What is a wine decanter stand used for?

These stands hold bottles and decanters securely on the dining table, preventing them from tipping over during meals. They also catch condensation and drips from the bottle base, protecting polished wooden table surfaces. Historically, they were passed along the table after the cloth was removed to keep wine circulating among guests. Today, they serve a similar practical function while displaying table silver and turned wood.

How do I tell Old Sheffield Plate from silver plate?

Old Sheffield Plate involves a layer of silver fused to a copper base, which often reveals a warm copper tinge along worn edges and high points. Standard silver plate uses an electroplating process on a base metal like nickel silver, which typically shows a greyish base metal underneath worn areas. Examining the underside or rim under good light helps reveal these underlying metal colours. Pieces made by fused plating methods generally date to the eighteenth or early nineteenth century.

Are wooden wine coasters lined with metal?

Many wooden coasters feature a turned timber base paired with a metal gallery or rim. Some examples incorporate a central wooden button or a small metal shield inset into the wood. Others consist entirely of turned wood such as mahogany or rosewood without metal additions. The choice of materials depends on the period and the maker's design preference.

How do I care for silver-plated bottle holders?

Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth removes dust and prevents tarnish buildup without harming the plated surface. Avoid harsh abrasive polishes that can wear away thin silver layers over time. Storing pieces in a dry environment helps maintain the metal finish. Wooden components benefit from occasional treatment with appropriate furniture wax to keep the timber nourished.