A 180-year-old bottle of rum, believed to be the second oldest ever offered at auction, could sell for thousands of pounds.
The ultra-rare bottle of Paul Court 1843 Rhum is tipped to get bidders drunk with excitement when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers in July with a guide price of £2,500-£4,500.
Stuart Palmer, Head of Hansons’ Wine, Whisky and Spirits Department, said: “Given the significance and desirability of the bottle, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the final bid eclipsing these expectations.
“This is one of the most extraordinary bottles I’ve ever had the privilege to handle. It’s believed to be the second oldest bottle of rum ever to grace the auction stage. It offers an opportunity for connoisseurs to own a piece of spirits heritage and elevate their collections to new heights.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “It’s remarkable to think that, if opened in the year it was bottled, this rum could have toasted the third wedding anniversary of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.”
The oldest rum ever sold at auction is believed to be a bottle of Harewood Rum from 1780. It realised £8,225 at Christie’s, from an estimate of £600-£800, in 2013.
Stuart said: “Rum aficionados have long been captivated by the allure of the sugar-based spirit, and this unique discovery from 1843 stands as a testament to the rich history and craftsmanship associated with rum production.
“Though the exact distillery responsible for its creation remains shrouded in mystery, the inclusion of the ‘h’ in the spelling of ‘rhum’ suggests its origin in the French Caribbean. Therefore, it’s likely distilled from fermented, fresh-pressed juice derived from sugar cane. This embodies the traditional and highly regarded production methods of the region.”
The bottle label states ‘Paul Court’, a name long associated with spirits production in Dijon, France. The bottle also bears a shoulder label that reads, ‘CONCESSIONNAIRE EXCLUSIF POUR L’EGYPTE ET LE SOUDAN C,Vve Borsa – Le Caire. (Exclusive dealer for Egypt and Sudan)
“It is believed this label was likely added later during the time of importation, further contributing to the intriguing narrative of this extraordinary well-travelled, rum,” said Stuart.
“A closer examination of the bottle reveals an exquisite level of craftsmanship. Expertly hand-blown, the glass showcases mesmerising imperfections, including delicate air bubbles and a noticeable twist in the neck. Such characteristics offer a visual testament to the authenticity and age of this exceptional spirit, ensuring its status as a true collector’s item.”
Other Hansons Auctioneers’ valuers have examined the labels and bottle, attesting to its authenticity. Works on paper expert Jim Spencer said the paper, printing method and font used on the main label were typical of the 19th century.
Hansons’ senior valuer Nick Bagshaw also noted that the imperfections in the glass, pontil mark and very early intact seal created a seamless union between the bottle and its past.
Stuart said: “Provenance plays a vital role in this offering. Hailing from a deceased estate, this coveted bottle remained within the same family for decades. It has been preserved as a cherished heirloom. Now it seeks a new custodian – a discerning individual who appreciates the rarity and significance of this historical artefact.”
The Paul Court 1843 Rhum will be offered in Hansons’ Bishton Hall Wine, Whisky and Spirits Auction on July 18, 2023. Catalogue bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com.
To find out more, email: [email protected].
