Vintage Myers's Rum Original Dark Miniature Bottle (50ml)

This is a vintage 50ml miniature glass bottle of Myers's Rum 'Original Dark' imported Jamaican rum. The bottle features a classic clear glass construction with a rounded body and a long, slender neck, topped with a black plastic screw-cap. A significant vintage feature is the presence of a pink paper excise tax stamp, which is partially detached and shows significant fading and age-related wear. The tax stamp suggests the bottle dates from the mid-20th century, likely between the 1950s and 1970s. The main paper label is yellow with burgundy and green accents, displaying the 'World Famous' branding and detailed graphics including a sugar cane harvest scene and tropical motifs. Internally, the dark amber-colored liquid remains present, though evaporation is evident as the fill level sits below the shoulder of the bottle. The overall condition shows signs of shelf wear, including minor scuffing on the glass and typical aging of the adhesive on the labels. The label text indicates the product was 'Imported', implying it was produced in Jamaica for international distribution, a hallmark of Fred L. Myers & Son company history.

I have examined the visual documentation for this 50ml miniature bottle of Myers's Original Dark Rum. The presence of the pink Series 112 paper excise tax stamp and the typography used by Fred L. Myers & Son suggest a production date between 1950 and 1961. The label retains its vibrant yellow hue, and the 'sugar cane harvest' illustration is historically accurate for the period. However, the condition shows significant 'ullage' (liquid loss due to evaporation), with the fill level resting significantly below the shoulder. This loss of liquid volume is a primary detractor for spirit collectors, as it indicates a compromised seal. Market demand for mid-century rum miniatures is consistent but niche, primarily driven by 'mini-bottle' collectors and barware enthusiasts rather than high-end spirit investors. Recent comparables for sealed Jamaican miniatures of this era range from $40 to $80 depending on the level of evaporation and stamp integrity. The partial detachment of the tax stamp on this example slightly suppresses the value compared to a pristine 'mint' bottle. Please note: This appraisal is based strictly on photographic evidence. I cannot authenticate the contents' safety for consumption or the absence of re-sealing without a physical inspection. A definitive authentication would require checking the glass bottle's pontil or mold marks on the base and verifying the specific tax stamp serial number against distillery records. Furthermore, the liquid's integrity cannot be chemically verified through an image; therefore, this item is valued primarily as a historical curiosity and display piece rather than for consumption.