# School me in vintage crystal whiskey decanters **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 6, 2011, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-me-in-vintage-crystal-whiskey-decanters/605214 "2011-12-06T01:36:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smoke)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-me-in-vintage-crystal-whiskey-decanters/605214/1 "2011-12-06T01:36:12Z")
I’d like to buy one for a good friend. Originally, I was looking for leaded glass, but have read that they leach out significant amounts of lead, so I’m kind of scared off that track, but if that threat is overblown I can be talked back into it. However, I know nothing about what to look for- when I say “vintage” I guess I mean classic, unique, striking, etc. Used is expected. I can find plenty of items of ebay but don’t really know what I should be looking for, if there are any abc’s of (leaded?) crystal decanters. Any advice? Specific listings would be fine too. I’m thinking up to the $200 range. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smoke)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-me-in-vintage-crystal-whiskey-decanters/605214/2 "2011-12-06T17:31:15Z")
D’oh! Bump for the day crew? ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-me-in-vintage-crystal-whiskey-decanters/605214/3 "2011-12-06T18:25:46Z")
If stored in lead crystal for an extended period, like weeks to months, a potentially dangerous amount of lead can leach into your booze. If the contents are drank or otherwise emptied within a few hours, you’re fine. Other than that, I say just go with whatever is most aesthetically pleasing to you. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-me-in-vintage-crystal-whiskey-decanters/605214/4 "2011-12-06T18:54:36Z")
Is this for actual use, or just for decor? If it’s for actual use, as in storing whiskey, make sure it has a sealed top, not just a heavy crystal peg. Most crystal decanters that I’ve seen are not air-tight, and heck if I’d store my pricey whiskey in something that’s going to let it evaporate away. ---
**Author:** ![smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smoke)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-me-in-vintage-crystal-whiskey-decanters/605214/5 "2011-12-06T19:31:59Z")
Good points on both counts. I will certainly advise him to store it only for “special occasions” if I go leaded. Either way, I’ll definitely make sure the peg/top is tight. Thanks both of you. Still open to anything “awesome” any connoisseurs or collectors might be able to point to. ---
**Author:** ![Rodd\_Hill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ab097/32.png) [@Rodd\_Hill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodd_Hill)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-me-in-vintage-crystal-whiskey-decanters/605214/6 "2011-12-06T20:09:39Z")
Honestly, as a single malt fancier, I’d rather receive a $200 bottle of whisky (or two $100 bottles) and just keep them corked, as they came out of the distillery. I’d also think you were a hell of a good friend, and ask you to join me in a dram. Or two. ---
**Author:** ![smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smoke)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-me-in-vintage-crystal-whiskey-decanters/605214/7 "2011-12-06T20:37:05Z")
Heh. There’ll be a bottle with it. 🙂