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Yes that's right, this is from 1941, which makes it both incredibly rare and also incredibly collectable. Not unique though, as I have two of these for sale. These were part of a wooden case of champagnes left in a will, which have been kept undisturbed since they were shipped and have been in a private wine cellar ever since. Opening the box was quite something as they were all packed in straw and sawdust (see photos). Unfortunately, 2 in the bottom of the box have leaked heavily, but happily these two have not - the fill level, and label are as if they had just been printed (which I can assure you they have not!).
This is a real piece of history - 'Reserved for England' across the top foil and on the label, printed in red, one can see that this is 'Imported and distributed by the authority of HM Government' and something the champenoise would not approve of today "Agreed maximum prices for sale: By Retail 25/6 per bottle. In Hotels and restaurants (for consumption on the premises) 53/6 per bottle"
So we can see that even in those days, mark-ups were 100% of retail!
Needless to say, the price here is not going to be 25/6. I have left the tissue wrapping on this one, I moved it aside to check the level and the vintage.
Please also see my ohter auctions for 2 examples of the equally rare Pommery Champagne from 1943
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