Vintage W & A Gilbey Rubicon Australian Brandy Bottle c.1930s with rare label

This is a particularly nice Gilbey bottle because it retains part of the original Rubicon Australian Brandy label as well as the wonderfully bold embossed Gilbey crest. I’d date it to around the 1930s–1940s. Gilbey’s Rubicon Australian Brandy was certainly being advertised by 1913, while a specialist spirits auction dated another surviving Gilbey Australian Brandy bottle to the 1930s–40s.

empty but with the scarce surviving label, above the ordinary Gilbey bottles currently offered

15 cm wide

20 cm tall

10 cm depth

Displayed with other items illustration only not included for sale separately

Vintage W & A Gilbey Rubicon Australian Brandy Bottle c.1930s with rare label

A wonderfully decorative vintage amber glass spirits bottle produced for W & A Gilbey Ltd, retaining its scarce original Rubicon Australian Brandy paper label.

The large, rounded flask-shaped bottle is made from rich dark amber-brown glass and features the distinctive Gilbey emblem deeply moulded into the front – a winged wyvern or dragon emerging above a castellated tower – together with the script “W & A Gilbey Ltd” beneath.

The reverse retains a substantial portion of the original metallic paper label reading “Australian Brandy – Rubicon – Produce of Australia”, together with wording indicating that it was bottled and guaranteed by W & A Gilbey Ltd, London. The survival of the original label makes this a much more interesting example than the numerous unlabelled Gilbey bottles found today.

Maker History

W & A Gilbey was founded in London in 1857 by brothers Walter and Alfred Gilbey. The company initially specialised in importing wines from the South African Cape before expanding rapidly into wines and spirits, becoming particularly famous for Gilbey’s gin. Gilbey later acquired interests in several Scotch whisky distilleries, including Glen Spey, Strathmill and Knockando. In 1962 the business became part of International Distillers & Vintners.

The company's distinctive dragon or wyvern and castle emblem became a familiar feature on Gilbey bottles and advertising and is particularly striking when moulded directly into the glass as it is here.

The Rubicon Australian Brandy name was in use by at least 1913, and comparison with surviving Gilbey Australian Brandy bottles suggests this example most probably dates from around the 1930s–1940s.

A great piece of vintage breweriana and drinks advertising with plenty of visual appeal – ideal for an old pub, home bar, kitchen display, bottle collection or as a decorative standalone piece.

Condition: Good vintage condition with age-related surface marks and wear. The original paper label is considerably worn and distressed with areas of loss, but importantly remains legible in parts. The bottle is empty and no original closure is present. Please study the photographs as these form an important part of the condition description.

Suggested Price: £34