Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/3/2010

Question
51 years ago I was given this bottle.  It was never opened; but is slowly evaporating. Bottle is etched with deer and trees, etc.  J. Hine & Co, NY  - how can I find out what it is worth and how to sell it.  I'd really appreciate your help.

Answer
Hi Pat

Hine is a well respected producer in Cognac, and some of their products currently sell for some very high prices.  But it is a real worry to me that the Cognac in your bottle is evaporating!  I suggest that you take it to a reputable action house such as Bonham's and Butterfield, and ask them exactly how they would describe the condition of your bottle.  Once they've seen it, they can give you a better idea of what the bottle might fetch at one of their auction.

Sight unseen, and without having more information about the Cognac inside, and guess that I would give you would be just that---a wild guess.  And this bottle deserves an answer from someone who can really take a look at it and give you an "educated" guess.

Paul Wagner