How do I identify a cellarette?

A cellarette is a dedicated storage piece, ranging from freestanding mahogany furniture items to table-top boxes designed to keep wine and liquor cool and secure. They often feature fitted interior partitions to hold multiple bottles upright. Origins stretch from the eighteenth century through the Victorian period, frequently utilising high-grade timber and interior lead linings.

What do decanter labels specify?

Decanter labels are small hanging tags inscribed with the names of specific drinks, ensuring guests and hosts could distinguish between contents like whisky, brandy, rum, or sherry when bottles looked identical. They are typically made from sterling silver, with some bearing hallmarks that indicate the date of manufacture and the silversmith responsible.

How should I clean antique glass decanters?

Antique glass requires gentle handling to preserve delicate cut patterns, engraved surfaces, and delicate enamel work. Harsh scrubbing should be avoided to protect the original material integrity. Silver collars and mounts attached to these bottles must also be polished with care to prevent abrasive cleaning agents from damaging adjacent glass.