Any advice on how to remove corks from old collectible liquor decanters?

[noelani]

I have been asked to sell some collectible ceramic liquor decanters that are still full.  I know they have to be emptied but they are from the 1970's so the corks are completely dried out and stuck.  I do not want to damage the bottles.  Anyone have a suggestion as to how to remove the corks without damaging the decanters?  thanks!

[krazzykats]

Contact the original distiller and ask.

Might also ask them if they know the value with, or without the contents.

[moondogblues]

I LUVS whiskey.  Oh show me the way to the next whiskey bar, oh don't ask why, oh don't ask why....

[noelani]

Thanks for all the great replies!  Mostly the problem is that the way the decanters are made, all the corks are part of the actual figures, either the entire head or a hat, etc.  I might try laying them down to see if the corks will soak up some of the whiskey but I think these may be too old, they are all from the mid 1970's.  The original owner said the whiskey was "rotgut" and he only bought them for display.  (Sure wish he had emptied them when new!).