A wine tag is a small silver label hung by a chain around the neck of a decanter to show what drink is inside. These pieces were used during dinner parties to help hosts and guests identify ports, sherries, and clarets easily.

Dating relies on maker marks, assay office stamps, and date letters stamped directly onto the silver surface. Stylistic shifts, from plain escutcheons to vine leaf patterns, also point toward specific periods like the Regency or Victorian eras.

What drinks are named?

Labels commonly name fortified and table wines such as sherry, port, claret, madeira, hock, and moselle. Less frequent designations include rum and hollands, reflecting the wider range of spirits served on period tables.

How should I clean silver?

Silver tags require gentle cleaning with a soft cloth to preserve the engraved details and original hallmarks. Avoid harsh dips or abrasive polishes that can wear away the thin metal and soften the stamped lettering over time.