What are victorian decanter labels made from?

Most examples are formed from sterling silver or silver plate. Some rarer pieces feature glazed earthenware, stoneware, or cobalt glass. Silversmiths occasionally applied silver gilt to enhance engraved details on the metal surface.

How do you hang a decanter label?

These tags typically attach to a fine link chain that slips around the neck of a decanter or bottle. The chain suspends the metal tag just below the stopper. Alternative designs utilise a rigid silver collar that fits directly onto the bottlenecks of certain decanter styles.

Which drinks are named on these labels?

Common spirit and wine titles include port, sherry, brandy, whisky, gin, rum, and madeira. Less frequent names like claret, hock, sauterne, and marsala also appear. Some tags feature single initials or monograms instead of full beverage names for flexible use.

How do I date a silver label?

London and provincial assay office hallmarks stamped into the silver provide the exact year of manufacture. Stylistic shifts from Georgian shields to Victorian vine leaves also help indicate the period. Maker marks give further clues to the decade the piece was created.