Martell Bottle Catalogue PART 1: standard range bottles and vintages

(1299  standard bottles and vintages; but still not complete. Last updated: Nov 24, 2023)

Click to go to limited editions and specials  Click to go to miniatures, half bottles and magnums

 

Introduction:

Martell is the oldest of the ‘Big Four’ (Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier and Martell) but also the smallest. Established in 1715. They are not independant anymore since Seagram took over in 1988. And as of 2001 they are part of the Pernod-Ricard group. The Firino-family (family to the Martell’s by marriage) are still in control.
Their embleme is the little swallow, but that has not always been their embleme. It used to be a shield with three mallets, which later on got the swallow added on top. The mallets are derived from the French word ‘marteau’ and the swallow is chosen because the French word ‘martinet’ means swallow, which is as close to Martell as they could get to find an animal to represent their brand (although technically a martinet is a swift, which is not really the same as a swallow!). A little more on this topic you can find here.

Martell is famous for its Cordon Bleu cognac, which has set a standard for the industry.

A great help in compiling this catalogue page has been the Martell Timetable page created by ‘vieuxcognacs’. This page contains a wealth of information on the development of Martell bottles and labels over the years.

Contents:

1. Stars, Dry Pale, Stars-VS and VS

– 1a. Cognaçaises
– 1b. ‘Bat’-labels (stars, stars-vs, vs and flasks)
– 1c. Paillarde type bottles (stars, stars-vs and vs)
– 1d. Paillarde type bottles with modern swift
– 1e. Sturdy bottles
– 1f. Flasks: Dry Pale, Three Stars and VS

2. 20YO, VO, VOP, VSO, VSP and VVESOP

3. VSOP, Médaillon and VSOP-Médaillon

– 3a. VSOP with old white and blue VOP label
– 3b. VSOP white label
– 3c. Médaillon and VSEP-Médaillon
– 3d. VSOP-Médaillon white labels
—– 3d1. VSOP-Médaillon just white label
—– 3d2. VSOP-Médaillon Liqueur Brandy, white label
—– 3d3. VSOP-Médaillon Fine Champagne, white label
—– 3d4. VSOP-Médallion Liqueur Brandy Fine Champagne, white label
– 3e. VSOP-Médaillon, green glass, black and gold label, broad bottle
—– 3e1. VSOP-Médaillon black and gold label, broad bottle no further qualification
—– 3e2. VSOP-Médaillon Liqueur Brandy and Liqueur Cognac, black and gold label, broad bottle
– 3f. VSOP-Médaillon, green glass, black and gold label, paillarde bottle
—– 3f1. VSOP-Médaillon black and gold label, paillarde bottle
—– 3f2. VSOP-Médaillon Liqueur Cognac, black and gold label, paillarde bottle
—– 3f3. VSOP-Médaillon Special Réserve, black and gold label, paillarde bottle
– 3g. VSOP-Médaillon, white glass,
—– 3g1. VSOP-Médaillon red label and red cap
—– 3g2. VSOP-Médaillon red label and blue cap
—– 3g3. VSOP-Médaillon green label
– 3h. VSOP, robust bottles
– 3i. VSOP and VSOP-Médaillon, flasks

4. Noblige and Cordon Rubis

5. Napoléon Cordon Noir and Napoléon Special Reserve

6. Cordon Bleu

– 6a. Cordon Bleu, old models
– 6b. Cordon Bleu, white split-up labels with rounded corners
– 6c. Cordon Bleu, white split-up labels with sharp angled corners
– 6d. Cordon Bleu, ecru labels, cordon blue in blue letters
– 6e. Cordon Bleu, ecru labels, cordon blue in golden letters on a blue rectangle
– 6f. Cordon Bleu, tapered bottles, dark label
– 6g. Cordon Bleu, tapered bottles, cream coloured label
– 6h. Cordon Bleu, white label and Martell in white on a blue band
– 6i. Cordon Bleu, white label with a straight upper edge
– 6j. Cordon Bleu, white label with a straight upper edge and blue capsule

7. Cordon Supreme and XO Cordon Supreme

8. XO Supreme

9. XO

10. Cordon Argent

11. Extra and Extra Cordon Argent

12. Vintages

>> 13. Limited editions and specials (on a separate page)

>> 14. Miniatures, half bottles and magnums (on a separate page)

1. Stars, Dry Pale, stars-VS and VS

Some features to determine the age of the three star bottles:
– importers for the US: pre-prohibition: G.S. Nicholas & Co. (never seen mentioned on a bottle); from 1933 till 1954: Park & Tilford; from 1955: Browne Vintners)
– legal guaranty notice of 1909: export bottles all have the 1909 guaranty notice after 1909, domestic bottles not. 
– label with Martell name above the main label appeared from 1928 on.
– ‘very old pale’ left and right of the emblem: from early on till the end; ‘cognac brandy’: only on US bottles from 1937 till 1964.
– before 1933: corks with foil cap.
– spring caps from 1933 – 1967; it seems that corks with foil caps were also used around 1940-1945.
– after 1966: bi-coloured screw caps.
– shorter, wider bottles with ‘bat’-emblem from 1968.
– tapered bottles from 1980.
(Special thanks go to Vieuxcognacs and his Martell Timetable 1864-2017).

1a. Cognaçaise bottles
1a1. One or two stars or swallows on neck:

Supposedly 1920s

One star on the label; no seperate band with Martell on it above the main label (ca. 1909) Old Brandy written; different text underneath (early 20th century) 2 star bottle; before the Martell band above the main label (before 1928)  seperate label for name 'Martell' (around 1939)  two stars Very old pale, neck label with swallow on escutcheon with three mallets

1a2. Three stars without the 1909 guarantee notice:

Very old pale with three stars on neck label; no seperate Martell band; no band underneath; very old capsule; probably between 1890-1909. Bottled late 1910s Text on the main label printed in yellow letters. (1930s) Very old pale; no band underneath with the standard text; different capsule (after 1928) Very old pale; no band underneath with the standard text; different capsule (after 1928); better colouring of the label

1a3. Three stars, blue caps. Under the main label is just the 1909 guarantee notice in French (after 1909):

Short foil capsule, no spring cap (before 1933) Spring cap; label in very bad condition; colours have faded and neck-label has fallen off; I put it up because of the mentioning of centilitres on the bottom left; French text underneath (Italian 'fasci' tax seal: 1933-1944) Tha cap has a reddish colour; probably end 1930s or 1940s.  With 40% stated in lower right corner; no spring cap (1940s) With text (Exportation Interdite) in a little square on the bottom right of the label; no spring cap (1940s) With German text in red: Wehrmacht Marketenderware - verkauf im freien handel verboten; vente dans le commerce interdite; no spring cap (World War II) Wehrmacht Marketenderware - verkauf im freien handel verboten; vente dans le commerce interdite; with a 'Martell'- label but without a metal foil capsule, just sealed with paper Martell stickers; no spring cap (1940-45) Wehrmacht Marketenderware - verkauf im freien handel verboten; vente dans le commerce interdite; with a 'Martell'- label but without a metal foil capsule; very aberrant label; (1940-45) With Italian 'head' tax seal; 1947-49 40° stated, blue capsule is longer No additional text or abv stated Spring cap, Belgian import with a date on the back: 1957 With a date stamped: 1 Dez. 1959 With a paper duty seal on top; no content or abv stated (1960s) With 42% stated on the lower left With a duty seal on the neck and 42% stated on the lower right With Ausländisches Erzeugnis stated With 'Ausländisches Erzeugnis' on the left and 'in Österreich abgefüllt' on the right; Enlish text underneath Text underneath the 'RT' of Martell: 'imprimé en France'. Text underneath in French  With text 'Exportation Interdite' in a little square on the bottom right of the label and 'deposé' below the stars on the neck label. Text underneath in French. 40% stated on the right; with a stamp on it: first lines I can't read, then 'bagagem venda proibida'; anyone can help with the first words? (1950-60s) With 'SHIPS STORES' printed in red above the standard text Japanese import, 720ml stated on the back

1a4. Three stars, blue caps. Under the main label is just the just the 1909 guarantee notice in English:

No seperate label with 'Martell'; no spring cap; English text underneath; I have seen six of them, so it is not a case of a fallen-off label (before 1928) Text underneath in English; white glass Text in English; green glass Maximum price 37 per bottle (est. 1940s) With 70% proof on bottom right; English text underneath (1950s) Same, but colour is a little off and glass has green colour (1950s) On the back: Duty Free, for exportation only; London Airport (est. early 1960s) With 70% proof on bottom right and 24fl ozs on bottom left; English text underneath (1970s) With a red 'produce of France' stamp With a stamp in red: N.A.A.F.I Stores for H.M. Forces

1a5. Three stars, blue caps; with two text boxes under the main label:

Park & Tilford import; 'very old' and 'pale' printed left and right of the emblem, contents 1 pint 9 FL.OZS (bottled in 1933, indicated) Park & Tilford import (around 1938); note that 'cognac' and 'brandy' is printed left and right of the emblem Late 1930s, cognac brandy stated (instead of very old pale); US import by Park & Tilford; Rhode Island tax stamp (not visible); click to another 'same' bottle with a back side and a State of Illinois stamp (barely visible) Foil cap. Best guess: 1940s when not always spring caps were used. Spain or Portuguese import Park & Tilford import, with a Wisconsin tax seal (around 1946-1950)  With maximum price 19 per bottle printed (UK, 1950s) With maximum price 37 per bottle printed (1940s) Text underneath in English; colour is a little off and glass has green colour (1940s); with maximum price 42 per bottle printed Italian import, Valle d'Aosta (1956); import by L. Ottoz 73cl; 240th anniversario della Fondazione; 1955 (duty seal is from 1956) Cognac Brandy printed left and right of the emblem; Browne Vintners Co. Inc.; spring cap; embossed letters on the shoulder: Federal Law sentence Cognac Brandy printed left and right of the emblem; Browne Vintners Co. Inc.; spring cap; notice embossed letters on the shoulder; with additional line in red: "produced and bottled in Cognac France" 4/5 quart; Browne-Vintners Company, New York (1960s); different capsule; notice embossed letters on the shoulder  Italian import by Carlo Salengo; 75cl, 42% (1950s) Italian import by Carlo Salengo; 72 centilitres stated, 42% (1950s) Italian import by Carlo Salengo, with a metal duty medallion (1950s; 73cl stated) Italian import by Carlo Salengo; end 1950s?; pre-1960s duty seal Italian import by L. Ottoz & Fils, Aoste (1958); pre-1960s duty seal 70cl, imported by PAISSA, Torino; spring cap, (1960s? Said to be 1950s) With a paper top seal (1960s; 73cl, stated; 40%) Carlo Salengo 0, 73 and 40% stated, Italian import, Fratelli Paparone, Genova (1960s? Said to be 1950s)  Three stars with two additional bands attached on the bottom of the main label, on bottom band: Cognac Französisches Erzeugnis (1950s) Cognac Französisches Erzeugnis, with an additional sticker: empfohlener preis DM 18.60 (1960s) with Cognac Französisches Erzeugnis on bottom in different lettertype (1950s) Capped cork; Mexican import, text in Spanish

1a6. Bi-coloured screw caps (from 1966):

Text underneath in French; 40% stated (ca 1967). Text underneath in English, duty free bottle, London Airport (end of 1960s) Text underneath in English (end of 1960s); not less than 24 fl. ozs.

Two bands underneath; in English; underneath: Produce of France, Contents: 25 fluid ounces (end of 1960s) Text underneath in French; 42% stated; Italian import by Carlo Salengo (ca. 1966) Almost same as previous, but 40% stated and with a paper duty seal on top Italian import, Laurent Ottoz, Valle d'Aosta; with a 1965 duty seal (the bottle is younger than 1965) With Asian text on a sticker on the neck; imported by Caldbeck, Macgregor & Co (Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysian importers Französisches Erzeugnis stated Frazösisches Erzeugnis, without the standard text

1b. ‘Bat’- labels (stars, vs-stars and vs)
1b1. Three stars in the middle of the neck blob (starting 1968, most have screw caps, some have corked caps):
No content or alcohol content stated, capped cork No content or ABV stated; capped cork; with a paper duty seal, Portuguese import No content or alcohol content stated; capped cork, ring around the capsule  'cognac' is not written in neck blob; 24 FL OZS; cap without a yellow band 'cognac' is not written in neck blob; 24 FL OZS; the cap has a yellow band Almost same as previous bottle, but here 'cognac' is printed below the stars in the shoulder blob. (1970s) 40% stated on the lower right. Content not stated. Standard text underneath in French. No content or alcohol content stated, screw cap    68cl, 1970s with French text and in English: not less than 24 fl ozs   70cl stated on the left below 70cl stated on the left below; address line stated below the signature Looks like previous one; no certainty about content or ABV; capped cork and with a paper duty seal Content not stated; text underneath is in English in two lines. Blue box, 70cl (not stated) Content not stated; text underneath is in English in two lines. Yellow box: from Hills duty free shop (1970s) CONTENTS 700 ML stated; text in English 700ml stated Text in English; 700ml stated. HKDNP in the lower left corner and DF in the lower right. Stated is: 'Contenuto Idrato Legale 750cc - Minima Garantito 730cc'; Italian import Spirit S.P.A. (1970s)  Same as previous, but white label Minimo garantito 730cc stated; different importer than previous; Salengo (1960s) Ets Fourcroy, content stated on the back: 70cl No content stated; Dutch import for Koopmans & Bruinier, Schiedam Same as previous but different importer: St. Cristophe 4/5 quart and 80 proof stated; capped cork; around 1968  Volume not stated; with text: producto de Francia and marca de Fabrica registradabale el numero 3708 40% on bottom right of label  Französisches Erzeugnis underneath (1960-70s) Französisches Erzeugnis underneath (1960-70s); with 70cl stated. Französisches Erzeugnis underneath (1960-70s); with 40% stated  With 'ships stores' printed in red; only 40° indicated With 'ships stores' printed in red; 70cl and 40° indicated (1970s) 32 fl.ozs. stated (94.cl); capped cork  Underneath: Ets. Fourcroy S.A.; 95cl, capped cork (1960s) 1 quart stated (ca. 1L); also 1 quart on the neck; capped cork; Jos Garneau importer

Different neck label; 0,70L Französisches Erzeugnis

1b2. An emblem in the neck blob with three stars below it (1970s):
70cl stated and 40% 70cl, Suiss import by Navazza, Geneve  Content not stated; said to be 70cl on auction 70cle and grade 40%gl. on bottom; (1970s) 700cc and gradi 40% on bottom; Italian import 700cc stated differently and gradi 40% on bottom; Italian import (Spirit, Genova); 1970s '700cc e' and gradi 40% on bottom; Italian import 24 FL OZS and 70% Proof on bottom neck label with an emblem; 70cl stated; in the lower right corner it reads: 40% alc. geh. (Dutch market bottle) Französisches Erzeugnis printed in the lower right  70cl not indicated; Ausländisches Erzeugnis in Österreich abgefüllt 700ml stated 750cc stated; Italian import (Spirit, Genova); 1970s 1Litre stated, as well as 25 FL OZS 32 us fl ozs stated and 80 proof 40 G.L. (neck emblem unknown) 32 us. fl.ozs. stated (94.cl) and 40°; capped cork 32 us fl ozs stated 40%; ship stores 32 US FL OZ e, ABV not indicated

1b3. Three stars and VS on neck label, broad bottles with a ‘bat’-label (ca. 1970s):

Content (70cl) not stated; Französisches Erzeugnis; bronze coloured capsule 'Grande Fine Cognac'; 700cce and gradi 40% stated; importer data on the back  'Grande Fine Cognac' on the same line; 700cce and gradi 40° stated

24 FL OZ, 68cl and 70% proof stated; blue capsule 24 FL OZ, 68cl and 70%proof 40% vol stated 24 fl. ozs and 70 proof stated left and right of the address Same as previous, but colours are yellow and gold (in stead of ecru and silver)  32 US.FL.OZS. stated left below (1970s) 94.6cl e and 32 US.FL.OZ. stated left below

1b4. VS:

Very superior cognac on shoulder emblem Very special cognac on shoulder emblem Very special cognac on shoulder emblem, 70cle Alc.geh. 40° stated; on the back: 40°GL; Belgium import (1970s) Very special cognac stated in emblem and grande fine cognac below (1970s, 1980s?) Very special grande fine cognac; no text attached at the lower end of the label (1970?,1980s?)

1b5. Bottles without an age qualification:

around 1969, imported by Joseph Garneau (VOP) Strange label.. 70cl grande fine cognac, 40%vol; Französisches Erzeugnis (1980s) Unfamiliar label.. 70cl grande fine cognac, 40°; Französisches Erzeugnis (1980s)

1c. Paillarde type bottles (stars, vs-stars and vs; from end 1970s)
1c1. Three stars and a swift on the neck label:

70cl e, three stars without text in black below the main label; capsule plain 70cle, underneath: grande fine cognac; capsule plain Cont. neto 700ml stated; capsule has Martell on it and a few golden bands (Mexican import) 1980s, grande fine cognac; 70cl 1 Litre e stated and 35 fl ozs.; ship's stores (Early 1980s)

1c2. Three stars and VS on neck label (from end 1970s):
Volume and ABV on black band below or no black band:

68cl; grey-ish label; no text at the lower end of the main label Same as previous bottle, but brown label (ca. 1980) 68cl; brown label; no text at the lower end of the main label; same as previous bottle but better defined gold bands on the neck VS 70cle; no text at the lower end of the main label; Belgian import 750ML (25.4 FL.OZ) and 80 Proof indicated; import by Joseph Garneau 1Litre e, no text on the lower edge of the label 35 fl.oz. and 1.00L stated on the left (1980s) 1 Litre e stated and 35 fl. oz. (left and right); 1980s

24 fl.oz, 68cl and 70%proof, 40%vol written on the band underneath; colour of label is greenish 24 fl.oz, 68cl and 70%proof, 40%vol written on the band underneath; colour of label is pinkish brown 750ml and 40%alc/vol stated below  35 fl.oz. and 1.00L stated on a black band below (1980s)  2 pints, 1.13L stated

below: grande fine cognac:

VS 700cc e  VS 700cc e; newer colours (1970s) no content stated (said to be 70cl on auction); 1980s no content stated (said to be 70cl on auction); DF is printed in the lower right corner (1980s) 1 Litre e stated (1980s)

below: appellation cognac controlée:

68cl stated '68cl e' stated (1980s) '68cl e' stated, with well defined gold coloured bands on the neck (1980s)  With 'appellation cognac controlee' underneath; 70cl e stated With 'appellation cognac controlee' underneath; content not stated; said to be 70cl on auction Contenuto Idrati '70cl e' stated; and gradi 40%; with 'appellation cognac controlee' underneath; with a paper seal on top Same as previous bottle, but colour of label is more green VS 700cce; underneath appellation cognac controlée

1 Litre and 1.13L:

1,00Le stated left below and right below 40% stated (1983)  1 Liter; left below 1 Litre e and right below 40% stated; with 'Duty Free Only' in the upper right corner (1983); (back side is from a different bottle, but also duty free only) 1 Liter; left below 1 Litre and right 35 fl.oz. 1 Liter; left below 1 Litre e and right 40%vol 1L bottle; left below: 1 litre e; on the right no text. 1 Liter; left below 1 Litre and right 35 fl.oz.; Bahrein Duty Not Paid 1,13le indicated (1980s)

1c3. VS on neck label:

Underneath: Grande Fine Cognac 70cle, underneath: Appellation Cognac Controlee (1980s)  Duty free only; 1 Litre e is stated, also on the neck; appellation cognac controlee on a black band below

1d. Paillarde type bottles with modern swift
1d1. *V*S* in gold on the label:

70cle, on the back a EAN bar (2000s)  70cle, on the back a UK duty sticker, a pregnancy warning symbol, a EAN bar and a 28 UK units symbol (ca. 2010) Same, but with a paper seal on top 1 LITRE 40%ALC/VOL; the emblem with three mallets in the blob; US bottle 1.0Le stated and a upc-code on the back; also 40 UK units (2000s)

70cle with a swallow in the blob (1990s) greenish label Same as previous, 70cl e; with a paper duty seal on top More gold coloured cap and orange-brown label; little swallows on the label are a lot less pronounced Same as previous, but with a paper duty seal on top 700ml stated and with a 'product of France' stamp in an oblique angle silver top and light coloured label (1990s) CONT. NET 700 ml stated Capsule goed over the top of the bottle 750ml stated (EAN on the back, not shown here, but I saw it on an other one) 1L bottle (1990s)

1d2. with emblem on the label and VS fine cognac on the shoulder:

Yellow-brown label with an emblem on the label and VS fine cognac on the shoulder. In the blob is now a (little) swallow Same as previous but the swallow in the shoulder blob is bigger. Same, but with a number underneath 'Fine Cognac' More brown label, 70cle; est. 1990s 70cl stated and a number; very large swallow in the blob; Asian import 70cl with a paper duty seal; very little swallow in the blob More brown label and a bigger swallow in the blob; Italian import by Seagram Italia (1990s) Label is plain (without all the little swallows on it); with a paper top seal 750ml 750ml stated and additional text oblique printed 1L bottle; with a number below on the label 1,0L indicated, with a number on the capsule 1L bottle with different colour of the label; both the 'R' and 'T' of Martell have no reliëf 1,0Le; no number below 1,0L with an Italian duty seal on top 1,00l e stated

1d3. with *V*S* in blue on the label:

Fine cognac is breaking through the outines of the label; the neck emblem is now again three mallets (in stead of the swallow); 70cl; several symbols on the back (ca. 2010) Almost same as previous bottle, but cap is golden yellow in stead of bronze and the back has a green point symbol added Content not stated on the label; 70cl is stated on the box CONT. NET. 700 ml stated; Mexican import 1L bottle (click to see detail)

40%vol on the left and '70cl e' on the right; name is written on the cap. (2010s) Same as previous, but label is more yellow 40%alc/vol and 700ml stated, placed lower beneath the address lines Content and ABV are place lower, beneath the address lines 700ML and 40.0%alc/vol stated above the 'appellation controlée' line Cont. Net. 700ml stated 40%alc/vol on the left and 750ml on the right and with three lines of text in between Duty Free, 1L. Travels exclusive edition; no name on the cap

1d4. Blue label:

VS blue label, 1.0eL stated

1e. Sturdy bottles (2021):

70cle  70cl, not stated Italian export (duty seal) 750ml indicated

1f. Flasks: Dry Pale, Three stars and VS
1f1. Dry Pale flasks (starting second half of the 1950s):

40% stated, spring cap (1950s)  42%, on the left. No alcohol percentage stated  No alcohol percentage stated; with a paper seal    Dry Pale and stars     42%. Pour boire a l'eau (written inside the loose label hanging around the neck) 40%. Pour boire a l'eau written below With a longer capsule over the spring cap; with a black label (1950s) screw cap With a new type cap; pour boire à l'eau; with an additional hanging card (1960s) Without 40° stated; Portuguese import

1f2. Three star flasks:

Said to be 75cl 0.8Liter  73cl Italian import (Carlo Salengo); probably 3 star quality (est 1960s) With 42% stated and 0.73cl (very small) on the lower right; with a swallow on the shoulder label With 42% stated and 0.73cl (very small) on the lower right; much darker green glass  72cl stated on the right below; with a swallow on the shoulder label Italian import by Salengo, 72 centilitres (1940-50s)  72cl stated on the right below; no swallow on the shoulder label (1950s)  0,72cls stated on the left below; no swallow in the shoulder label  Very much like previous bottle, but text more fat and 40% smaller and cls higher placed (1950s) Like previous bottle, but with 'Ships Stores' printed in red (just above the text lines)

3 stars, 24 FL.OZS. Also 'very special' stated on the label (1960-70s) 70cl with text 'Provision de bord' (1970s) 24 FL OZS and 70°Proof, 40°G.L. indicated (1970s)  70cl and 40° stated (1970s) 70cl (1970s) 70cl (stated on the back); imported by Ets. Fourcroy, Bruxelles (1970s) 72cls stated; 1970s

1f3. VS flasks:

70cle flask

2. 20 YO, VSO, VSP, VO, VOP and VVESOP on neck label.

20 Years Old, Park & Tillford import (1947) ESOP, over 40 years (ca. 1910-1920) VVSOP, over 40 years old; (ca 1900-1920s) VVESOP, over 50 years old (ca 1922) VVESOP with legal certification notice on the main label; age not stated but probably also over 50 years old (ca 1923-1929) Very probably a VVESOP from around 1927. Around this time the spring cap was first used. The band with the name Martell above the label first appeared around 1929

VSO without the Martell name band (before 1928); text above VO in the margin (vey small); blue foil, but also text box underneath mentioning the 1 Mai 1909 decret; therefore after 1909 text above VO in the margin (vey small); silver foil, but also text box underneath (in Spanish!) mentioning the 1 Mai 1909 decret; therefore after 1909; different glass colour; no text above VO; bleu foil (after 1909) With marca registrada printed (twice); Spanish import, 1940-50s VOP, springcap (1950s)  VSO without the Martell name band (before 1928) VSO with Martell name band (after 1928) VESOP VVESOP, probably over 50 years old cognac VOP three stars, 98 centilitres

4/5 Quart, 80 proof; 'VSP' (between VS and VSOP); Joseph Garneau (ca1973-1974) The shoulder label has gone, but this very probably is a VSP (judging by its capsule); import General Trading Corp. Virgin Islands One quart and 80 proof stated 750ml and underneath: '| 25.4 || oz |'; 80 proof (prob 1979-1980) Content not stated; 80 proof, screw cap

3. VSOP, Médaillon and VSOP Médaillon

VSOP and Médaillon start off end 1950s as two different qualities, Médaillon being superior to VSOP; as of 1962 the two qualities merge into one: VSOP-Médaillon.

3a. VSOP with the old blue and white VOP-label (ca. 1959-1962):

Cognaçaise; text in lower right bottom. Probably: exportation interdite (est. 1930s) Newer capsule; 'exportation interdite' stated VSOP, plus de 20 ans en fût With Exportation Interdite in the lower right corner

Text box: exportation interdite 1950s, with text in red: reservé a l'exportation Late 1950s with 42% on bottom left (late 1950s) Spanish import, ca 70cl; marca registrada stated on Martell band and in lower right (1950s) 72cl; Italian import (Salengo); capsule has disappeared (est. 1930s) 72cl; Italian import (Salengo) with additional text in lower right corner (said to have a rotation date of 1955?) Probably also a VSOP

3b. VSOP white label

1 Pint 6 Fluid Ozs, Bottled in France  Around 1960; with 40% stated With additional text in red below 'cognac': reservé a l'exportation 1959-1960 approx.; 73cl stated. This bottle had a duty seal, you can see the part that is left. 720cm3 stated; Argentinian import, Gallet & cia ltda Italian import by Ottoz & Fils, Aosta (1960s) Italian import by Carlo Salengo, with 42% stated to the right of 'cognac' Mexican import bottle  In red is written: reservé a l'exportation

3c. Médaillon and VSEP Medaillon (1960-1962):

Médaillon with red seal (médaillon is in very small print below the médaillon); with 1715 in large figures on eithe side of the medaillon; 1960 Médaillon with red seal (médaillon is in very small print below the médaillon); fondée in 1715 in small letters on eithe side of the medaillon; on the back: Französisches Erzeugnis  Médaillon Fine Champagne with red seal (ca 1960) Médaillon Fine Champagne with red seal and paper duty seal on top (ca 1960) 73cl; with additonal importer information in a text box section underneath; the stopper is a bit wider; no tax seal; Italian import for Salengo (1960s)  73cl; with additonal importer information in a text box section underneath; Italian import for Salengo, with a paper tax seal (1960s) Médallion liqueur brandy, 75cl VSEP Medallion, liqueur brandy 4/5 quart VSEP Medallion liqueur brandy, imported by Browne and Vintners, New York (1960s) Same as previous, but with a paper duty seal (US) Mexican import

Médaillon in different letter case; different blob and different emblem Fine Champagne; 73cl (1960s). Stated is: 'Litri idrati 0,730'. Italian: Ditta Carlo Salengo. Fine Champagne; 'Litri Idrati 0,730' stated. Import information underneath in different font.  A bottle with VSEP Médaillon, fine champagne

3d. VSOP-Médaillon, white labels
3d1. VSOP-Médaillon, white labels, no further qualification (1962 till early 1970s):

No additional text, content nor ABV stated (1960s) Produce of France is printed a little lower Same as previous bottle, but with a paper seal on top (prob 75cl; 1970s); With 40° printed With additional text left and right of 'produce of France'; 730cc  With 40% stated on the right and three small letters on the left 70cl stated and 40% With 40% on it and content stated (24 US fl. ozs) Aprox. 0.700L stated; abv not stated Approx. 0.700L stated; abv not stated; produced and bottled in France added  With Alc.geh. 40% stated; Dutch import for Koopmans & Bruinier Underneath information on the importer, Fourcroy. minimo garantito 730cc stated and 40°; Italian import (Spirits, Genova) 750cc and minimo garantito 730cc stated and gradi 40°; Italian import (Spirits, Genova) 730cc stated differently (click to see detail); gradi also differently stated; Italian import (Salengo, Genova) Same as previous, but whiter label and letters have better colour 730cc; Italian import (Laurent Ottoz - St. Christophe, Torino) 70cl and 40VOL% stated; Swiss import for Navazza, Geneve 80 proof stated; US import for Jos. Garneau Französisches Erzeugnis (1970s) Französisches Erzeugnis with 40% stated Content and ABV not stated, said to be 70cl on auction; with DF in lower right corner 32 us fl.ozs (0,95L); with DF in lower right corner 32 US fl.oz (just under 1 Liter) 1 Litre

3d2. VSOP-Médaillon Liqueur Brandy, white labels

Liqueur Brandy, no additional text on the label or on the back Liqueur Brandy, extra line below 'liqueur brandy' Liqueur Brandy with different colour cap and some text on the left side at the bottom of the label. 24 FL.OZS. stated on the back (click to see); extra text line on the lower edge of the label 'Médaillon' in bigger letters and 'Liqueur Brandy' in smaller letters (24 fl oz.; 1970s) 70 Cls and 24 2/3 FL OZ stated 4/5 quart, 80 proof, Jos Garneau import (US); 1960s Produce of France in red; 1 pint 6 fluid ozs. 32 US. FL.OZS stated (1960-70s) Content not stated; with DF in lower right corner 1L bottle

Special Réserve (1970s) Special Réserve, blue or black screw cap; Asian import (1970s)  Liqueur brandy, special reserve; bleu capsule; import for Dodwell, Hong-Kong and South China (prob 70cl)

3d3. VSOP-Médaillon Fine Champagne, white labels

(medaillon with adornments)

Médaillon Fine Champagne, content and 40% not stated With 40° stated (1970s) Same as previous, but with a paper duty seal; Portuguese import Min. contents 24 fl.ozs. stated 73cl (1960s). Stated is: 'Contenuto idrato minimo garantito 730 cc'. Italian: Ditta Carlo Salengo. 730cc stated; Produce of France stated below 'Cognac'; Italian import by Carlo Salengo 70cl; stated on back (1960s). Fourcroy Bruxelles import Duty Free Shop stated (1960-70s)

(Just round medaillons)

Médaillon Fine Champagne, with 40% on bottom right. (1960s); different médaillon. Médaillon Fine Champagne, content and 40% not stated;  Same as previous, but with a paper duty seal: importation del alcohol gratuitas Contenuto idratot minimo garantito 730cc stated; Italian import by Carlo Salengo Litri idrati 0,730 stated; Italian import by Carlo Salengo Litri idrati 0,730 stated; Italian import by Carlo Salengo; importdata in more bold lettering  Fine champagne; medaillon in fine print; Französisches Erzeugnis Hong-Kong import for Caldbeck, Macgregor & Co. (prob. 70cl, 1960s) 32 us fl.ozs; Duty Free shop

3d4. VSOP-Médallion Fine Champagne Liqueur Brandy, white labels (notice use of English word ‘medallion’):

Fine champagne cognc is printed below 'Liqueur brandy'; South-Asian import Fine Champagne is printed above Liqueur Brandy; 1 pint 6 fluid ounces Médallion Fine Champagne Liqueur Brandy; 4/5 quart, 80 proof, Jarneau import (US) Médallion Fine Champagne Liqueur Brandy; no additional text underneath (part of gift set, 1970s)  No additional text on the front; on the back: 24 FL.OZS (est. 1970s) Much lighter colour of the glass; 24 FL ozs is stated on the back. 26 fl.ozs 32 US FL.OZS; Liqueur Brandy 32 US FL.OZS; Liqueur Brandy; without the 'YN' logo Médallion Fine Champagne Liqueur Brandy; no additional text underneath; 40 oz bottle (1.18L)

3e. VSOP-Médaillon, green glass, black with gold labels broad bottles (from ca. 1975 to 1980s)
3e1. VSOP-Médaillon, black with gold labels broad bottles, no further qualification:

70cl (not stated, said at auction) Médaillon with '70cl e' on bottom left of label (1960s) With 70cl on the bottom left and 40° right; both placed a little lower 70cl and 40% stated and additional text in upper left corner 70cl stated and right below: Alc. geh. 40% 70cl stated and a stamp in red saying 'Ship's Stores' Médaillon with 70cl on bottom left of label; with a paper seal (Spanish import) Médaillon with 70cl on bottom left of label; with a paper seal (Portuguese import, Lisboa) 700cc stated; Italian import, Spirit spa Same as previous, but 'contenuto idrato legale 700cc' in small print above rest of the text (1970s)  Much the same as previous bottle, but with gradi 40% in bottom right of main label  '700cc e' stated; Itailan import, Spirit S.P.A. 700cc stated in the central area of the label (1970s) 40%GL and 0.700 stated; different cap More text underneath; 'contenuto legale idrato 750cc' and 'minimo garantito 730cc' stated (second half 1970s) 750ml and 25.4 fl.oz indicated; 80proof; import by Joseph Garneau (ca. 1969) With a symbol (airliner?) in the lower left of the label 70cl, not stated and with 'DF' in the right bottom corner 32 US FL OZS and 40° indicated 32 US FL OZS stated without ABV indication 32 US FL OZS stated and with 'DF' in the right bottom corner 1 Litre stated (1970s)

3e2. VSOP-Médaillon, black with gold labels broad bottles, liqueur brandy and liqueur cognac:
black corked caps:

Asian bottle, cap is completely black; 700ml indicated on the backside 700ml, with Japanese text below; also Japanese text on the back; cork; cap has gold coloured top Special reserve, liqueur cognac; Chinese import; cork 700ml special reserve, liqueur cognac; cork; Japanese import by Harpers Trading Special reserve liqueur cognac stated; specially packed for Singapore Airport, duty free Emporium; cork

black screw caps:

Capsule is completely black with the name Martell on it, not a signature; special reserve; 70cl bottle (not indicated); 1980s Liqueur brandy, special reserve; 700ml stated in the left lower corner; screw cap Liqueur brandy, special reserve; content not stated; with DF in lower right corner (700ml); screw cap  Liqueur brandy, special reserve, 700ml with a Singapore Duty Not Paid stamp (1970s); screw cap Liqueur brandy, special reserve, 700ml Asian import (click to see back); screw cap

Copper coloured caps, all corks:

Without 'special reserve'; 24 fl OZ, 70°Proof and 40°GL stated (1970s) VSOP Liqueur cognac; 24 fl. oz and 68cl stated; bronze cap 24 FL OZS and 70 Proof stated Content 70cl, not indicated CONTENTS 700 ML stated Liqueur Cognac, 700ml stated 32 us fl.ozs 94.6cl liqueur cognac; 70 proof (contents in US fl.ozs and ABV in UK proof!)   40 us fl.ozs liqueur cognac; 70° proof 40°G.L. stated

3f. VSOP-Médaillon, green glass, black with gold labels paillarde bottles (from ca. 1980)
3f1. VSOP-Médaillon, black with gold labels paillarde bottles, no further qualification:

Below left: 70cl e 70cl e stated and 40%vol; the %-sign is sitting on top op 'vol'.  Below left: 700cce Below left: 700cce; gradi 40% on two lines 70cl not indicated; DF in the lower right corner 70cl stated (without the 'e'-sign); SDNP in the upper left corner; import data on the lower edge of the label: Navarro, Geneve (Swiss) SDNP in top left, 70cl e and 40%vol stated  Below left: 700cc, gradi 40%; SDNP printed on the top left 70cle stated and 40%vol, Italian import by Wax & Vitale Cont. net. 700 ML stated; Mexican import SDNP in top left corner and 70cl e stated in bottom left (1980s) 70cl stated in the lower left corner; in the top left is a text printed: SDNP. With a paper duty seal on top. SDNP; content not stated. Underneath in French: 'eleve et mise en bouteille en Cognac France' 70cl; content not stated; SDNP in the upper left and 'Duty Free Only' in the upper right. 70cle stated; SDNP in top left corner; very different capsule; Portuguese import by Seagram Portugal  700ml stated; SDNP in top left corner; very different capsule 750ML and 25.4 FL.OZ indicated; 80 Proof; import by Joseph Garneau (1980s) 80 proof stated; SDNP stated 80 proof stated; without SDNP stated 40%Alc/vol and 80 proof stated, no content (prob. 700ml) No content or alcohol percentage stated; underneath in English: produced and bottled in France Almost same as previous bottle, but with a stamp on it that says: Ship's Stores. 1Litre e and 40%vol stated (1980s); text below in French: eleve et mis en bouteille en Cognac France; with a paper duty seal (Spanish?) 1Litre e and 40%vol stated (1980s); text below in English: produced and bottled in France '1 Litre e' stated and duty free only above on the right '1 Litre e' stated; ABV not stated.

Label in reversed colours; 70cl e; Französisches Erzeugnis (1980s)

3f2. VSOP-Médaillon, black with gold labels paillarde bottles, Liqueur Cognac:

24 floz 68 cl 70 proof stated in white lettters on the black area below; liqueur cognac (end 1970s) 24 floz 68 cl 70 proof 40% vol stated in gold lettters on the black area below; liqueur cognac (1981) 68cl liqueur cognac stated '68cl e' liqueur cognac stated and SDNP Same as previous, but more distance between 68cl and the 'e'-sign (1980s) 0,7L stated on the bottom; with DF in the lower right corner 70cl e stated and SDNP  750ml stated 1 Litre liqueur cognac 1Litre stated, Duty Free only; different colour of label and capsule (1980s) 1L and 35 fl ozs stated; DF printed in the upper right corner; upc-code on the back (1980s) 1.00L stated 1.00Le stated 40fl oze; Bahrein duty not paid 1.13L and 40 FL OZ stated, 70°Proof and 40%VOL stated; (around 1980) 1.13L Liqueur Cognac (1980s)

3f3. VSOP-Médaillon, black with gold labels paillarde bottles, Spécial Réserve:

Special Réserve, Liquor Cognac; 700ml stated and ABV Special Réserve, Liquor Cognac; 700ml stated, no ABV 'Special Réserve Liqueur Cognac', with Japanese text underneath; 700ml (not stated); mid 1980s  700ml stated; black cap (Asian market); 'Special Réserve Liqueur Cognac'; notice white Asian characters on top of the cap 700ml, Asian characters underneath; Japanese import No volume or abv on the front; 0.7L and 40% stated on the back; Japanese import 700ml stated and the ABV too; imported by Harpers Trading; neck has two thickenings; early 1970s 700ml stated; a stamp: Malaysiab Duty Not Paid; imported by Harper Gilfillan Group; neck has two thickenings; after 1974 1.000ml indicated 1000ml and 40% indicated  1000ml stated, Singapore Airport, Duty-Free Emporium, imported by Harper Gilfillan (much more yellow label)

VSOP Special Reserve; Asian text underneath VSOP Special Reserve; Asian text is longer; 700ml

3g. VSOP-Médaillon, white glass (late 1980s until 2000s)
3g1. VSOP-Médaillon, red label red cap:
Liqueur cognac stated:

Liqueur cognac; slender bottle, 70cl (est. 1980s) 700ml Japanese import; with a number below the appellation controlée line 1L, Singapore Duty Free

Frame with ‘old fine cognac’ not attached to the emblem:

70cl e, old type capsule (no golden rings); SDNP stated 70cl e, capsule with golden rings Same as previous but wih a black number below 'Old Fine Cognac'; on the back a green point (die grüne point´) and ´Cognac Frankreich´ (est. 1990s). Asian import Content not stated and 'appellation controlé not stated' (click to see detail) 70cl stated; above 'old fine coggnac' are three lines and below it one line stating import Seagram Schweiz AG Regensburg -Watt(?) 70cl e; with a paper seal on top 70cl e, same as previous, only cap is different: dark red with less bright golden rings and with a number. Different cap; content not stated (70 or 75cl)  70cle stated and HKDNP

1Litre stated with produce of France printed diagonal and with 'approx 22 standard drinks' stated (Australian, est. around 1980) 1.0Le stated with produce of France printed diagonal (Australian, est. 1980s)) 1.0Le stated 1L; with a number printed below 'Old Fine Cognac' Same as previous bottle, but with a paper duty seal on it from Spain. 1L 1L with DFS sticker Same as previous bottle, but with a number on the capsule (possibly for a lottery; on the box: 'win a very special gold medaillon'. ) 1L; different cap 1.13L '1.13Le'

Smaller emblem; Cont. Net. 700ml stated; Mexican import 1L bottle

Lower, wider bottles:

different bottle form; smaller medaillon; notice distance of Martell in blue to the edge; 70cl e stated different bottle form; smaller medaillon; notice distance of Martell in blue to the edge; 70cle and 40%vol stated  Cont. Net. 700ml stated 1,0L stated Same bottle as previous, but with a Spanish duty-seal 1L (not stated), DFS 70cle With HKDNP indicated; different closure; Asian bottle

Frame with ‘old fine cognac’ attached to the emblem (ca. 2000s):

Very Fine Cognac, '70cl' stated Old Fine Cognac; '70cle' stated; after 2006 Same as previous, but different back side (no pictogram of pregnancy warning, no abv)  Same as previous one, but with a paper duty seal No content or ABV stated 70cl, different cap CONT.NET. 700ml stated; Mexican import 750ML stated; old fine cognac and vieille fine cognac stated 1L bottle old fine cognac; (second half of 2000s)  1L bottle old fine cognac; different closure

From 2011, old fine cognac:

70cl e old fine cognac, red cap, small medaillon; UK bottle; pregnancy warning 1L bottle  70cl stated; different cap; small médaillon Cont. net. 700ml stated 1L, stated on the box

Very fine cognac:

750ml very fine cognac, red cap, small medaillon

3g2. VSOP-Médaillon, red label blue cap (from 2015):

New type, blue cap and the head in the medaillon has disappeared; 70cle Content not stated but said to be 70cl 700ml and 40%alc/vol stated (Australian bottle) New type, blue cap and the head in the medaillon has disappeared; 750ml 1Le bottle with blue cap  Blue cap with a thickening (Singapore); 70cle Extra line of text below the signature (Singapore duty not paid?); 70cle CONT.NET.700ml stated; Mexican import CONT.NET.700ml stated; Mexican import , different closure New type, blue cap; the signature has disappeared; 700ml stated 70cl Malaysian import 70cl (not stated) Malaysian import

3g3. VSOP-Médaillon, green label:

Old fine cognac; green label, green cap; shield with three mallets on the shoulder blob; 700ml; Asian market  Old fine cognac; with a green label, brown cap; swallow on the shoulder blob Old fine cognac, different shape of bottle, green cap, swallow on the shoulder blob; content not stated (prob. 70cl) Old fine cognac, different shape of bottle, blue cap (or is this a lighting effect?), swallow on the shoulder blob; content not stated (prob. 70cl)  Old fine cognac, different shape of bottle, blue cap, swallow on the shoulder blob; 700ml stated on the back (Asian import) 700ml Japanese import; additional text lines above and below 'Old Fine Cognac' and japanese characters at the lower end of the label  700ml (not indicated) Japanese import; additional text lines above and below 'Old Fine Cognac' and japanese characters and a number at the lower end of the label

3h. VSOP, robust bottles (from 2018):

Médaillon, 70cle, aged in red barrels (2018) 700ml indicated; ABV not 700ml stated and 40%alc/vol; Australian bottle Cont Net 700ml indicated (Mexican bottle) 750mle VSOP, 40%vol, Aged in Red Barrels 750ml VSOP, 40%alc/vol, Aged in Red Barrels 750ml VSOP, matured (not aged!) in red barrels (US Market) 1Le 1Le, but the 1 and the L are a little different 1L

70cl, not stated; without the text aged in red barrels 750ml, without the text aged in red barrels 750ml, without the text aged in red barrels (2021) 1L (Stated on the box)

3i. VSOP and VSOP-Medaillon flasks:

72ctl VSOP, est. 1940s

Full bottle (1950s) Not sure about the content, possibly full bottle

4/5 quart (1950s)  end of 1950s Same as previous, with a paper seal on top

0.72L, 1960s  70cl stated

70cl (1970s) 70cle 70cl, with DF in lower right corner  700ml liqueur cognac, special reserve; HKDNP 70cl; with 'VSOP' above 'Martell' 70cl; with 'VSOP' above 'Martell' and Duty free only stated

70cl (1990s) 70cl not indicated; Liqueur cognac; HKDNP

70cle, I have not seen this one before.

4. Noblige and Cordon Rubis

Cordon Rubis, old emblem:

No content or ABV indicated (tocl bottle); no EAN on the back (1980) 70cle and 40%vol stated, Portuguese bottle (1984) Left of cognac is written 70cl e; right of cognac it says: 40%vol; on the back: Cognac Frankreich Left of cognac is written 70cl e; right of cognac it says: gradi 40%vol (click to see details); with a paper seal on top (1980s) Only text to the left of cognac; on the top right is probably printed: Duty Free only. Only text (70cl e) to the left of cognac (click to see it); with a paper seal on top Content and abv not stated on the label; paper duty seal with 0,700 stated (1980s) Japanese characters below 'Martell'; on the back side: 700ml 750ML Cordon Rubie 25.4 FL.OZ.; 80 Proof; US import by Garneau (1980s)  1L bottle, Duty Free Only 1L stated; ABV not stated; Duty Free Only.

Cordon Rubis, new emblem:

different shoulder emblem and part of text in subdued colour Same as previous but with a paper duty seal on top. No additional text on main label (1980-90s)

Noblige, old type bottle (Asian market, 1990s):

70cl indicated in the lower left; Asian bottle No content or ABV indicated on the bottle; on the box: 70cl (Asian bottle) 700ml indicated on the back (Asian bottle) Text on an additional band just below the capsule

Noblige, new type bottle (2000s):

70cle (est. 2010-2015)  70cle on the back, and Cognac Frankreich and 'Der Grüne Punkt' 70cl, US import 70cl, DFS 70cle, with a paper duty seal on top (Slovenian bottle) 70cle, Malaysian import Cont. Net. 700ml stated (Mexican) Cont. Net. 700ml stated on the foot of the bottle (Mexican) said to be 750ml 1 Liter bottle 1L, DFS

Noblige, new emblem (from 2006 on):

Noblige, 70cl stated on the back  Noblige, 70cl stated on the back, but now on the back also a pregnancy and a recycling or 'green point' icon (after 2006) 750ml stated 1L (not stated on front) Said to be 700ml; different capsule 700ml; another different capsule

70cl stated on the back; different capsule, new signature (from 2017 on) and shield; Singapore Duty Not Paid(Malaysian).  70cle stated on the back; different capsule, newer swift (from 2017 on) and shield; with a paper duty seal (Malaysian).  750ml stated; different capsule, newer swift (from 2017 on) and shield.  1L, indicated on the back, different capsule (emblem seems smaller on the 1L bottle); Australian bottle  1L, not stated, capsule with golden band (emblem seems smaller on the 1L bottle)

New design (2023) With a duty strip on top (Malaysian); on the back: Arak mengandungi etc (not shown here)

5. Napoléon Cordon Noir and Napoléon Special Reserve

Napoleon Cordon Noir (end 1970s – 1990s):
Cordon Noir Napoleon printed in Roman letters, brand name is ‘Martell’:

70cle and 40% stated on left and right side of 'Martell' (1980-90s)  No volume or abv stated (1970-80s)  No cordon and no Eagle (fallen off?); with a sticker: specially packed for Singapore Airport 700ml stated, Malaysian import (1980) with 700ml stated on left bottom, also: 'Malaysian duty not paid' Bahrain Duty Not Paid With D.F. printed in the lower right corner with a duty free sticker; on the back-side: TTWMB - ROC (Taiwan Tabacco and Wine Monoploy Bureau - Regional Oparational Centre); 700ml New capsule; Cognac is written in large letters; 40% GL and 700ML stated

Cordon Noir Napoleon printed in Italic letters, brand name is ‘Martell & Co.’:

No content or ABV stated 700ml stated on the right, on the left: Singapore duty not paid; specially packed for SIA (Singapore Airlines); by Harpers Trading  700ml stated on the left, specially packed for SIA (Singapore Airlines)  With D.F. printed in the lower right corner  With 'Bahrain, Duty not paid' on it. Below the label is import information: Casa Dellepiane; 750ml

No ABV or content indicated; colour of the glass is light green; said to be 750ml (1980s)

Brown, almost clear glass:

24 FL.OZ. 70Proof and 40°GL indicated (est. end 1970s)  70cl and 40° stated  Content and ABV not indicated  DF stated in the lower right corner With a symbol in the lower left (probably symbol of an airline) Specially packed for Singapore Airlines

Napoléon (from early 1980s till 1990s):

70cl e stated on bottom left (1980-90s) 70cl e stated on bottom left and additional text (Duty free only); 1980-90s  700ml stated and 40% alc/vol 700ml and 40%vol, placed higher; Malaysia and Brunei import by Harpers, Singapore 700ml and 40%vol placed higher; with a Duty Free Sade (DFS) sticker on the back; no importer data 700ml stated and 40%vol; DF sticker from Singapore on the back; bottle number is placed a bit lower no content stated, "full size" (1980-1990s) Content not indicated; 70cl (seen standing next to an other bottle); Duty Free Only stated underneath. 70CL. Duty Free Only stated underneath and with a paper duty seal

Napoleon special Réserve:

Special reserve, green label; 70cl Special reserve, brown label; 70cle Special reserve grey-green label with 'Martell' in blue; 70cle (1990s)  Special reserve gray-green label and 'Martell' in blue; with a number on the capsule Grey label, 70cl e; Duty free only (stated between volume and abv) with a DFS sticker 70cle, Asian import Taiwanese import, 0.7L 700ml  Special reserve 1L 1L Duty free, Bangkok Airport

6. Cordon Bleu

Some features to determine the age of Cordon Bleu bottles:
– Cordon Bleu started around 1919-1922 (pre-runners exist since 1912, but they are called ESOP or VVESOP, not Cordon Bleu).
– First CB bottles have white labels.
– Cordon Bleu stated only on crescent till 1929, with an exception of the year 1922. After 1929 Cordon Blue returned to the main label and Martell band appears above the main label.
– Bottle shape changes to short wider model in 1933 with a riveted ribbon.
– spring caps in use from 1933 – 1962 (not in US); from around 1950 till 1959 capped corks were also used.
– Cordon Blue in white on a blue background in the US only.
– ribbons not riveted anymore as of 1960.
– capped cork from 1962 till 1966.
– screw cap from 1966.
– US importers: 1933-1955: Par & Tilford; 1955-1969: Browne Vintners; 1969: Joseph Garneau.
– in green frosted glass with gold and beige labels from 1976 on.
– tapered bottles from 1985 on.
– back to the short, wide bottle with clear glass and white label from 1992.
(Special thanks go to Vieuxcognacs and his Martell Timetable 1864-2017).

6a. Old model bottles (1922-1933)

1922 Cordon Blue; Cordon Blue on collar and main label On the neck "Cordon Bleu" in quotation marks; with extra text: 'Guaranteed over 35 years in oak by'; on the main label is 'fine liqueur brandy' stated in stead of cordon bleu; 1922-1928 Cordon Blue on neck label; plus de 35 ans en futs (ca 1929-1930) With "imprimé en France" added on the lower end of the label Cordon Blue on neck label

6b. White split-up label, rounded corners (1933- ca. 1977)

(These labels with rounded corners seem to have been in use in all other countries, but the UK and the US)

6b-a. the cordon riveted to the foil; often with a spring cap (1933-1960):

Garanti plus de 35 ans en fut; 35 ans also stated on the wax seal; spring cap (1930s)  Garanti plus de 35 ans en fut; 35 ans also stated on the wax seal; Exportation interdite is stated; spring cap (1935) Garanti plus de 35 ans en fut; 35 ans also stated on the wax seal; Imprimé en France is stated; not a spring cap (1930s) Spring cap (click to see); 1950s Spring cap (click to see), punctured holes around the capule; 1950s Not a spring cap, but is has (different) punctured holes. (1950s? or is it older?)  spring cap, first half of the 1950s  42%; spring cap, first half of the 1950s; different colour of blue is used for the text 72 centiliters and 41° indicated (1950s) Produce of France on a separate label at the bottom (1950s) 0,730 stated; Italian import Carlo Salengo, Genova, stated on a separate label underneath (1950s) 0,730 stated; Italian import Carlo Salengo, Genova, stated on a separate label underneath (1950s); with a stamp on the label. Also by Ditta Carlo Salengo, much less text; 73cl Mexican import

6b-b. capped corks and no riveting, liqueur brandy (1960 – ca. 1980):

garanteed over 35 year in cask; old liqueur cognac brandy Liqueur brandy; 700ml stated Liqueur brandy; 700ml and 40%vol stated; Asian characters on the cap With Singapore Duty Not Paid stamp Liqueur brandy; imported by Martell: Far East Trading LTD., Hong Kong Same bottle as previous, but with a big HKDNP stamp Liqueur brandy; imported by Dodwell for South-China (box dates it 1960-65) with 700ml indicated in the lower right corner Hong Kong import by Associated Liquor Distributors Packaged for Singapore Airport, Duty free Emporium; import by Harper Gilfillan (1980) Packaged for Singapore Airport, Duty free Emporium; with an addional Singapore duty not paid stamp in red (1980)  1L bottle

6b-c. crimped caps and capped corks, no riveting (1960-1978):

With crimped foil cap (1950s?) Crimped foil cap; 40° stated and with a stamp: 'released to importine qarries' (end 1950s) Crimped foil cap; CONTENTS 1/6TH GAL. 26 2/3 FL.OZS Crimped foil cap; 70cl (not stated); with 'marca registrada' printed on the shoulder label and on the main label (est. 1960s) Crimped foil cap; short label and 40° in the middle below (France - Ecosse 1910-1960)  Crimped foil cap; 730cc stated; Italian import (Carlo Salengo, Genova); 5 lines of text underneath Crimped foil cap; Mexico import by Martell de Mexico.

newer caps:

short label; no text underneath; newer capsule 72 centilitres and 40% stated in red Produce of France stated Portuguese import Short label; no text underneath; with a paper seal on top With 40% on bottom right (1960s) With 40% on bottom right and Französisches Erzeugnis on the back (1960s)  With 40° stated in the middle below; and with 'Ship's stores' printed 40° stated and a 'ships stores' stamp, same as previous bottle, but brighter colours With DF stated on the lower right (click for detail); 70 (stated at auction) 70cl and 40° stated, both at one side of the label 70 centilitres and produce of France stated  72 Cls stated and 40%  0,70L and 40° stated; Französisches Erzeugnis  700ml stated Italian import; Contenuto idrato minimo garantito 730cc. Duty free shop

Produce of France and 700ml stated below; longer label  700ml stated in red; import by Sedgwick, Cape Town (SA) Contentes 26 fluid ounces and Produce of France stated 70cl (not stated); Alc.geh. 40° stated; Dutch import by Koopmans & Bruinier, Amsterdam (1970s) 80 proof stated; Joseph Garneau import, prob 750ml (1969-1975) Japanese import by Caldbeck, Macgregor & Co., Hong Kong   Belgian import by Fourcroy Französisches Erzeugnis, no content indicated; 40°  750cc stated (early 1970s); Italian import (Spirits, Genova) 730cc stated (minimo garantito); Italian import (Carlo Salengo, Genova) 730cc minimo garantito stated a little lower (early 1970s); Italian import (Carlo Salengo, Genova) 730cc stated; Italian import (Carlo Salengo, Genova)  730cc, Italian import by Laurent Ottoz, St. Christophe; 1969

32 US fl.ozs stated (ca. 96cl)  32 us fl.ozs. stated (ca. 1969); additional text below the volume statement

Cap aprox. 0.700L stated; different cap Cap. aprox. 0.700L stated; different capsule, Mexican import Mexico import by Martell de Mexico; with a plastic seal covering the capsule. Mexico import by Martell de Mexico; aprox. 0,700L stated; with a plastic seal covering the capsule.

6c. White split-up label, sharp angled corners (ca. 1933- ca. 1978)

(These labels with sharp angled corners have only been in use in the UK and the US; in the US they had Cordon Bleu written in white letters on a blue background)

6c-a. UK import, Cordon Bleu printed in blue letters; they usually state ‘fine liqueur cognac brandy’.
Cord riveted to the capsule, untill 1960; often spring caps:

Spring cap and ribbon riveted to the foil. Content not stated. With the text in red: 'maximum price 47 /- per bottle' (1940s). Spring cap and ribbon riveted to the foil. Content not stated. With the text in red: 'maximum price 47 /- per bottle'; Produce of France stated, UK import (1950s).  Spring cap and ribbon riveted to the foil. Content not stated (pre 1960s).  Registered Trademark stated (said to be 1940s) With HKDNP stated; spring cap and riveted ribbon Produce of France, 70° indicated; wit the text: fine liqueur cognac brandy. Riveting and spring cap.

capped corks and no riveting: after 1960:
Capped cork, no riveting; 24 FL OZS, 70 Proof stated (1960s) Capped cork, no riveting; 24 FL OZS, produce of France, 70 Proof stated (1960s); text in French Crimped cap, no riveting; produce of France, 70 Proof stated; Capped cork, no riveting; fine liqueur cognac brandy stated; 24 fl ozs stated; text in English Almost same as previous, but whiter label and slightly different type face (1970s) Almost the same as previous one but a thinner and darker typeface (box dates it to 1966-1978) 24 FL OZS stated; 'Fine Liqueur Cognac Brandy' is printed in letters with the same size as 'Cordon Bleu'. Not less than 24 FL OZS stated and 70 proof (1970s)
6c-b. US import; Cordon Bleu in white letters on a blue background; they all state ‘fine liqueur cognac brandy. Bottles for the US never had a cord riveted to the capsule:

old type capped cork, ribbon is riveted (label with Martell on it has fallen off). Park & Tilford import (1950-55) old type capped cork, label is riveted; Browne Vintners Co. Inc. importers; 1955-60s

with an extra text line in red: produced and bottled in Cognac France (under produce of France); Browne & Vintners Company import (1960s) Capped cork, no riveting; Browne Vintners import; with the Federal law sentence on the glass; (1960-1964) Capped cork (crimped); Browne-Vintners Co., Inc. import (1964-1968) also Browne-Vintners import; capsule is a bit different and with a paper duty seal 4/5Quar; again Browne-Vintners import; capsule is a different; with a paper duty seal Jos Garneau importer; (ca 1969-78)

6d. Ecru label, Cordon Bleu in blue letters (around 1975-1985)

Cognaçaise type bottle Content (1quart) not indicated, DF in lower right corner with '70cl' in bottom left and 40% in bottom right Same as previous, but with a paper seal on top different typeface 24 fl ozs stated in the bottom left and 70 proof in lower right Content not statted, ABV 80 proof stated in lower right corner  24 fl ozs 68cl stated in the bottom left 0,70L stated; abv not stated  No content or ABV stated; said to be 68cl on auction (1970s) 0.700L and 40% GL stated in the top right corner; different capsule and with a paper seal on top 700ml stated below  different grouping of label; 700ml stated 700cc stated, address and bottled in France on two lines; Italian import, Spirit SPA (1978) 700cc stated, address and bottled in France on one line; Italian import, Spirit SPA 750cc stated; Italian import, Spirit SPA; 1974 long label, 750cc, 40 gradi, label has more colour; Italian import, Spirit SPA (after 1974)

6e. Ecru label, Cordon Bleu in golden letters on a dark blue rectangle (mostly for US market around 1978-1985 but also seen for Italian, UK and Mexican markets)

Content and abv not stated (said to be 70cl on auction) Cordon Bleu in blue band; DF in lower right corner 80PROOF in lower right corner (said to be 700ml at auction) 750ml and 25,4 fl.oz in the lower left and 80 proof in lower right corner; Jos. Garneau import (1978-1982) With 750ML in lower left and 80 PROOF (in bigger letters) in lower right corner Same as previous bottle, bit with a paper duty seal on top 4/5 quart on the low left and 80 proof on lower right Cordon Bleu in blue band; longer label, Italian import for Spirit; 700 cc 700ml produce of France stated Cont. neto 700ml stated and 40° G.L.; Mexican import With '70cl e' in bottom left and 40% in bottom right With '70cl e' in bottom left and 40% in bottom right; with a paper seal on it With '70cl e' in bottom left and 40% in bottom right; with dark cap and a paper seal on it With '70cl e' in bottom left and 40%vol (not 40%) in bottom right 700cc stated in bottom left; Italian import by Spirit S.P.A. With '24 fl oz' in bottom left corner With '24 fl oz' and '68cl' in bottom left and 70 proof in bottom right '24 fl oz' and '68cl e' stated on the lower left and 70proof in the bottom right  35 FL.OZ and 1 Litre e is indicated; 70°Proof and 40 G.L.

6f. Tapered bottles, dark labels (ca 1980-1990)
Text in French:

bottom line: "Elevé et mis en bouteille en Cognac France"; with 70cl e stated and 40%vol bottom line: "Elevé et mis en bouteille en Cognac France"; with 70cl e stated and 40%vol; on the back a cotisation sign bottom line: "Elevé et mis en bouteille en Cognac France"; with 70cl e stated and 40%vol; Italian duty strip on top  Same as previous; bottom line: "Elevé et mis en bouteille en Cognac France"; with 70cl e stated and 40%vol; on the back it says: Cognac Frankreich Same as previous; bottom line: "Elevé et mis en bouteille en Cognac France"; Dutch import by Koopmans & Bruinier, Amsterdam Same as previous; bottom line: "Elevé et mis en bouteille en Cognac France"; no content or ABV stated  Ausländisches Erzeugnis is printed below on the label (Austrian bottle) Same as previous but with content (70cl e) and ABV (40%) stated, and a paper duty seal Same, but with a paper top seal; gradi 40% stated and 70cl e No content or ABV indicated (70cl), Italian import 1985, bottle no. 4566 70cle stated and Duty free only Duty free only in the top right corner; content and ABV not indicated DF stated in the top right; content and ABV not stated (70cl)

Text in English:

70cl and 24 2/3 fl.oz, 70°proof and 40%vol stated; UK import (ca 1980) 75cl and 26 fl.oz, 70°proof and 40%vol stated; UK import (ca 1980) dark blue label; '70cl e' stated in the left bottom corner Sames as previous, but with a paper top seal dark blue label without alcohol percentage or content Same as previous bottle, but with a paper duty seal Dark blue label; also with content and percentage stated; '70cl e' stated a bit higher in the left corner below; bottom line: "Produced and bottled in Cognac France" Same, but gradi 40% and 700cc; and they are placed a little lower (1980) 750ml indicated and a South African importer's number (B 20) 1000ml stated; with a Singapore Duty Free sticker

No text on front:

No additional text whatsoever, very dark label, capsule with j&F. Martell on it; 0,7L stated at the bottom No additional text whatsoever, grey label and silvery letters and many little shields on the label (70cl; 1985) No additional text wathsoever, grey label with many litle shields on it; with a paper tax seal (70cl; 1985)  Blue label with silver frame around label and almost silver coloured cap

Frosted green glass bottles with modern closure:

70cl e; text in French; with a Spanish tax seal on top  70cl e; text in English

With (old) liqueur cognac stated:

Dark label; liqueur cognac; 70cl and ABV stated Dark label; liqueur cognac, no content or ABV stated Liqueur cognac; wit text underneath Same as previous, but with a paper duty seal on top Liqueur cognac; wit 750ml stated and 'produce of France' old liqueur cognac; rather modern swift on it; volume stated on the front 0,7L stated on the back, Old liqueur cognac (rather modern swift)

6g. Tapered bottles, cream coloured labels (1980s, predominantly US market)

70cle; Elevé et mis en bouteille à Cognac France below Martell & Co Cognac; 70cl e stated Produced and bottled in France above Martell & Co Cognac; content 700ml; 40%ALC/VOL 700ml and 40%alc/vol indicated outside the label frame Produced and bottled in Cognac France below Martell & Co Cognac; 750ML and 40%ALC/VOL (80PROOF) stated 750ML stated and 80 Proof, US (Georgia) import by Jos. Garneau (early 1980s) 750ml and 25.4 floz stated in the left below and 80 proof on the right 750ml (25.4 FL.OZ) and 80Proof stated somewhat higher; different cap; Jos. Garneau import, more grey label Same as previous bottle, but whit a US duty seal and a Georgia state duty seal. Only 80Proof stated in lower right (ca 1985) Only 80Proof stated in lower right, a little bit higher (ca 1985) No volume or ABV stated

6h. White label, Martell in white letters on a blue band (from early 1990s)
Several different escutcheons used on the labels:

6h-a. ‘old classic cognac’ (ca 1990-2010):

Old classic cognac; modern escutcheon and with a signature; 70cl e; underneath is printed: elevé et mise en bouteille en Cognac France Old classic cognac; modern escutcheon and with a signature; 70cl e; underneath is printed: produced and bottled in Cognac France 70cle, on the back a green point and "Cognac Frankreich" (1990s) Special backside, probably a special occasion (2002)  Old classic cognac; modern escutcheon; 70cl e; with a paper top seal (Italian import) Different colour blue is used 70cl e stated 70cle, ABV not stated 700ml stated and 'Produce of France' obliquely; Australian import With Cont. Net. 700ml stated in bold lettertype; cognac printed vertical near the right edge; Mexican import same as previous but with a different capsule 70cl, Malaysian import by Harpers Trading  70cl Old Classic Cognac, Malaysian text underneath; different closure 750ml indicated and a South African importer's number (B374)

1Litre stated and 'Produce of France' oblique and 'approx 22 standard drinks' transverse along the right edge; Australian import by Orlando Wyndham 1 Litre stated, old classic; New York import 1,00le stated '1.0Le' old classic 1Le old classic; with DFS sticker 1Le old classic; with DFS sticker in grey 1Le old classic; with HKDNP mark  1L old classic in red; with a Malaysian mark and with a special cap

70cl old classic in red; with a special cap. Notice also the Cordon Bleu printed over two lines.  70 cl, new type of cap

70cl e Old classic cognac; 'old' escutcheon, no signature  Old classic cognac; old escutcheon; with a paper top seal. 70cle; with a pregnancy symbol and an EAN on the backside (2000s) 1L Old Classic Cognac, old escutcheon; Malaysian Duty not paid 700ml stated, old escutcheon CONT.NET.700ml stated, old escutcheon; Mexican import 70cle, Asian import

6h-b. ‘grand classic cognac’ (USA) :

'new' escutcheon and a signature; 750ml

'old' escutcheon and no signature; 750ml stated 750ML and ABV in larger letters no content or ABV stated  1L Grand Classic

6h-c. ‘old liquor cognac’ (Asian):

Old Liquor cognac in red, 700ml Old Liquor cognac in red, 1000ml Old liqueur cognac in red; printed below is: Hong Kong & China; 70cl 70cle old liquor cognac, new type of cap 1L Old liquor cognac, Duty Free SADE 1000ml stated

6h-d. ‘extra old cognac’:

Extra old cognac in red, 70cle Extra old cognac in red, 70cle; with Japanese characters  Extra old cognac in red, 70cle; back partly in Japanese  Same as previous but with a paper seal on top Cont. Net. 700ml stated 70cle and Arak Mengandungi 40% Alkohol indicated; with a special closure (Malaysia) 1L Arak Mengandungi 40% Alkohol 1L Extra old cognac

6i. White label with straight upper edge; new swift (from 2018)

Extra Old cognac:

70cl e Extra old cognac in blue; the top border of the label is straight   Extra old cognac in blue, thinner typeface 700ml stated, Extra Old CONT. NET. 700ml stated; Mexican bottle 70cl Japanese import Extra old cognac in blue; different cap; 70cle stated Extra old cognac in blue; different cap; mengandungi 40%; 700ml; content and abv stated on the left and right sides of the signature Extra old cognac in blue; different cap; mengandungi 40%;70cl, volume and content not stated on the left and right sides of the signature; with a paper duty seal on top 70cl bottle, different cap 1Le Extra Old 1L Extra Old Cognac, Singapore Duty Not Paid 1L Extra Old Cognac, HKDNP; Asian sticker on the back, left above 'Martell' 1L (not stated) Gift set 2022; click to see the whole set. Notice capsule, different from normal CB

Grand Classic cognac:

750ml stated; grand classic cognac 1L Grand Classic Cognac

6j. White label with straight upper edge and blue capsule (from 2022)

Extra Old cognac:

70cle indicated, Extra Old Cognac (2022) 70cl (2022) Content not stated 70cle, Malaysian import 700ml stated 70cl, sllightly different capsule and text colour of 'Extra Old Cognac' is different  1Le 1Le, with a Japanese back label

Grand Classic cognac:

750ml indicated; Grand Classic Cognac (US bottle)

7. Cordon Supreme and XO Cordon Supreme (from 1987 till late 1990s):

Cordon Supreme 'Extra Old'; content 700ml (est. 1987)

XO Cordon Supreme; 70cle stated and Produce of France XO Cordon Supreme; 70cle stated (1980s) and 'produced and bottled in France' 70cle, with a paper duty seal on top DF stated in the top right corner; 70cl printed on the box. XO Cordon Supreme Duty Free Only, 70cle stated 700ml stated, Japanese import Duty free only; 70cl is indicated on the box. Singapore Duty Not Paid, 700ml 700ml, Duty Free Sade DFS 750ML and 40%ALC/VOL stated 750ML Japanese import No volume or ABV stated (70cl); text on the back in French No volume or ABV stated (700ml); text on the back in English 70cle, not stated on the label but on a see through sticker below the label 80 Proof stated; volume 70cl stated on the bottom  Cordon Supreme Duty Free with no content or alcohol percentage stated Macao bottle with a HKDNP stamp on the back and importe information; chinese characters too. THAI DFS stated; volume not stated  XO Cordon Supreme For Sale in Hong Kong Airport, HKDNP; 1Litre stated on box.

8. XO Supreme:

70cle and 40%vol indicated (1990s) With an Italian duty seal and a different back side 70cle indicated and on the back 700ml, Asian bottle  70cle, Malaysian Duty Not Paid 70cle, HKDNP 700ml and 40%vol stated 700ml stated and 40% ALC/VOL  700ml and 40%ALC/Vol, porduce of France printed in oblique direction 700ml and 40%ALC/Vol, porduce of France printed in oblique direction; with text on front label: approx. 22 standard drinks  700ml and 40%ALC/Vol, porduce of France printed in oblique direction; with text on front label: approx. 22 standard drinks; Australian import by Seagram 700ml and 40%vol, HKDNP, vaguely on the left below 'Martel'; also an Asian stamp on the lower right 750ml left below and right below: 40%alc/vol 750ml left below and right below: 40%alc/vol; the produced and bottled in Cognac France is a bit more compact than previous bottle  1L, Duty Free Sade - DFS stated on the back '1.0L e' stated 1L with a paper duty seal on top 1,0Le with HKDNP in top left, underlined 1,0Le with HKDNP in top left, in a box

I am a little bit in doubt here: are these differences in colour real or is it the lighting?

9. XO (from 2005):

Extra Old:

extra old, on the right: 70 cl Extra old, on the right: 70 cl; on the left 40%vol; on the back a UK duty seal extra old, on the right: 70 cl; on the left 40%vol; on the back '28 uk units' and a duty seal Extra Old, 40%vol stated on the left; content 70cl stated on the box  Extra Old, only content 70cle stated on the right; on the back is a UK sticker and a 28 UK units symbol Extra Old, only content 70cle stated on the right; no additional info on the back Extra Old, 700ml stated on lower left; on the back: 22 standard drinks; Australian bottle  Extra Old, Cont. Net. 700ml stated on lower left  extra old, on the left: 700 ml and 22 standard drinks Extra Old, 750ml 40%alc/vol stated (Canadian bottle)  Extra old, no content nor alcoholpercentage (70cl)  Extra Old, 1L (not stated), Laos import  1 Liter, Extra Old

Extra Fine:

extra fine, on the left: 750ML and 40%ALC/VOL stated  extra fine in much finer print; on the left: 750ML and 40%ALC/VOL stated

New design, Extra Old:

Extra Old, 70cl e, stated on the back (2020) Extra Old, 70cle UK import (different back side) 70cle, different back side, with a 'no driving' symbol; UK bottle 700ml indicated on the front; Australian import

New design, Extra Fine:

 

Extra Fine, 750ml indicated (US bottle) 700ml and 40.0%alc/vol. stated; Australian bottle 1L stated on the box (Singapore import)

10. Cordon Argent (ca. 1930s till 1970s)

Garanti plus de 60 ans en fut; with 60 ans stated in the wax emblem too; corked cap (1933-40) Garanti plus de 60 ans en fut; 60 ans stated in the wax emblem too; waxed cap (re-waxed?) This bottle had probably also a ribbon riveted to a aluminium foil cap With 'CA' on the shoulder blob; cordon is riveted; spring cap (1940s)   73cl stated; cordon riveted to the foil; imported by Carlo Salengo (said to be 1955) Cordon is riveted to the foil; 40% in the middle (1940-50s) 73cl, spring cap; Italian import by L. Ottoz, Valée d'Aoste (1957) 'emprimé en France' printed low on the label; corked cap Very Fine liqueur cognac brandy; corked cap; US import by Browne Vintners (1955-60) No bottom label; no riveting, crimped cap No riveting, capped cork; 40° stated (1960-70s) Produce of France stated and 40% stated on the lower right Produce of France stated, ABV not stated ABV not stated; Französisches Erzeugnis; German import by Klaebisch (1960s) With a stamp: 'Released to importine qarries' (1950s) Very Fine liqueur cognac brandy; capped cork, no riveting; 4/5 Quart 80 proof; US import by Browne-Vintners (1960-1969) Very Fine liqueur cognac brandy; capped cork, no riveting; 4/5 Quart 80 proof; different capsule and a duty seal on top; US import by Browne-Vintners (1960-1969) Very Fine liqueur cognac brandy; capped cork, no riveting; 4/5 quart 80 proof; US import by Garneau (post 1969) Very Fine liqueur cognac brandy; capped cork, no riveting; content not stated, 80 proof; US import by Garneau (post 1969) Very Fine liqueur cognac brandy; 70 proof written in bottom right corner Fine liqueur cognac brandy; 75 proof 79 proof Liqueur brandy; text Martell and Cordon Argent in almost black outline typecorps Liqueur brandy; 700ml stated; South-Asian import by Harper Gilfillan Litri idrati 0,730 and 40° stated; imported by Carlo Salengo (est. 1960s, 3 stars on the paper duty seal) 750cc and gradi 44° stated; imported by Spirit (1976) 750cc and gradi 43° stated; imported by Spirit (1975) minimo garantito 730cc and 40° stated; imported by Carlo Salengo (1972)  Aprox. 700ml stated (vaguely, bottom right); Mexican import 0.700L stated and 40% G; Imported by Martell de Mexico (1960s) 700ml stated, import by E.W. Sedgwick & Co, Cape Town (1960s) 700ml stated, import by E.W. Sedgwick & Co, Cape Town; with the importer's number added (B 20); South African bottle (1960s) With Liqueur Brandy printed; 700ml (not indicated); Chinese import by Dodwell & Co.  44° and 70cl stated, Französisches Erzeugnis  44%

11. Extra and Cordon Argent Extra

11a. Extra, broad bottle, text in blue (ca. 1960s-70s)

Guaranti plus de 70 ans en futs; 70 ans also stated in the wax seal Without an address line on the label (1960s) Same as previous, but with a paper duty seal (1960s) below left on one line: 24fl oz 68cl; below right: 75 proof 43° stated 70cl and 43° stated (1970s) 42° stated 40° stated below in the middle 24 FL OZS, Extra Fine Liqueur Cognac Brandy, 73 proof (1960s) Longer label; 24 fl.ozs. Without the volume stated Italian import by Laurent Ottor - St. Christophe (1970) 73cl, 40°; 1960s (Carlo Salengo, Genova) 700ml indicated; Chinese import by Dodwell & Co. 750cl, 42%; 1971 (Dalla Spirit s.p.a.) Around 1974, 43%. (Dalla Spirit s.p.a.) Same as previous, but now 44% 'Fine Liqueur Cognac Brandy'; 75 Proof (42.85%), 24 fl.oz (68cl)

11b. Extra, broad bottle, text in black and with cognac stated (ca. 1970s):

New design: different colour of letters and emblem, 24 fl oz and 68cl stated; 75° proof  New design: different colour of letters and emblem, no volume or abv stated 700cc stated and 40°; import by Spirit s.p.a. (1980)  With 70cl on the bottom left and 43° on bottom right With 70cl e on the bottom left and 43° on bottom right  With content (750ml and '25.4ml') and alcohol percentage stated on left and right bottom 700cc, gradi 43%, imported by Spirit SPA (1978). Cont. neto 700 ML and 43°G.L. stated; Mexican import Cont. neto 0.700L (de 'L' is in an italic) and 43°G.L. stated

11c. Extra, tapered bottles, red wax caps (est. 1980s, US market):

Cordon Argent is not stated! 90 proof (45%) Cordon Argent is not stated! 43% and 24 fl.ozs  750ml; Louisville Kentucky import, 86Proof, 43% 750ml, 42%alc/vol stated (US import for Brown Forman Beverage, Louisville) 750ML and 43%alc/vol 750ML 90 Proof 43%Alc/Vol 750ML (25.4 fl.oz) 90 Proof

11d. Cordon Argent Extra, tapered bottles (est. 1970-80s)

750ML (25.4 fl.oz) 90 Proof  70cl e; 45%vol 45%; 700cc stated 45%; 700cc stated; Italian import data underneath: dalla Spirits, Genova  44%, 70cl stated  44%, '70cl e' stated 700cc e, 44%vol (Italian) 70cle; 43.5%vol; Italian import 70cl e; 43%vol  43% stated in the bottom right and 700cc e in the bottom left; Italian 70cle, 43%vol; with a paper seal on top (Italian) 70cle and 43%vol stated; Ausländisches Erzeugnis different typeface, gradi 43 procent Contents 700ML and 43% indicated (Australian bottle) 43°G.L stated in the top left and Cont. neto 700ml in the top right (Mexican import). 70cl e, 42%vol 42%; contenuto idrato 70cl e and gradi 42% stated (1980s) 70cl stated, ABV not stated (said on auction to be 40%) 750ml stated (abv not stated)

11e. Extra, decanters

Martell Extra  Same as previous one, but with a paper seal on top (1990s)  Extra, content and ABV not stated  Little 'M' on the label; CONT.NET. 700ml stated; Mexican import Little 'M' on the label; CONT.NET. 700ml stated (differently); Mexican import Little 'M' on the label; CONT.NET. 700ml stated on the foot of the bottle; Mexican import

Extra, different shape of label, 700ml stated  70cl e stated  Extra, different shape of label, 700ml stated; Produce of France printed oblique   750ML and 40%ALC/VOL stated

12. Vintages:

1694 vintage, bottled in 1874 Vintage 1717; not an emblem I have ever seen before... 1739 vintage (modern emblem of a swift) 1760 vintage (modern emblem of a swift) 1780 vintage, selectd in 1900 (modern emblem of a swift) 1816 vintage bottled in 1970 for Maxim's restaurant 1830 1877; Bowen & McKechnie 1898 (bottled 2019) 1900, landed 1906, bottled 1969 by Quellyn Roberts & Co. 1903 Very Choice Old Vintage Cognac, landed in Newcastle-on-tyne in 1906, bottled 1939 1904, landed 1905; Grant & Co. 1904, landed 1909, bottled 1970 by Quellyn Roberts & Co.; only partly photographed   1906 Very Choice Old Vintage Cognac; landed 1907, bottled 1938 1906 Very Choice Old Vintage Cognac; landed 1907, bottled 1938; with content stated 1904-1906 Vintage (?); bottled 1941 1906 Grande Fine Champagne (landed 1908) Very Choice Old 1913, landed 1914 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, bottled 1944 1913 1913, landed 1914, bottled 1939 by Avery's, Bristol; only partly photographed 1921, landed 1960, bottled 1962  1929 Grande Champagne (genuine? strange label without the normal emblem; I have seen another one as well) 1939; landed 1974 and bottled 1982 1940 Cordon Bleu Collection 1968 (2011) Collection 1971 (2014)  Collection 1972 (2016)

 

 

 

 

Reacties

Martell standard and vintage — 39 reacties

    • I am sorry, I don’t know. I never asked myself that question. But I would be surprised if it really was silver.

      Antwoorden ↓

  2. good evening, what is the size of the original mark on the box Martell Cordon Argent Extra?
    Does it really have to be made of silver?
    Best regards.

    Antwoorden ↓

    • I am not sure of I understand your question exactly. But In Europe and Asia the normal size is 70cl (700ml). For the US is is 750ml. And silver is probably just referring to the age. A 25th anniversary is called a silver anniversary, so the cognac will have aged 25 years.

      Antwoorden ↓

    • Thank you very much for this bottle. Indeed, it seems that I do not have it here yet. But the picture is too small, so I can’t quite make out what’s on the label. If I send an e-mail, could you send me a better photo?
      Thank you in advance.
      Ton

      Antwoorden ↓

  4. Hi Ton,

    I have come across an interesting bottle. This Cordon Argent is a half-bottle. I put it next to a Davidoff just for illustration purpose. Could you shed some light on the age and abv of this bottle? The back label is gone, and the front one is tarnished as well. Thanks!

    Antwoorden ↓

    • Hi Fuzhou,

      This is the first half bottle of Cordon Argent that I see, apart form a flask. The CA was produced from the 1930s until well in the 1970s. I don’t see any text above the emblem, but the picture is really small…?
      Riveting stopped around 1960, so I think this one is from the 1950s. I don’t think half bottles were produced in the 1940s or before.
      The ABV would have been 40° (80 proof). Only later they made bottles with a higher alcohol percentage.

      I would like to have a larger format photo of this bottle to use in the bottle catalog. It will be easier to send it via e-mail, so I’ll send you an e-mail to facilitate this.

      Kind regards,
      Ton

      Antwoorden ↓

  8. Beste Ton,

    Wat een leuke, interessante en informatieve website! Ik hoop dat jij mij kan helpen bij het bepalen van de leeftijd van een fles Martell. Helaas is deze bewaard in vloeipapier en waarschijnlijk is dit vochtig geworden waardoor het etiket niet goed meer leesbaar is. De fles is afgesloten met een kurk, met een blauwe cap. Verder is op de hals van de fles een etiket met 3 sterren te zien. Hieronder zit een los etiket met met de naam Martell erop.

    Antwoorden ↓

    • Het lijkt er op dat de band met Martell er op, die normaal vlak boven het hoofdlabel zit, naar beneden is verschoven. Maar ik denk dat ik de fles in handen moet hebben om hier een uitspraak over te doen. Of veel duidelijker foto’s.
      Ik zal je een e-mail sturen, dan kun je wat detailfoto’s terugsturen, maar ik kan niks beloven.
      Ton

      Antwoorden ↓

    • Well, it obviously has lost its front label. But this is a VSOP probably from the 1970s, could be 1960s though. It had a white label.
      Without its label it is not worth very much. With the label it would have been over €100 (€120-160).
      1715 is the date of establishment of the Martell company, it is not the year the bottle was produced.

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    • Hi,

      Indeed, I have not.
      I would really like to have a good picture of this bottle. I will send you an e-mail to facilitate.

      Kind regards,
      Ton

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    • These are from the 1970s. The exact year is almost impossible to tell. They have not a great value. If you are willing to search for them you can buy them for around €25-30 (ex. auction fee and transport costs), but sometimes buyers are willing to bid higher, even above €60.

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