands of one kind of bottle,
while others like Sky Country and Lionstone made limited editions. These
limited edition bottles still enjoy high values today and will continue
to appreciate over the years. There are several high priced bottles in
the Beams Wheel series. The most expensive one is a decanter they made
in 1991 called the Gold Semi 18 Wheeler. It lists for $3,000.00. This
is the most valuable bottle in the Beam collection. The most famous ofthe Beams is the First National Bank bottle. It falls under the
heading of Beam Customers. It was made in 1964 and only issued to board
members of the First National Bank of Chicago. The name of each board
member is printed on the decanter. These bottles are very scarce and
list for $1,584.00. Like the Oldsmobile, they have gone down in price
as the interest in bottle collecting started to wane in the 80's.
It's not uncommon for me to receive a list of bottles from someone who
has inherited a collection that a family member may have collected in the
past. In most cases they want to know the value and are surprised to
find out that Grandpa's collection isn't worth as much now as it was
twenty years ago. What caused this demise in the hobby? I think there
are a few factors that went into this. The distillers were having such
success at making decanters that they continued to make more and more
each year. They actually flooded the market with bottles. Buying these
bottles new from your local liquor store was not cheap. The new
decanters cost far more than the standard off -the-shelf bottles. I
started out by collecting Political bottles. I remember paying $89.00
each for the last Politicals in 1988. Today these bottles aren't worth
half that. It all comes down to supply and demand.
The best way to determine the value of your decanters is to buy a book.
There are several available. Jim Beam made several over the years but
they are out-dated now. They are, however, great references because they
have pictures of the bottles (most in color) and give a brief history of
each decanter. There are also several antique guides that include
bottles. Kovells is one of the best and it is published each year. The
one I use is a small paper back that fits easily into your back pocket or purse.
It's called 'MARIO'S PRICE GUIDE TO MODERN BOTTLES'. (Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Mario passed away near the end of 2001 and this price guide is no longer available.)
It lists more distillers than any other books I have come across. Mario prints a
new issue four times a year. I think this is the book of preference for
most serious collectors. A single issue costs $6.00 and that includes
shipping. Additional books are available at lower prices. To order this
book, you mail your check to Mario Latello at 146 Sheldon Ave; Depew, NY
14043. It's a great little reference and I recommend it highly. When
you order his book, he will put you on his mailing list and you will also
receive his list of bottles for sale. I think he may also consign
bottles. He also furnishes a want list for his subscribers who are
looking for bottles.
Labels are important because they not only determine the maker but they
are part of the bottle. Most Beams came with some kind of a box or case.
This makes a difference in the value to many collectors. A bottle that
is broken or missing a stopper is not worth as much either, it's like a
coin with a whole in it. It's simply not all there. That's not to say
people won't buy that bottle, because someone probably will. Some people
will even collect parts and labels for resale or to complete a bottle in
their own collection.