Addition to the Collection: May 2021 Edition

 Clearly closets and basements are being cleaned out, and I feel fortunate! Yesterday I was able to pick up another rare, rare, R A R E decanter. I knew of the potential existence of this piece years before I actually was able to verify that Michter's did indeed make some of them. In my paper files, in May of 1984, Michter's (By that time operating as Pennsylvania Sour Mash Distilleries, Inc.) made an appeal to the BATF to relabel some of their unsold Telephone and Ice Cream & Sarsaparilla for the upcoming 6th Annual Heidelberg Antique Car Show on June 24th of the same year. Clearly the relabeling was approved as I now own one of these decanters! My complete decanter list has also been updated to reflect its existence. With no further introductions, a few photos:

Additions to the Collection: April 2021 Edition

 As the collection grows, purchases don't happen as often, but when I come across something I don't have, it's time at that moment to bring it "home" to the Michter's collection. From the graciousness of a fellow collector that has a very impressive collection (...and shall remain nameless for privacy's sake) comes a few amazing pieces of Michter's distillery. Check it out:

If you're familiar with Michter's decanters, you're probably familiar with the moderately common Doughboy decanter that depicts a WWI solder in uniform. You're probably also familiar with its monotone nearly pea green glaze, which doesn't do what could be a beautiful decanter any favors. Well, boy what could have, and SHOULD have been. Gaze upon this prototype beauty that shows a nicely painted/glazed soldier:

Next is a lowly copper jug with a story to tell. What looks old, worn, and pedestrian was actually a sampling cup from the distillery that was used in daily operations. How do we know the legitimacy? A signed and notarized note from Mr. George Shattls himself, who was Manager at the distillery!

Next are a post card, rare style of brochure, and plastic drinking cup. Definitely very cool items as well.

Lastly, and largest in size, is the wagon wheel ceiling lamp from the Jug House. Complete and all original. Needs a little cleaning, but nothing I can't accomplish easily. Absolutely a custom build, it's well crafted and uses the same glass globes and steel diffusers as the lamps that were made from leftover unsold gold pot still decanters. Each diffuser wears the same sticker the 101 proof copper pot stills have. Now to check the wiring and find a place to put it up.....................

PLCB "Guide To Better Product Knowledge- Spiritous Liquors" Some PA Spirits History!

 Here's a little piece of PA spirits history. This handy little guide was published December of 1964 by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for employee training and knowledge. I've found it to be quite comprehensive and accurate even today. I've chosen to scan it in its entirety and display it here for other's learning and also as an example of PA spirit history. Enjoy!