If you haven’t seen the highlights of Richard Gardner’s Foss Ski Country decanters, you’ll have your last chance this summer. This temporary exhibit at the Golden History Center will be on view until Sunday, Aug. 14 when we’ll begin making room for a new exhibit celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Golden Fortnightly Club.
Richard Gardner shows off a favorite.
In the early 1970s Foss Drug introduced a house-bourbon called Ski Country that came in a choice of three porcelain art decanters sculpted in the form of skiers. Over the next quarter century, Foss produced 195 decanter designs, ranging from waterfowl and wildlife to Indians and rodeos. Ski Country decanters were made in limited editions of 120 to 12,000, usually in miniature and 750 ml sizes.
For a while the Foss Ski Country decanters were extremely popular, with their own national collector club, catalog, newsletter, and yearly auction. By the 1990s the decanter craze was over. Today, the Golden History Museum is one of the only places to see such an array of the various designs. Some are displayed in the museum’s online collection.
The decanters are on loan from Golden resident and historian Richard Gardner.
The “barrel racer” decanter from the Foss Ski Country series.
Finally, one of GHM’s primary goals is to collect artifacts that document Golden history. They include objects which were actually made or used in Golden and have a clear and specific association with some significant aspect of Golden history.
Do you have a Foss Ski Country decanter in your own private collection that you wish to donate to the museum? If so, please contact Mark Dodge at 303.278.3557.
I have recently inherited my Grandfather’s Ski Country Decanter collection and am looking to sell it can you please let me know if you have any suggestions on the direction to start. I have heard that you know of a gentleman that may specialize in this field. Thank you
I’m happy to speak with you about your collection. We’re always interesed in acquiring Golden artifacts. I’d love to add “The Skiers” to the collection if you have one. “The Skiers” were the very first Ski County decanters produced, and were originally intended to commemorate the 1972 Winter Olympics, but Colorado voters turned down the Olympics after production of the decanter was already underway.They came in red, blue and a flashy gold-plated edition.
I have a us ski team in the Styrofoam never removed, plus cases of ski decanters new, bag of tags, and extra boxes. How do I know what I have as far as value or rarity. I have 1000s of decanters, beam, ezra brooks.
Hi Franklin. We suggest looking for a qualified appraiser through the American Society of Appraisers to get an idea of rarity or value on your decanters.
I have a set of the Ski Country grand slam Bighorn sheep (4), I was wondering what they are valued at?
Unfortunately, the Museum does not appraise artifacts. We suggest finding a reputable appraiser through the American Society of Appraisers.
I have recently acquired a Great horned owl 1985 #1211 I was interested in knowing the value of this item
Thank you for your time.
I have a collection of Ski Country Ceremonial Indian Dancers all in their original boxes, tags, mint and unopened that I would like to sell but have no idea of their value. These were left to me by my uncle.
Hi Gail
We are not able to provide appraisals. I suggest looking for an appraiser through the American Society of Appraisers.
Hey there. It took a little digging to figure out what this was. I have a Ski Country Badger with the whiskey still in the decanter with the stamp still on it. I found among many other decanters my mother had collected. Not sure if you would have an interest in it or not. Still has the styrofoam and box it came in. I was also curious what whiskey/bourbon went in these. I found where it said they are all numbered but I’m unable to find a number anywhere on it? Do you know where it’s located?
Hi Tony! Do you still have this specific decanter, with the bourbon still inside? Very interested to hear more about it if so. Look forward to hearing from you!
I have come about the polar bear bottle. The box and polar bear. The polar has a chip on the top side of the ear. Did some research on these items.just looking for additional information for these bottles