How do I clean tarnished silver mounts?

Use a specialised silver polishing cloth and gentle cream, taking care to avoid abrasive contact with the adjacent glass or crystal bodies. Apply the cleaner sparingly with soft cotton, then rinse gently and dry thoroughly to restore the original shine without damaging antique hallmarks.

Can I use these decanters for modern wine?

These historical vessels function well for aerating and serving modern red or white wines during formal dinners. Ensure the interior is thoroughly rinsed before use, and avoid leaving acidic liquids inside the vessel for extended periods.

How do I identify the date of a piece?

Look for stamped hallmarks on the silver components, which typically include maker marks, standard sterling marks, and date letters. Matching these punch marks against official assay office records reveals the exact year and city of manufacture.

What is the purpose of a wine funnel?

Wine funnels were utilised during formal dining to filter out sediment and cork particles while pouring wine from bottle to decanter. The removable pierced strainer disc sits inside the funnel bowl to catch particulate matter cleanly.