Genuine treasure - a fabulously preserved Madeira over 150 years old!!! This is one of five bottles I recently acquired, all dating from the 1800s. You can see all five in the second picture. I'm selling two of them - this one and an even more ancient Port from 1839.
The bottles have a fabulous back story - they were owned by King George VI's personal surgeon who was a very public and vocal tee-totaller, so upon his death they were quickly sold by his wife in a hush-hush deal to a gentleman who squirreled them away in his cellar untouched until his recent death. I purchased them from his daughter.
All five bottles are remarkably well preserved. The level is quite incredible - still into the neck - and this bottle has 1868 clearly stamped on it.
The bottles have been in my care for about 3 months now during which they have been on their sides in my cellar. There is no sign whatsoever of seepage or stickiness around the capsules. They really are remarkable antiques, preserved beyond expectations. This particular specimen is an incredibly rare opportunity to sample a pre-phylloxera bottle.
Very happy to answer any questions or send further photos just as you need. Viewing is possible at my home in East London. Bonne chance!