How do I use them today?

You can fill them with your favourite spirits for dining room display or traditional serving. Hand wash them carefully with warm water, avoiding harsh detergents that might damage old glass or gilding.

How do I date a decanter?

Look at the shape of the body, the cut rings on the neck, and the pontil mark on the base. Earlier eighteenth-century examples tend to have broader bases and gentler tapering. Silver labels and stoppers matching the period style also help narrow down the decade of manufacture.

Why are some decanters blue?

Bristol blue glass became popular during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries for holding specific liquors like rum and brandy. The deep cobalt colour protected contents from sunlight. Makers often added gold leaf inscriptions directly onto the blue surface.