Nanodistilling

We begin this article with the “penultimate” description, because we had thought we had seen it all and have now been corrected, AGAIN! Now, we really think we have seen them all. Read on!

There is an incredible amount of ceramic and porcelain liquor decanters available in antique stores, online auctions, flea markets and garage sales. Jim Beam and Ezra Brooks are the most common in the space by far, but one decanter always stands out above the rest: The Galliano solider decanter! Galliano’s retail bottle is also distinctive, resembling a classical Roman column. These ceramic glazed decanters were made by Coronetti Cunardo (Italy), predominantly in the 1960’s. Most will feature a stamp bearing the maker on the base of the decanter.

The gang here at Nanodistilling has been collecting a variety of Galliano decanters over the years, but a most amazing find occurred in New Baltimore, New York last week. This is the LARGEST Galliano figural we have ever seen! It is glazed ceramic, signed by the artist, and has a “#4” written on the inside. To give you an idea of the size of this figural, here he is pictured next to the two most common decanters, standing over 6′ tall.

This larger-than-life Galliano figural did not hold alcohol. It was most likely used for advertising or promotional purposes. The statue divides into two pieces at the waistline for transport. The face is beautifully detailed, much like the decanters.

Of note about the larger decanter: He has some friends! They all feature the same scale, glazing, and metallic paint used on the Galliano solder. We will also comment that Canadian Mist Red Mountie decanters are not of the same scale. Perhaps there are a few more friends to be found!

Galliano retail glassware is also noteworthy. The largest we have is actually decorative and never held the liqueur. It was a window-display item using tinted glass. The next size down did hold liqueur, and was dispensed using a metal tap. The next size down from there is the commonplace modern retail packaging.

AUGUST 2021 UPDATE! Well, we were VERY FORTUNATE to locate yet another size decanter from Coronetti Cunardo in this decanter line: The 1 Gallon Size! These decanters stand over 30 inches tall, and they did contain the liqueur. Many thanks to our friend Tim from Indiana for agreeing to sell these!

Like the 19 inch scale decanters, Coronetti Cunardo also created the usual friends: Silician Gold and Nassau Royale. Here they are in the 1 gallon size, all bearing the Coronetti Italy mark on the bases!

We are pretty certain at this point that we have found every size of the Galliano Soldier decanter, but we will keep hunting and will update this post! Have a wonderful Harvey Wallbanger or Yellowbird!-Big E