Sterling Silver Spirit Tag
These sterling silver spirit tags sit on decanters to name the contents, bringing old dining customs straight to the table.
Sterling Silver Spirit Tag
A sterling silver spirit tag hangs from the neck of a decanter to identify the wine or liquor poured within. The pieces seen here span periods from the Georgian and Regency eras through the Victorian and Edwardian years up to mid-century modern designs.
Most examples take the form of small shaped plates bearing engraved or pierced titles such as Sherry, Rum, Madeira, Gin, Brandy, and Champagne. They arrive singly or in matching sets, often suspended by fine silver chains to fit around bottle necks.
How they were made
Silversmiths shaped these markers from solid sterling silver, frequently employing techniques of piercing, stamping, and hand engraving. Certain mid-century variants incorporate coloured enamel work alongside the traditional metallic body.
London and Birmingham assay offices hallmarked many of these items, stamping them to guarantee the standard of the metal. Makers fashioned chains and suspension rings to match the main plate, ensuring durability during service.
Sterling Silver Spirit Tag Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for sterling silver spirit 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.
One remarkably specific Georgian miniature label bore the title 'One Go', suggesting an eighteenth-century measure for a single very determined sip.
What varies in quality
Differentiation in quality stems from the crispness of the hand engraving and the depth of the metal stamp. Earlier Georgian and Regency examples often display finer piercing and more deliberate detailing than later mass-produced pieces.
The presence of clear hallmarks and work by known makers elevates a piece, as does the survival of the original matching chain. Thicker gauge silver maintains its shape better over decades of handling than thinner alternatives.
William Sharp·Elizabeth Morley·Mappin And Webb
The Sterling Silver Spirit Tag Glossary
- Spirit tag
- A small label hung from a decanter neck to identify the beverage inside. It is also frequently known as a decanter label or bottle ticket.
- Hallmark
- A series of official marks stamped on precious metals to show the standard of purity, the assay office, and the year of making. These marks help verify the age and origin of the silver.
- Piercing
- A metalworking technique where shapes are cut out from the silver plate to form openwork designs and letters. This method is common on Georgian and Victorian specimens.
- Enamel
- A glassy substance fused to the surface of the silver through firing, adding colour and decoration. It appears on later twentieth-century barware pieces.
Sterling Silver Spirit Tag: Frequently Asked Questions
How do these labels attach to bottles?
Most spirit tags feature a small jump ring connected to a fine silver chain that slips over the neck of the decanter. This allows the label to hang loosely in front of the glass without scratching the surface.
Heavier sets generally maintain proportional chains designed to support the weight of the metal tag securely during pouring.
What drinks are usually named on them?
Traditional titles stamped or pierced onto the silver include Sherry, Rum, Madeira, Gin, Brandy, and Champagne. Some unusual examples bear specific bottle titles or collector initials rather than standard drink names.
Sets often group complementary fortified wines and spirits together for a uniform appearance on the sideboard.
How should I clean antique silver labels?
Gentle wiping with a soft, clean microfibre cloth removes everyday dust and minor tarnish without harming the delicate engraving or hallmarks. Avoid harsh abrasive dips that strip away the aged patina valued by collectors.
If the piece incorporates enamel work, keep moisture away from the coloured sections to preserve the fused glass surface.
Can I use them on modern decanters?
These silver pieces function just as well on contemporary glassware as they did on antique decanters, provided the chain length fits the bottle neck. Measuring the circumference of your decanter helps ensure the hanging chain sits correctly.
They add a traditional decorative touch to everyday barware while serving their original practical purpose.