How were wine labels used?

These small tags hung around the necks of glass decanters using short silver chains. They served to identify the specific wine or spirit poured for guests. Servants placed them on matching decanters so diners could distinguish between ports, sherries and clarets on the dining table.

Are they solid silver?

The pieces recorded here consist of sterling silver, solid silver and silver gilt. Makers stamped them with assay office marks and sterling hallmarks. Electroplate and base metals do not appear among these traditional antique examples.

How do I date a label?

Hallmarks stamped on the reverse or edge provide the exact year and assay office of manufacture. London, Edinburgh and provincial towns recorded their output through date letters and maker initials. Stylistic shifts from rococo revival curves to naturalistic vine leaves also help assign pieces to Georgian, Regency or Victorian eras.