Collect vintage whiskey bottles?

What does Old Crow, I.D. Harper, Waterfill and Frazier, Bellows, Old Taylor, Yellowstone, Old Forester and Old Grand-Dad have in common?  They are all Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys.  They were also evidently favorites of a former owner of my 1938 cabin.  Especially Old Crow.

My son-in-law and I recovered 26 intact but empty whiskey bottles from under the cabin in May.  Several others were broken.  We knew they were there but couldn’t reach them until we demolished the addition’s flooring.  While finding old whiskey bottles is pretty cool, these were even more special.

These vintage bottles were made with the words, “FEDERAL LAW FORBIDS SALE OR RE-USE OF THIS BOTTLE” embossed in the glass.  According to Whiskeyid.com, “Following prohibition, from 1935-1964 th(is) text was required by the government.”  The labels say they were “BOTTLED IN BOND Under U.S. Government Supervision.”  The bottles are from the 1950’s and early 60’s.  The oldest is from 1954.

Some labels read, “This bottle has been filled and stamped under the provisions of Section 2903-9. inclusive Internal Revenue Code.  Any person who shall reuse the stamp affixed to this bottle or remove the contents of this bottle without so destroying the stamp affixed thereto as to prevent reuse or who shall sell this bottle, or reuse it for distilled spirits will be liable to the penalties prescribed by law.”  Others read, “…provisions of Sections 5008 and 5243 Internal Revenue Code.  …without so breaking the stamp.”  Again, according to Whiskeyid.com, prior to August 1959 the bottles would have the Sections 5008 and 5243 labels.  Interestingly, I was born in August of 1959.

I plan to display a few of these vintage whiskey bottles once I restore the cabin.  The rest I will sell.  Anyone collect vintage bottles or want one or more for your “man cave?”  Afterall, the former cabin owner kept them in his man cave under the cabin for us to find 60 years later.