You’re in the attic, the kind that smells like dust, old paper, and stories waiting to be found. A cracked window lets in a bit of light, and tucked away in the corner — under a faded blanket or behind a stack of yellowed magazines — you find a box.
It rattles a little when you move it. Feels surprisingly light. Inside?
Tiny glass figurines.
Delicate. Detailed. Each one shaped like a little animal, person, or odd character. And here’s the strange part — they’re filled with liquid. Sealed. Suspended in time.
Not perfume bottles. Not snow globes. But definitely made to be looked at, admired… and maybe used?
So what are they?
You, my friend, just found a vintage novelty glass mini liquor set — sometimes called liquor nips or miniature decanter figurines.
Yes, they’re actually miniature alcohol bottles — collectible, gift-ready, and often made in playful or decorative shapes. These were especially popular from the 1950s to 1970s. Sold as quirky souvenirs, conversation starters, or even as part of holiday gift sets, each figurine was filled with a small amount of spirits — sometimes whiskey, schnapps, or liqueur.
Some were mass-produced, others came from European glassmakers or distilleries trying to stand out. The liquid inside? Likely long past its prime, and not safe to drink today — but still sealed inside as a little preserved history.
The full box weighing around 500 grams means there’s not much liquid in each, but the charm is really in the design — some shaped like animals, others like cars, boots, or even tiny people.
Today, collectors love these. Especially if the liquid is still sealed and the glass is intact. Depending on the maker and rarity, your attic discovery could be worth something — or at the very least, a fantastic piece of retro barware history.
So next time someone asks, “What’s the weirdest thing you found in an attic?” — you’ve got quite the story.
Because those aren’t just glass figurines…
They’re a miniature toast from the past.
