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ID #SA1241895
FOR SALE
£120
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Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter C1830
For sale by Exhibit Antiques
for sale €140     $152
£120
Exhibit Antiques

Exhibit Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2019
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Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter C1830

19th century
For Sale by Exhibit Antiques
Description

Description

A fine 19th century Bristol blue glass Mell decanter dating to c1830.

It has the distinctive broad, low body of the Mell form with a long tapering neck and applied collar rim. The base has a polished pontil.

It retains a period cork and metal stopper with a ring finial marked RUM. Although originally used for spirits, the decanter could equally be used today for wine or as a striking table carafe.

If you would like to see and learn more about Mell Decanters we have an excellent web site article on the subject, however you can also find it on our website using the search term below-

Identification of Antique Glass | The Mell Glass Decanter

Date & Origin

England, c1830. Period of King William IV.

Condition

Excellent. No chips, cracks or restoration. Clean and clear internally.

Dimensions

Height: 25 cm (includes stopper)

Diameter: 18 cm.

Historical Context

The Mell decanter is one of the more distinctive British decanter forms of the late Georgian period, characterised by its broad, flattened body and relatively long narrow neck. As with many hand-made forms, however, the proportions can vary considerably from one example to another.

This particular example has an especially broad and low profile and could easily be mistaken for a ship's decanter. It is nevertheless a variation of the Mell form, the long neck and characteristic flattened body being particularly distinctive.

The wide base also provided a practical degree of stability on the table, while the long narrow neck made the decanter easy to grasp and pour.

The period RUM stopper may be a replacement either way it's a nice addition and gives a direct indication of how the decanter was used during its working life.

Declaration

Exhibit Antiques has dated this Georgian Blue Glass Decanter to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1241895
Dealers Internal Reference
2026082591
Description
Description

A fine 19th century Bristol blue glass Mell decanter dating to c1830.

“
It has the distinctive broad, low body of the Mell form with a long tapering neck and applied collar rim.
Exhibit Antiques

The base has a polished pontil.

fig 1. A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.
fig 1. Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter C1830

It retains a period cork and metal stopper with a ring finial marked RUM. Although originally used for spirits, the decanter could equally be used today for wine or as a striking table carafe.

If you would like to see and learn more about Mell Decanters we have an excellent web site article on the subject, however you can also find it on our website using the search term below-

fig 2. A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.
fig 2. Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter C1830

Identification of Antique Glass | The Mell Glass Decanter

Date & Origin

England, c1830. Period of King William IV.

Condition

Excellent. No chips, cracks or restoration. Clean and clear internally.

Dimensions

fig 3. A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.
fig 3. Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter C1830

Height: 25 cm (includes stopper)

Diameter: 18 cm.

Historical Context

The Mell decanter is one of the more distinctive British decanter forms of the late Georgian period, characterised by its broad, flattened body and relatively long narrow neck. As with many hand-made forms, however, the proportions can vary considerably from one example to another.

fig 4. A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.
fig 4. Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter C1830

This particular example has an especially broad and low profile and could easily be mistaken for a ship's decanter. It is nevertheless a variation of the Mell form, the long neck and characteristic flattened body being particularly distinctive.

fig 5. A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.
fig 5. Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter C1830

The wide base also provided a practical degree of stability on the table, while the long narrow neck made the decanter easy to grasp and pour.

The period RUM stopper may be a replacement either way it's a nice addition and gives a direct indication of how the decanter was used during its working life.

Date of Manufacture

Exhibit Antiques has dated this Georgian Blue Glass Decanter to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1241895
Dealers Internal Ref
2026082591
Exhibit Antiques
Exhibit Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2019

Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Exhibit Antiques Profile Page

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A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.
1 / 6
Archive I A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.

Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter C1830

Archive II A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM. View II
Archive III A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM. View III
Archive IV A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM. View IV
Archive V A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM. View V
Archive VI A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Exhibit Antiques

Exhibit Antiques
Telephone 01501 228 282
Location
Glasgow
Scotland
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/exhibitantiques
Verified Since Mar 2019
Items For Sale 176
Items Sold 2,195
Exhibit Antiques
Exhibit Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/exhibitantiques
Verified
Mar 2019
For Sale
176
Sold
2,195
A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.
Georgian Blue Glass Mell Decanter c1830
Ref: SA1241895
A Georgian cobalt blue glass mell decanter with a wide rounded base, narrow neck, and a cork stopper with a metal ring labeled RUM.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecanters
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialCobalt Glass, Cork, Pewter
  • ColourCobalt Blue
  • MotifsMell shape, Ring stopper, Narrow neck, Flat base

This Georgian Bristol blue glass Mell decanter dates to c1830 and follows a distinctive nineteenth century form. The cobalt blue glass piece has a wide rounded base, a narrow neck, and an applied collar rim. It retains a period cork stopper featuring a metal ring labeled RUM, alongside a polished pontil on the base. Measuring 25 cm in height and 18 cm in diameter, the vessel has an especially broad and low profile designed for stability. Originally intended for spirits during the period of King William IV, the decanter suits modern homes as a striking table carafe or a functional container for wine. It sits neatly atop a sideboard in a dining room, study, or living space. The glossy surface, deep saturated colour, and metallic hardware complement traditional and contemporary interiors alike.

FAQs

A mell decanter is a specific form of vessel originating in the 18th and early 19th centuries, named for its resemblance to a traditional honey pot or mell. Characterised by a broad, squat body and a long slender neck, these decanters were widely produced during the Georgian period for serving wines and spirits.

Georgian coloured decanters were hand-blown using lead glass infused with metallic oxides, such as cobalt oxide for blue glass. Stoppers were commonly fashioned from ground glass, cork, or fitted with silver and pewter ring tops stamped with spirit names.

Authentic Georgian pieces typically display a snapped or ground pontil mark on the base, minor irregularities from hand-blowing, and natural age-related wear on the underside. The glass often exhibits a characteristic weight and depth of colour consistent with period oxide formulas.

Position the decanter on a sideboard, drinks trolley, or open shelving where light can pass through the coloured glass. Pairing rich cobalt or green glass against neutral backdrops or dark wood furniture accentuates the silhouette and colour depth.

Clean hand-blown glass gently using lukewarm water and mild detergent, avoiding sudden temperature changes that cause thermal shock. Allow the interior to dry completely using soft cotton cloths or decanter drying stands to prevent moisture buildup.
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