Exhibit Antiques has dated this Antique Glass Whisky Decanter to the Victorian era.
An exceptionally rare advertising 19th century Scottish Glass Whisky decanter dating to c1870.
The decanter has its original facet ball cut stopper.
Polished base.
The typography is particularly attractive, combining bold Victorian block lettering with elegant flowing script for the merchant’s name. The restrained use of pale blue enamel against the clear body gives the piece a distinctly late Victorian commercial aesthetic.
Date & Origin
Scotland, c1870. Period of Queen Victoria.
Condition
Excellent, age-related wear as shown. A tiny pinprick on the poring rim. The enamel is in excellent condition. No chips, cracks or restoration.
Dimensions
Height: 26cm (includes stopper)
Square: 8.2cm
Historical Context
Samuel Dow was one of Glasgow’s best-known wine and spirit merchants, established in the early 19th century and later becoming widely associated with blended Scottish whisky and public houses throughout the city. Their “Pigeon Blend” whisky became particularly recognisable through the firm’s use of a white pigeon trademark and branding.
Advertising spirit decanters of this type were used both in bars and whisky merchants’ premises, serving not only as functional containers but also as highly visible point-of-sale displays. Survivors with original enamel decoration are increasingly scarce, particularly Scottish examples linked directly to named Glasgow whisky merchants.
Exhibit Antiques has dated this Antique Glass Whisky Decanter to the Victorian era.
Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Exhibit Antiques Profile Page
Rare Enamelled Glasgow 19th Century Scottish "Pigeon Blend" Glass Whisky Decanter C1870
