Silver Sherry Tag
These silver sherry tag pieces are classic decanter labels, forged in sterling silver to identify the bottle.
Silver Sherry Tag
A silver sherry tag sits around the neck of a decanter, naming the drink within so the contents remain clear.
Most pieces seen here belong to the Georgian and Victorian periods, taking forms such as the escutcheon, the simple letter S, and the vine leaf.
Makers fashioned these markers in solid silver, often hanging them from delicate silver chains to sit upon the bottle shoulder.
Materials and construction
Silversmiths utilised sterling silver and solid silver, hammering and casting the metal into distinct shapes to name the sherry.
Many examples feature hallmarks from London and Edinburgh, recording the assay office and date of creation.
Silver Sherry Tag Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for silver sherry tag among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Even the letter S can be a label, standing proudly alone to name the sherry.
Judging the work
Quality rests upon the crispness of the pierced or engraved lettering and the weight of the solid silver used in the body.
Pieces bearing the punch marks of notable makers or complete matching sets stand apart from anonymous single examples.
John Reily·William Sharp·Peter and Anne Bateman·Mappin and Webb
The Silver Sherry Tag Glossary
- Escutcheon
- A shield-shaped plate used for naming the contents of a decanter. This form is common in Georgian examples.
- Hallmark
- A series of official marks stamped into silver, showing the standard of purity, the assay office, and the date letter.
- Decanter label
- A small metal tag hung from the neck of a bottle to identify the wine or spirit inside. They are sometimes called bottle tickets.
- Sterling silver
- An alloy containing a high proportion of pure silver, used extensively across these Victorian and Georgian items.
Silver Sherry Tag: Frequently Asked Questions
How do these labels attach to bottles?
Most examples use a fine silver chain that slips around the neck of the decanter.
The tag then hangs freely against the glass shoulder below the stopper.
Are these pieces made of solid silver?
The listings show items formed from solid silver, sterling silver, and standard silver.
Assay marks often help confirm the specific metal standard and origin.
Can I date these tags using hallmarks?
British silver typically bears town marks and date letters that indicate the year of manufacture.
Georgian and Victorian pieces carry distinct stamps that reveal their exact period.