How do I hang a bottle ticket?

Most antique spirit bottle tickets come equipped with their original linked silver chains. You simply loop the chain around the narrow neck of the decanter so the label faces forward. Ensure the chain rests comfortably without biting into the glass, allowing the tag to hang freely beneath the stopper.

What spirits are named on these labels?

The most common spirit names stamped or engraved on these tags include sherry, rum, gin, brandy, madeira, and champagne. Georgian and Victorian hosts used them to prevent any confusion around the dining table. Some unusual or blank titles also appear, which allowed owners to write or engrave their own preferences.

How can I tell a Georgian label from a Victorian one?

Georgian and Regency spirit tickets often feature delicate vine leaves, crescent shapes, and bright-cut engraving by makers like William Sharp. Victorian examples tend to be heavier, with broader shield forms and more robust lettering. Checking the hallmarks for specific date letters will provide the most accurate guide to the exact decade of manufacture.

Can I use them on modern decanters?

These silver tags suit modern crystal decanters just as well as antique ones, provided the neck circumference matches the length of the chain. They add immediate traditional character to contemporary glassware. Take care to measure the chain drop so the metal tag does not scratch the body of the decanter as you pour.