Kentucky Derby Unofficial Bar Glass

Vintage Kentucky Derby Bar Glass | “Big D” Design | Unofficial Racing Glass | Late 1960s

Name: Vintage Kentucky Derby Bar Glass | “Big D” Design | Unofficial Racing Glass | Late 1960s
Brand: Kentucky Derby Unofficial Bar Glass
Price: 40.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$40.00 USD

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Low stock: 1 left

Type:: Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glass
Era:: Mid-20th Century (1946 - 1969)
Circa:: 1967 - 1968
Maker:: Unofficial I Bar-Issued
Material:: Glass
Dimensions:: About 5 ¼" high | 12-ounce
Condition:: Excellent (EX)
Pattern:: Horse Racing | Twin Spires
Decoration:: “Big D” Typography with Jockey Motif
Notes:: Hand wash recommended

Bold mid-century “Big D” design | Bar-issued Derby glass, circa 1967

Collector’s Note

In addition to the official mint julep glasses issued by Churchill Downs, a wide range of “unofficial” Derby glasses were produced for bars, restaurants, and promotional use throughout the mid-20th century. These pieces were never used at the track itself, yet have become collectible in their own right for their bold graphics, regional distribution, and distinctive interpretations of Derby imagery. The so-called “Big D” design is especially notable for its oversized typography and strong mid-century visual style.

Experience the spirit of the Kentucky Derby through this vintage unofficial bar glass, produced for promotional use in bars and restaurants during the late 1960s. Unlike official commemorative glasses, these bar-issued examples were distributed regionally and produced in smaller, less standardized runs—making surviving examples increasingly sought after by collectors.

This example features the distinctive “Big D” Derby design, characterized by its oversized lettering, stylized racing jockey, and the iconic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. The bold graphic approach sets it apart from official Derby glasses of the period, giving it a strong mid-century modern aesthetic.

The reverse lists past Derby winners through the 93rd Running (1967), anchoring the piece firmly in its era while offering a compact historical record of the race.

Display

A compelling addition to any Derby glass collection, this unofficial example pairs beautifully with official mint julep glasses to showcase the broader culture of racing memorabilia. Its bold graphics also make it an eye-catching standalone piece for bar displays or mid-century glassware collections.

Excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks. Graphics remain crisp and well-preserved. We recommend hand washing only to maintain the integrity of the printed design.

Browse our Kentucky Derby Glasses & Racing Collectibles to to explore official commemorative glasses from the 1940s forward, along with additional racing memorabilia and barware celebrating the enduring tradition of Derby season.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.