What is a cellarette?

A cellarette is a lockable container designed to hold wine bottles near the dining table. These pieces kept beverages secure and cool during formal meals before refrigeration existed.

They were filled with ice and water to chill wine bottles prior to serving. Servants placed them on the floor or on dedicated stands beside the dining furniture.

Dating relies on timber choices, brass binding styles, and structural proportions. Eighteenth-century examples display hand-cut joinery and aged mahogany, while later revivals show twentieth-century manufacturing traits.

Are they all mahogany?

Mahogany is the dominant timber seen across these listings, alongside padouk. Some pieces incorporate satinwood inlay or metal elements for decorative variation.

Did they have stands?

Some vessels stood directly on the floor, while others rested upon purpose-built stands. These raised variations elevated the heavy containers for easier access during dinner service.