Original Pre-Pro French Brandy Whiskey Barrel Edgar Dumas Trade Advertising Ohio

RARE DATED PRE-PROHIBITION FRENCH COGNAC BRANDY BARREL
EDGAR DUMAS / W.W. JOHNSON & CO.
DATED SEPTEMBER 27, 1904

An exceptional and highly authentic example of a late 19th to early 20th century imported French Cognac Brandy barrel, retaining its original stenciled decoration and documented federal gauger markings on the head of the barrel.

Constructed of oak staves with iron hoops, the barrel retains its original mustard-yellow painted finish with bold black stenciled lettering reading "French Cognac Brandy" and "Edgar Dumas."

Research associated with the markings on this example indicates a connection to W.W. Johnson & Co., a prominent distiller, blender, and rectifier with operations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Of particular significance are the original federal revenue markings preserved on the barrel head. The barrel is stenciled "Sept. 27, 1904" and bears the designation "U.S. Gauger, 1st Dist. O." together with the name M. J. W. Holter, identified through historical records as an Internal Revenue agent associated with the United States Treasury Department. Surviving government inspection and gauging information of this nature provides exceptional historical context and firmly places the barrel within the pre-Prohibition American liquor trade.

The barrel measures approximately 22 inches in height and 12 inches across the head, with an estimated original capacity of approximately six gallons.

Condition is consistent with age and long-term storage. The original painted finish exhibits expected wear, oxidation, surface scratches, and patina. Several of the iron hoops have loosened slightly due to natural drying and shrinkage of the wood over time. A few nails have been added near certain hoops to stabilize the construction. There is also a stress fracture present in one stave. Despite these age-related conditions, the barrel remains an extraordinarily decorative and historically important survivor from the American pre-Prohibition spirits trade.

An increasingly difficult form of whiskey and spirits advertising to locate, especially with documented federal gauger markings, original painted decoration, and identifiable connections to both the French Cognac trade and major American distilling interests. A noteworthy display piece for collectors of whiskey advertising, country store antiques, spirits memorabilia, Americana, and pre-Prohibition artifacts.