Silver Plated Table Coaster
These silver plated table coaster pieces protect the dining surface while holding bottles and decanters in place.
Silver Plated Table Coaster
A silver plated table coaster acts as a stable base for wine bottles and decanters on the dining table. These items protect polished wood surfaces from rings and spills during meals.
The selections here span periods from the Regency era through the Victorian period, Edwardian years, and into the mid-twentieth century. Forms range from single bottle holders to multiple bottle trolleys and fruit bowls.
Makers utilised silver plate and Old Sheffield Plate alongside mahogany bases, copper, brass, and felt linings. Pieces emerge in styles such as Georgian, Art Nouveau, and Belle Epoque.
How they were made
Old Sheffield Plate involves fusing a thin layer of silver onto a copper base before shaping. This technique creates a distinctive warm tone as the copper occasionally shows through the wear.
Victorian and later examples employ electroplating to bond silver onto base metals. Wooden inserts, particularly mahogany, are frequently fitted to the centre with felt applied to the underside.
Materials recorded across these listings include silver plate, copper, brass, mahogany, and felt.
What varies in quality
The weight of the metal and the crispness of the chased or pierced ornamentation define the standard of execution. Substantial gauge silver plate maintains its form better through centuries of use.
Matched pairs and sets demonstrate higher initial investment than single items. The integration of turned mahogany bases and original felt lining influences the overall integrity of the piece.
Brook and Son·Christofle
The Silver Plated Table Coaster Glossary
- Old Sheffield Plate
- A method of fusing silver and copper together before rolling into sheets, used before electroplating became common.
- Wine Coaster
- A small circular tray with a raised rim, designed to hold a bottle and slide across the polished dining table.
- Wine Trolley
- A larger coaster or set of coasters mounted on small wheels, allowing bottles to be rolled along the mahogany surface.
- Electroplate
- A process of depositing a layer of silver onto a base metal using an electrical current, widely adopted during the Victorian period.
Silver Plated Table Coaster: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a silver plated table coaster used for?
These pieces hold wine bottles and decanters securely on the dining table. They prevent condensation and drips from marking the polished wood surface.
Historically, hosts passed them along the mahogany table after the servants withdrew. This allowed guests to pour their own wine without standing up.
How do I clean an antique coaster?
Use a soft cloth and a mild silver polish designed for plated items. Avoid harsh scrubbing that wears away the thin silver layer.
Keep moisture away from the wooden bases and felt linings during cleaning. Wipe them dry immediately after polishing.
How can I tell Old Sheffield Plate from later pieces?
Old Sheffield Plate reveals a faint copper line along the cut edges where the fused metals meet. Electroplated items show a uniform silver colour across all surfaces.
Pieces from the Regency and early nineteenth century often utilise this fused method. Later Victorian items typically rely on electroplating.
Can I use these coasters on modern tables?
These items function well on modern dining surfaces while adding period character to the room. Their felt or wooden bases protect contemporary finishes just as they protected Georgian ones.
Ensure the underside remains clean and dry to prevent any scratching on delicate modern polishes.