Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/14/2007

Question
I found under the attic stairs in a (cardboard type box??)that fell apart upon opening,a white horse whisky bottle by apppointment to his majesty the king Estab 1742 original recipe 1746 dated February 1754. Registered label NO 2823311 contents 26 1/2 ounces it is a brown bottle with a registered lable with pictured white horse and the covered wagon and legend which reads "All the desirous to pass from EDINBURGH to LONDON, or any other place on their road, let them repair to the WHITE HORSE CELLAR',in EDINBURGH, at which place they may be received in a STAGE COACH every Monday and Friday, which performs the whole journey in eight days (if God permits), and sets forth at five in the morning.  Allowing each passenger 14 pounds weight, and all above, 6 pence per pound.  February, 1754.WHITE HORSE DISTILLERS LTD,Lagevulin Distillery, Island of Islay, and Glenllvet District GLASGOW and LONDON    DISTILLED, BLENDED 7 BOTTLED IN SCOTLAND    CONTENTS 26 1/2 OUNCES   There is a White horse painted on the back of the bottle under another lable of Guarantee..Can you give me an estimate of value, please..Thank you

Answer
Hi SHirley

Distilled spirits have such a high alcohol level that they don't change much, for better or for worse, once they are bottled.  Because of that, this bottle should be fine to drink, but won't have appreciated much in value.  I would estimate this at about $20-30.

But a bottle collector might pay a lot more--I know beverages, but I don't know collectible bottles. Check out antiquebottles.com.  They have a lot of great info there, and can probably give you a better idea.

Sorry I can't be the bearer of more exciting news.

Paul Wagner