Overview
A massive half-gallon 'Texas Mickey' style bourbon bottle complete with its original wire-frame pouring cradle. This oversized vessel features the classic 'Old Governor' lithographed label and the legally…
Preliminary identification
Old Governor Kentucky Straight Bourbon Half-Gallon Bottle in Tilting Cradle
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Bardstown, Kentucky, is the undisputed bourbon capital of the world, and this bottle hails from the heart of that tradition during the post-WWII boom.
Maker / Origin
Old Governor was a brand produced in Bardstown, Nelson County, a region famous for its limestone-filtered water which is essential for high-quality bourbon.
Condition & Value
The labels show some yellowing and minor edge wear consistent with age, but the graphics remain vibrant. The metal cradle has significant surface oxidation and rust, which is common for these pieces but reduces the value compared to a polished example. The bottle appears free of cracks or chips.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD