A Rare Sealed ARFE Decanter — Napoleon Bonaparte, 1960s–1970s
An exceptional collector's piece: a vintage Italian hand-painted ceramic figurine decanter depicting Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, produced for the historic ARFE Liquori distillery in Verona, Italy. This item is fully intact, flawless, and officially sealed with its original contents.
This stunning ceramic sculpture decanter is a prime example of the great Italian tradition of "figurative liquor bottles" that peaked during the 1960s and 1970s. Crafted from high-quality pottery and entirely hand-painted in Italy, it served as a luxury limited-edition container for the ARFE Liquori Verona distillery.
CONDITION REPORT: RARE MINT CONDITION
Unlike the vast majority of vintage decanters found on the market — which are usually empty or unsealed — this specimen is a pristine deadstock/private collection piece with unique archival features:
· Perfectly Sealed: The Italian State tax paper seal (Imposta Fabbricazione Grappa) is 100% intact and never cut. It is firmly glued over the black plastic screw cap.
· Original Liquid Present: The bottle is completely full, containing the original 500 ml (approx. 17 fl oz) of 40% Vol. (80 Proof) Grappa, bottled roughly 50 years ago by ARFE.
· Ceramic Condition: Immaculate. The colors retain their original gloss and vibrancy. No chips, cracks, hairline fractures, or restorations.
MARKINGS & AUTHENTICITY
The underside features a series of impressed and painted marks:
· "101" — production registry number
· "Hand Painted" — confirming hand-decoration
· "Made in Italy" — origin certification
· "Riprod. Vietata - Art. 2598 C.C." — Italian legal protection mark against imitation and unfair competition, indicating the design was officially registered and protected
· Encircled emblem — the manufacturer's mark
· "N" — an additional identifying letter or code
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
· Character: Napoleon Bonaparte
· Height: 35.5 cm (14 inches) — a large, monumental size with commanding display presence
· Base Dimensions: Approx. 9.5 × 9.5 cm (3.7 × 3.7 inches)
· Material: Hand-painted Italian art ceramic
· Distillery: ARFE Liquori, Verona, Italy
· Contents: Authentic Italian Grappa (500 ml / 40% Vol.)
· Era: 1960s–1970s
· Included Accessories: Comes with its rare original green "ARFE" booklet/tag still tied around the neck with the vintage cord.
PERFECT FOR
· Collectors of vintage Italian liquor decanters
· Enthusiasts of Napoleon memorabilia
· Those seeking a sealed, museum-quality piece of Italian ceramic art
SHIPPING
Express shipping with professional packaging.
Sold by Stefan's Artmire Shop