You are undoubtedly familiar with the fact that manufacturers of this or that will frequently produce collectibles for certain occasions (usually holidays). For example, every year Lego produces an advent calendar, a popular collectible among hobbyists who build with and collect the stackable blocks.
Between 1955-1992, bourbon manufacturer Jim Beam produced collectible decanters, according to TXAntiqueMall. There were various editions, put out during the Christmas season, for example, or a 1971 edition that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Fire of 1871. These days, well-preserved specimens go for a couple of hundred bucks, depending on condition and rarity. But, the distiller mainly focuses on branded clothing instead of ceramic decanters for merchandise.
The 1964 Christmas edition of the decanter looks more like a bottle — an oddly-shaped and fanciful one, to be sure, but still a bottle — than other such decanters, that could look like Paul Bunyon or a telephone, for example. And, in 1964, director Gene Nelson was looking for the perfect prop to represent Jeannie’s home, according to Forbes. He happened to pass by a liquor store, saw the collectible in the window, and knew he’d struck gold. He probably paid $5.99 for it (or about $57 in 2022 dollars, per Inflation Calculator).
