Decanter, Jim Beam, National Association Bottle Club, First Convention Denver, USA Map, Royal China, Vintage, 1971

A decanter about decanters — and a piece of Jim Beam collector history. This 1971 figural decanter commemorates the very first convention of the National Association of Jim Beam Bottle and Specialties Clubs, held in Denver, Colorado in June of that year. In other words, this is the founding document of an entire collecting community, rendered in porcelain.
The front features a map of the United States with each state's corresponding Jim Beam bottle illustrated within its borders — a remarkable snapshot of the full collection at the time. The back lists all the 1971 affiliate clubs and their locations across the country. A fun illustration of Reginald Fox graces the lid — the same dapper fox who appears throughout the Jim Beam Specialties Club series. Made by Royal China, originally sold with Beam 100 Months Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, now empty. Retains the original label and tax strip.
Note: the plastic cork has deteriorated and is cracking — fine for display, but worth noting.
A truly unique gift for the serious Jim Beam collector, the bourbon history enthusiast, or any dad who appreciates the kind of piece that tells a whole story just by sitting on the shelf.
The National Association of Jim Beam Bottle and Specialties Clubs was founded in 1971 and grew rapidly through the 1970s as Jim Beam's figural decanter series became one of the most popular collectible categories in America. At its peak the association had affiliate clubs across the country, each producing their own convention exclusives — making pieces like this first-convention decanter particularly significant in the hobby's history.
Royal China of Chicago produced the vast majority of Jim Beam's figural ceramic decanters from the 1950s until their closure in 1992. Their hand-crafted porcelain work is considered among the finest in American collectible barware.

Brand: Jim Beam / Royal China
Vintage: 1971
Dimensions: 11.0" tall (with stopper) | approx. 8.0" wide at widest point
Material: Porcelain
Condition: Very good vintage condition. No chips or scratches. Original label, tax strip, and gold accents intact. Plastic cork has deteriorated and is cracking — best for display. Please review all photos carefully — we cannot accept returns.