Vintage Hiram Walker Creme de Menthe Miniature Bottle

This is a vintage 50ml miniature glass bottle ('nip') containing Hiram Walker Creme de Menthe liqueur. The bottle is constructed of clear glass with a classic rounded base and an elongated neck. The liquid inside is a deep, vibrant green, typical of mint liqueurs with added color. The primary label features a cream background with gold-tone borders and green typography, displaying the Hiram Walker crest and the brand name. The label specifies '60 Proof' and '50ml'. A notable feature for dating this item is the presence of a pink paper tax stamp over the gold-toned metal screw cap; the stamp is partially broken/torn on the right side but remains attached. Based on the label design and the style of the tax stamp, this bottle likely dates from the late 1960s to the 1970s. The overall condition is good for its age, though the paper label shows light yellowing and the tax stamp is distressed. The fill level appears slightly lowered due to natural evaporation over several decades (ullage). Manufacturing details point to Hiram Walker & Sons, Inc., a prominent American/Canadian distillery founded in the 19th century. This item is a common yet representative piece of mid-century barware and spirits history.

Based on my examination of this vintage 50ml Hiram Walker Creme de Menthe miniature, the item appears to be an authentic specimen from the late 1960s to mid-1970s. This dating is supported by the pink Series 112 tax stamp and the 60-proof designation. The bottle displays hallmark characteristics of the era, including the gold-tone metal cap and the classic Hiram Walker crest. Condition is graded as 'Good' given its age; while the tax stamp is distressed and the label shows minor oxidation, these are expected flaws for barware of this vintage. The market for collectible miniatures, or 'nips,' is currently steady but highly specialized. Hiram Walker was a high-volume producer, making this specific item relatively common rather than a rare 'white whale' for collectors. Value is primarily driven by the presence of the original tax stamp and the vibrant color of the liqueur, though the slight ullage (evaporation) is a standard deduction in this category. Comparables for mid-century American liqueur miniatures typically realize $10 to $30 at auction or through specialized bottle clubs. Limitations: This appraisal is based strictly on visual photographic evidence. A digital image cannot confirm the integrity of the glass for micro-fractures, nor can it verify if the seal has been compromised and tampered with (refilled). A physical inspection would be required to verify the scent profile and fluid viscosity to ensure no spoilage has occurred. For full authentication, provenance regarding storage conditions—ideally a cool, dark environment to preserve the green dye—would be necessary. Scientific testing of the sugar content could definitively confirm the liquid's age, though the cost of such testing would exceed the item's market value.