Abbeys Auctions are proud to present a truly unique collection of Jim Beam Decanters from the private collection of the late Bob Parsisson. Bob was the president of the Two Up Beamers for 40 years, a well-known Jim Beam Decanter club based in Victoria, Australia and it organizes regular meetings and events for its’ members. He was a Foundation Member of the Bayside Beamers, later renamed Two Up. He was the National President, travelling to conventions in the USA, NZ and Australia.
A Brief History
Jim Beam, one of America’s oldest and most iconic bourbon brands, ventured into the decanter market in the mid-20th century. The first Jim Beam decanters were introduced in 1955 by the Beam Company and were produced in ceramic stoneware by Regal China until 1992. These decanters were initially designed not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their functional purpose of storing bourbon. Their unique shapes and detailed designs quickly made them collector’s items (DSLYF) (Vintage Unscripted).
Types and Themes
Jim Beam decanters come in a wide variety of themes and designs, making them highly collectable. Some popular series include:
- Trophy Series (1957): Featuring wildlife motifs such as fish and birds, crafted by nature specialist Jim Lockhart.
- Centennial Series (1960): Commemorating significant historical events, including the St. Louis Arch and Civil War scenes.
- Political Series (1956): Representing the Democratic and Republican parties with donkey and elephant designs.
- State Bottles (1958): Highlighting state-specific landmarks and histories.
- Collector’s Series (1966): Displaying famous art masterpieces on glass bottles (Jim Beam Decanter Collection)
Collectability Factors
Several factors contribute to the collectability and value of Jim Beam decanters:
- Rarity and Design: Limited edition designs and those with intricate details tend to be more valuable. For example, decanters from the Executives series, trimmed with 22-carat gold, are particularly sought after (Jim Beam Decanter Collection).
- Condition: The better the condition, the higher the value. Decanters that have their original packaging and stoppers are especially prized.
- Historical Significance: Decanters that commemorate historical events or feature unique cultural references can fetch higher prices.
- Maker’s Mark: Identifying marks on the decanter, such as the Beam logo or specific design elements, help authenticate and date the piece
Jim Beam Decanters are more than just containers for bourbon; they are a piece of American history and craftsmanship.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a novice enthusiast, adding a Jim Beam decanter to your collection can be both a valuable and enjoyable pursuit. For those interested in starting a collection, this Auction provides a huge range of decanters to choose from!
The Auction is online live for viewing and bidding, with the auction taking place on Saturday, 10 August at 10am. We invite you to view this collection in person on Thursdays between 9am – 5pm, at Abbeys Auctions, 80 – 86 Highbury Road, Burwood.
