How do I clean a glass decanter?

Wash the interior carefully with warm water and mild detergent, avoiding harsh abrasives that scratch the surface. Rinse thoroughly and allow the vessel to dry completely before replacing the stopper. Keep silver collars polished with a suitable cloth while taking care not to let cleaning agents contact the glass body directly.

What periods do these pieces span?

The inventory covers items from the mid-eighteenth century through the Georgian and Victorian eras, extending into Edwardian and Art Deco periods. Victorian and Edwardian examples appear most frequently, reflecting the manufacturing output of those decades.

Are stoppers original to the bottles?

Many decanters retain their original stoppers, shaped and cut to match the specific neck and body of the vessel. Inspecting the fit and glass colour helps determine original pairing. Matched pairs often show consistent wear patterns across both the bottle and the corresponding stopper.

How were locking decanters used?

Locking decanters utilise a metal collar and mechanism to secure the stopper in place, preventing unauthorized access to spirits. These were common in wealthier households during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. A key operates the mechanism to release the neck collar when pouring drinks.