It was in the 1920's that the idea of a Bell Shaped Decanter was first conceived. It began life made of blue glass in a rather more traditional Decanter shape and, by the 1930's, the concept had developed in design. By then, it was made in porcelain, and although the colour was still predominantly blue, it looked more like a Bell.

In the early 1950's Royal Doulton, a famous name in porcelain manufacture, took over its production and a brown and gold Decanter was introduced. A unique blend of specially selected Whiskies was created for it, and in 1959 a pint sized version was added to the existing 75cl size. In 1960 manufacture was taken over by Spode, another well known name in the pottery industry. Demand for Bell's Decanters was ever increasing and they were becoming a familiar sight in outlets around the World.

Details are somewhat scarce on Bell's Decanters produced in conjunction with Norfolk Pottery?

Wade, the third famous porcelain manufacturer, took over the product of Decanters in 1965 and as sales continued to develop, special lines were installed at Wade's Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent and Portadown. In the early 1970's the quarter bottle size was introduced and the family was completed in 1979 with the production of the 5cl Miniature Decanter.

In 1988 Bell's launched the new Bell Shaped Decanter in tan and cream, reflecting Bell's 'House Style' and containing Bell's Extra Special Blended Scotch Whisky. Decanters are still made by Wade and are hand finished with 24 carat gold. The original Decanters came complete in their own presentation canister with a carry cord. The range at this time was 75cl, 37.5cl, 18.75cl and then a 75cl containing Bell's 12 Year Old.

Following a change in EEC legislation with effect from 1 May 1991, fill levels of all spirits bottles and Bell's Decanters were changed. At that time the 75cl size was replaced by a 70cl Decanter, and because of prohibitive costs, the 37.5cl and 18.75cl Decanters and Bell's 12 Year Old 70cl were phased out in the early 1990's, escalating production costs made it necessary for Bell's to stop making standard Bell's Decanters altogether.