This is an extraordinary piece of 19th-century liquid history: an authentic, hand-blown dark glass wine bottle (which sounds as if it still holds a remaining drop) labeled a rare 1864 Xeres (Sherry) from the historic Montebello collection. The bottle features an authentic, heavily aged handwritten paper label reading "Xeres Montebello + 1864" in elegant period calligraphy. "Xeres" is the historic 19th-century spelling for Jerez (Sherry), making this an incredibly scarce vintage Spanish Sherry selected for a private estate or cellar collection.

The glass itself is a magnificent example of mid-to-late 19th-century glassblowing, featuring a highly pronounced, deep push-up (punt) base with clear manufacturing texture, and beautiful surface striations characteristic of the era. A small paper inventory tag on the neck reads "703 / 705", indicating its pedigree from an organized estate or private wine library collection.

• Material: Hand-blown dark "black" glass (very deep olive green/amber)

• Age: Dated 1864 (19th Century / Civil War Era)

• Origin: Jerez (Xérès), Spain; private/estate bottling label associated with Montebello cellars.

• Important Marketplace Notice: This item is sold strictly as a historic collectible artifact and glass specimen. The contents are not intended for consumption. Per seller observations, a tiny amount of original residual liquid remains inside, though it has mostly naturally evaporated over its 160+ year lifespan. A modern removable collector's label reading "DO NOT OPEN" is affixed to the back to preserve its integrity.

Condition Report

• Glass Integrity: Excellent antique condition with no chips, cracks, or structural damage to the hand-blown body. The glass exhibits a beautiful, dry original surface patina and dust from long-term cellar storage.

• Label & Ephemera: The main paper label is intact, showcasing honest amber toning, foxing, and text fading consistent with natural aging over a century and a half. The text remains entirely legible. The neck inventory tag shows minor peeling at the corner.

• Closure & Seal: The bottle features an antique flush-set cork showing an authentic age split across the top surface. Whether it is the 1864 original or a historic early-period cellar recorking from the estate library, it is entirely period-correct, heavily aged, and remains firmly wedged. The lead foil capsule wrapper is partially missing around the rim but retains its authentic historical profile against old cellar grime.

Reference

• Book Title: The Epicurean: A Complete Treatise of Analytical and Practical Studies on the Culinary Art, including Table and Wine Service

• Author: Charles Ranhofer (Legendary chef of Delmonico's)

• Page/Reference Insight: Chapter XXXVII ("Cellar and Wine Service"), which outlines the storage, temperature controls, and curation of mid-19th-century Xeres (Sherry) and Champagne Montebello for America's elite Gilded Age cellars.

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As with all museum-quality vintage ephemera and historic cellar glass, this item is sold strictly as-found, as-described, and as-photographed. We maintain a policy of leaving all original surfaces, cellar dust, and historical paper wear completely untouched to preserve maximum investment value for the collector. Please review all high-resolution images carefully to anchor your own final evaluation before buying.

Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.

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