Silver Mount Decanter
A silver mount decanter combines glass vessels with sterling silver or plated collars, handles, and stoppers for entertaining.
Silver Mount Decanter
A silver mount decanter brings together heavy glassware and metal fittings, designed for serving wine, whisky, and spirits during formal dining or in private studies.
The selections available span the Victorian and Edwardian eras through to Art Deco designs, featuring vessels intended for ports, sherries, and claret.
Common variations include standard pouring bottles alongside spirit noggins, perfume bottles, and mechanical locking tantalus sets housed in oak or coromandel wood.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Makers utilised heavy clear cut glass, crystal, and coloured glass vessels, often incorporating amethyst, cranberry, amber, or Nailsea glass bodies.
Mounts, collars, and hinged lids were fashioned from sterling silver or silver plate, frequently bearing hallmarks from assay offices in Birmingham, Sheffield, and London.
Wood frameworks for tantalus sets and dry bars relied on durable timbers such as oak, walnut, and coromandel to secure the decanters under lock and key.
Assessing Quality and Distinction
Distinction lies in the weight and clarity of the glass, where deeply cut crystal or specialised coloured glass bodies elevate a piece above standard domestic ware.
The execution of the silver mount marks the upper tiers, seen in crisp hallmarks, engraved floral details, and cast figurative handles such as serpent motifs or Bacchus masks.
Completeness dictates value, particularly when matching stoppers, associated spirit labels, or original wooden locking mechanisms remain intact with the vessel.
Asprey and Co. Ltd·Henry Matthews·Betjemann·Mappin and Webb·Walker and Hall·William Comyns·William Hutton and Sons·Hukin and Heath
The Silver Mount Decanter Glossary
- Glug glug decanter
- A vessel featuring a looped or restricted neck that produces a characteristic sound when liquid is poured. This design slows the flow of wine and aerates it simultaneously.
- Tantalus
- A locked wooden frame that holds decanters securely while displaying the contents through the sides. The mechanism prevents guests from pouring drinks without the key.
- Whisky noggin
- A small spirit decanter or jug, typically accompanied by a sterling silver mount and a matching label. These miniature vessels were designed for individual portions.
- Claret jug
- A large pouring vessel specifically intended for red wine, combining a glass or crystal body with an elaborate silver handle, hinged lid, and spout.
- Silver plate
- A base metal coated with a thin layer of silver using electrochemical or older rolling techniques. It provided the appearance of solid silver at a lower cost.
Silver Mount Decanter: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a silver mount decanter used for?
These vessels served to store and present wines, spirits, and cordials on dining tables and sideboards. The fitted metal collars provided a secure grip and protected the glass rims during pouring.
In period homes, they were also utilised in locked tantalus frames to secure expensive alcoholic beverages from household staff or uninvited guests.
How do I identify the age of a piece?
Dating relies heavily on the silver hallmarks stamped onto the collars, mounts, and lids, which indicate the assay office and year of manufacture. Stylistic indicators, such as cut glass patterns and the presence of Art Deco or Victorian design motifs, further narrow the production period.
Makers' marks stamped into the metal provide additional clues to trace the exact workshop or silversmith responsible for the mount.
Are stoppers usually original?
Finding a decanter with its original matching stopper remains a significant factor for collectors. Because stoppers were easily misplaced or broken during cleaning, many surviving pieces feature associated or later replacements.
Examining the fit, glass colour, and cut pattern helps determine whether the stopper belongs to the original vessel.
How should I clean and care for antique glass?
Gentle hand washing with warm water and mild detergent preserves both the glass and the delicate silver mounts. Harsh chemical cleaners and immersion in water should be avoided to protect silver plate and prevent damage to internal residues.
Thorough drying prevents moisture spots inside the vessel, keeping the interior clear and bright.