A matched set of solid sterling silver wine funnel and stand, dating from the reign of George III.It is a wonderful example of a solid sterling silver 3-part wine funnel. It is clearly hallmarked for London 1786 and carries the maker''s mark of Samuel Meriton II. It is unusual to find a complete 3-part wine funnel of this age. The muslin ring fits tightly into the bowl of the funnel and the spout simply pushes on to the neck. Unusually, the spout isn''t broken off at the end. The muslin ring carries a partial hallmark, as does the spout. The bowl has a family emblem engraved - a fist holding what looks to be a bone, but is probably a branch! The tang (the lip attached to the bowl which hooks over the claret jug or decanter) is free of engravings.The funnel stand is decorated with what looks to be a phoenix rising from the ashes surrounded by a beaded rim. As with all funnel stands, the case is concave. The hallmarks are on the outer rim and are quite rubbed - the head of ...