Expert: Paul Wagner - 1/6/2010

Question
I have a 2 pint 8 fluid ounce bottle of Courvoisier Napoleon Old Liquer Cognac by appt to the late King George V1 - limited edition BU8134 in its original box. What would be its approximate value and how where would I sell such a thing? Many thanks. Gary

Answer
HI Gary

Distilled spirits like this are so high in alcohol that they don't change much over time in the bottle.  The good news is that yours should be fine to drink.  The bads news is that it won't have appreciated in value the way some fine wines do.  I'd estimate yours at about what a current bottling of similar cognac might sell for:  about $50-75.  I wouldn't bother trying to sell it, I would just use it up over the next year...  

You might want to check with the guys at antiquebottles.com.  They could tell you if the bottle itself might be worth more than the liquid inside...With George VI on the ticket, it's at least older than 1952, when Elizabeth II was crowned.  

Sorry that I don't have more exciting news for you.

Paul Wagner