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Vintage Grim Reaper Skeleton Poison Bottle Decanter

Lenbella
4 years ago
AI Appraisal
Description I have a Vintage Grim Reaper Skeleton Poison Bottle Decanter with a US Navy SeaBee's logo on the front and Made in SHOFU Japan stamped on the bottom. Trying to find out what year it was made and what's the value? Thank you!
Category Ceramics and Porcelains
Medium Porcelain I think
Distinguishing marks Made in SHOFU Japan
Condition Good
Size and dimensions of this item 7" tall 3" wide
Date Period WWII
History In family
Price $140 firm
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Submitted by MarkBlemish

I think these originally came with six skull shot glasses and had a little cap with a cork over the opening, the index finger is often broken off. It’s SHOFU not SNOFU. There’s also a German version made by Schafer and Vater and other Japanese marked SHOFU China Company and others marked occupied Japan. I think they range from the 1920’s to post WWII I’d guess this was from the 40’s. Skulls and skeletons are vary collectible among some people. Instagram might be a good place to post as well, lots of collectors there. Here’s one on eBay that had the six shot glasses that recently sold for $162.50 https://www.ebay.com/itm/174996880636?hash=item28bea07cfc%3Ag%3AE0cAAOSw04BhebBu&nma=true&si=H%252B4m6b1VENVjImEQpyGwlpsOWJY%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 The German version https://www.ebay.com/itm/154652132200?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=154652132200&targetid=1263094003346&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9030455&poi=&campaignid=14859008593&mkgroupid=130497710760&rlsatarget=pla-1263094003346&abcId=9300678&merchantid=137686299&gclid=CjwKCAiA4veMBhAMEiwAU4XRr-B7e4SCS4NFBGxy5FLHgID5e_a5WZvNWojiCtZ8F7qEXCWVBG69ixoCT7AQAvD_BwE I like the SeaBees decal and I think collectors will too as it gives it a sense of history, who might have first purchased it.

Having the shot glasses would increase the value. I think the SeaBees decal will really be attractive to militaria collectors because it kind of adds a story to it. My guess for value would be $70 - $100. Posting on Instagram with #militaria #WWII #skulls #skeletons #decanters might help find an interested buy. Thievesforty collects mostly rings but also other WWII connected items. killervtg collects lots of skulls. scamps_13 is another Instagram collector of skulls and items from this era.