Wine Antiques

Browse our stunning collection of antique silver Wine Antiques and Accessories to complement your leisure and dining experience.

Wine Coolers, Jugs & Ewers, Wine Funnels – Wine Accessories, Cocktail & Bar, Coasters/Bottle Holders

Alcohol has its roots in Ancient History. Beer jugs were made as early as 10,000 BC, vineyards were planted back in Biblical times, the ancient Egyptians enjoyed both beer and wine, and the Chinese considered alcohol as a spiritual food. Over the centuries, drinking has played an important role in increasing the enjoyment of life. Not only a social pleasure and an aid to relaxation, the “small tipple” also greatly enhances the pleasure of eating.

It’s a known fact that the Romans introduced wine to Great Britain, maybe even winemaking, as early as 43 BC when emperor Claudius began his conquest of the British Isles. Romans loved their wine, and wine drinking was a commonplace activity in Roman villas, houses, and garrisons at the time. And although the Romans tried to grow grapes in England, strong trading links with France and Italy allowed wine to be imported relatively easily.

In England, drinking water was not commonly available until the late 19th century and so beer, the people’s beverage, was drunk as a substitute for water. Alcohol spirits were readily available since the Middle Ages, brandy being originally produced for medicinal purposes and only available in apothecaries.

Wine Antiques

Browse our stunning collection of antique silver Wine Antiques and Accessories to complement your leisure and dining experience.

Wine Coolers, Jugs & Ewers, Wine Funnels – Wine Accessories, Cocktail & Bar, Coasters/Bottle Holders

Circa 1600

9453 Antique Nuremberg Silver Wine Taster
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A rare piece of early German silver dating back to circa 1600. A charming little silver taster with scalloped borders and shaped side handles. The centre is engraved with a single flower and leaf motifs picked out with prick dot chasing. The scalloped sides also have prick dot decoration, possibly crown motifs. The interior still has its original gilt finish and the exterior retains traces of the original gilt. Weight 47 grams, 1.5 troy ounces. Width across handles 10.1cm. Height 3.1cm. Top 8.3cm. German silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for Nuremberg circa 1600. Maker Wolff Loschen.
1624
Robert Snow
9703 James I Silver Flagon
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A magnificent early English silver flagon having a tall cylindrical body on a spreading base edged with reed banding. The almost flat cover has a simple curved thumbpiece. Good plain design. Uninscribed. Contains 1350 ml. Weight 1067 grams, 34.3 troy ounces. Height 29cm (to top of thumb piece). Diameter 9.7cm (top). London 1624. Maker probably Robert Snow (see Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). This flagon appears to be one of his earliest recorded works. Sterling silver.
Circa 1630

9584 Early Swedish Antique Silver Jug
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A good early date. An antique silver wine jug of octagonal form on a shaped detachable foot. Decorated with matted background between plain gilded bands (gilding worn). Good gauge silver. Gilt interior. Engraved to the front “Signum Fidei”. The hinged cover has a later English coat of arms (probably Weldon of Swanscombe, Kent). Weight 681 grams, 21.8 troy ounces. Height 20.5 cm. Spread 16.5 cm. Circa 1630. Maker possibly Peter Hennig, Linkoping Sweden.
Circa 1631
William Maddox
9605 Antique Charles I Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early 17th century sterling silver dish with applied shell side handles and scalloped rim. Unusual large size. Although quite shallow, this is more probably a wine taster than a sweetmeat dish. The embossed decoration has 10 segments containing flower motifs. The centre has a prick dot circle containing flower heads and a shield shaped cartouche with a simple coat of arms. Weight 217 grams, 6.9 troy ounces. Width across handles 25.6 cm. Diameter 19.2 cm. English silver hallmarks stamped on the edge for London. Circa 1631. Maker William Maddox.
1634
Thomas Maundy
8190 Antique Charles I Silver Wine Taster
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A rare and very beautiful 17th century sterling silver dish with pretty little shell side handles. Although rather shallow, this is more probably a wine taster than a sweetmeat dish. The embossed decoration has 8 segments containing scroll and other motifs. The centre is embossed with concentric prick dot circles containing flowers; inside there are 4 leaves and a shield shaped cartouche with scratched initials “TO” over “EF” to the reverse . Weight 95 grams, 3 troy ounces. Width across handles 18.35 cm. Diameter 11.6 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1634. Maker Thomas Maundy* (Jacksons P.119).
Circa 1650
Hans Jakob Baur
8683 Antique Augsburg Silver Dish
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An early antique German silver dish (or possibly wine taster) of plain oval form with a scalloped border. To the centre there is a charming bird scene surrounded by raised dot decoration. The cast side handles are very pretty. Original interior gilding and a gilt around the top on the outside. Weight 129 grams, 4.1 troy ounces. Height 3 cms (4.5 cms to top of handle). Top of dish measures 16 x 14 cms. Marked on either side of one of the handles with German silver marks for Augsburg and on the inside rim with the makers mark for Hans Jakob Baur. Circa 1650.
1654

7794 Antique Commonwealth Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English silver dish of circular shallow form with simple wire handles. The design of punched beading and lobes is typical of the period and forms a flower design in the base of the bowl. Weight 41 grams, 1.3 troy ounces. Height 2 cms. Diameter 8 cms. Spread across handles 10.5 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1654. Makers mark IW* (Jacksons P.120).
1655

7013 Commonwealth Period Silver Gilt Wine Taster
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A rare and very beautiful 17th century sterling silver dish with original gilt finish. With leaf side handles and decorated with plants and flowers. Although rather shallow, this is probably a wine taster. The centre is engraved with prick dots and initials M over I*R. Weight 186 grams, 6 troy ounces. Width across handles 23 cm. Diameter 17 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1655. Makers mark ‘M’ over a star (Jacksons P.121).
Circa 1655

10189 Commonwealth Period Antique Silver Wine Taster
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A superb early English silver dish of circular shallow form with simple wire handles. Very rare and charming small size. The design of punched beading and lobes is typical of the period and forms a flower design in the base of the bowl. Stamped around the rim with owner’s initials “ALS”. Weight 19 grams, less than one troy ounce. Height 2.2cm (to top of handle). Diameter 6.2cm. Spread across handles 8.5cm. London circa 1655. Maker “WH.” 17th century.
Circa 1660
Reinhold Ruhl
8290 Early Antique Nurnberg Silver Wine Taster
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A rare piece of early German silver. This charming little 17th century silver taster has scalloped borders and shaped side handles. The centre is embossed with a single flower stem surrounded by simple leaf motifs picked out with prick dot chasing. Traces of the original gilt finish, Weight 41 grams, 1.3 troy ounces. Width across handles 11.5 cm. Height 2.7 cms. Top 10.4 x 9.8 cms. German silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for Nurnberg circa 1660. Maker Reinhold Ruhl, noted for his fine quality cups and beakers.
1665
William Goodwin
9117 Antique Charles II Miniature Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English toy wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. Very sweet size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and an embossed leaf and flower design. Weight 13 grams. Height 1.5 cm approx. Diameter of top 5 cms. Spread across handles 7.6 cms. London 1665. Makers mark “W.G” (see Jacksons page 123*), possibly William Goodwin free 1654, died 1703 (attribution by Dr David Mitchell “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”).
1669

8705 Charles II Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English silver dish of circular shallow form with two simple side handles. Lovely design with fleur de lys and dots to the lower body and to the centre a large flower within a circle of punched dots. Weight 77 grams, 2.4 troy ounces. Height 3 cms (4 cms to top of handle). Diameter 9.4 cms. Spread across handles 18.5 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1669. Makers mark GS (Jacksons P.127 – see photo). Sterling silver.
1669
Thomas King
7286 Charles II Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English silver dish of circular shallow form with two wrythen side handles. Lovely simple design with a half fluted design to the lower body, bands of matting, and prick dot decoration. Weight 143 grams, 4.6 troy ounces. Height 3.5 cms. Diameter 13.5 cms. Spread across handles 18.5 cms. English silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for London 1669. Makers mark TK (Jacksons P.125), probably Thomas King* free 1657, died 1681.
Circa 1670

8131 Charles II Miniature Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English toy two-handled wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. With a simple plain form and wirework handles. This little cup has an excellent patina and hammered finish. Contains 10 ml approx. Weight 12 grams. Height 2 cms. Diameter of top 4.5 cms. Spread across handles 6.7 cms. Marked underneath with the makers mark only “WH conjoined, mullet below”. Mark entered 1670 (see Jacksons page 130*).
1675
Balthasar Haydt
7799 Antique German Silver Wine Taster
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A 17th century continental silver dish of small size with flat shaped side handles. To the outside there is an embossed decoration of fruit and ribbons. Very charming. Weight 93 grams, 3 troy ounces. Height 4 cms. Diameter 8.5 cms. Spread across handles 13 cms. On the base there is an assay scrape and German silver stamps for Augsburg. Maker Balthasar Haydt. Circa 1675.
Circa 1680

9734 Antique German Silver Wine Taster
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A charming little 17th century silver dish with scalloped sides and shaped side handles. The centre is embossed with a single flower stem picked out with prick dot engraving. Bold flowers, including poppies and daffodils were very popular during the mid to late 17th century. The gilt finish appears original and there is a gilt band to the outer edge. Owner’s initials “SW” engraved to one side, “EK” to the other. Weight 72 grams, 2.3 troy ounces. Width across handles 16cm. Height 2.8/3.8cm. Diameter 13cm. German silver marks stamped by the handle for maker Paul Hedel Hofer, Breslau. Circa 1680.
Circa 1680

9876 Antique German Silver Wine Taster
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A charming little 17th century silver dish with scalloped sides and shaped side handles. With a gilt finish inside and to the outside top rim. The centre is embossed throughout with shells, flowers and fruits. Weight 158 grams, 5 troy ounces. Top measures 16.5 x 12.5 cm. Width across handles 16.1 cm. Height 3.1 cm. Continental silver marks stamped by the handle. Probably German. Circa 1680.
1683
Samuel Hawkes
9523 Charles II Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early English two-handled wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. With a simple plain form and wirework handles. Excellent patina and faint signs of the hand hammered finish. Owners initials inscribed underneath. Weight 27 grams, just under 1 troy ounce. Height 2.2 cm (bowl), 3.5 cm (to top of handle). Diameter of top 6.5 cm. Spread across handles 9.2 cm. London 1683. Maker’s mark “SH” within a heart shaped shield, probably Samuel Hawkes (*see David Mitchell’s book on “Silversmiths in Stuart and Elizabethan England”).
Circa 1690

10348 William and Mary Antique Silver Pilgrim Flask
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A rare early English silver drinks flask of small size in the form of a medieval pilgrim flask. Plain form and heavy gauge silver with a screw-on top. To the front there is a large decorative cartouche hand engraved with an armorial for the Nutt family. Weight 132g, 4.2 troy oz. Height 12cm. Width 8cm. Maker “BR conjoined”. London circa 1690. Sterling silver.
1697
William Denny And John Backe
9341 Antique Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early antique silver wine taster of simple plain form in the shape of a flat bowl with a raised central dome. Very charming with the original hand beaten silver. At a later date the reverse side has been gilded for use as a trencher salt and the crest of an otter hand engraved to the front. Weight 86 grams, 2.7 troy ounces. Height 2.1 cm. Diameter 11.7 cm. Stamped on the side for London 1697. Maker possibly William Denny and John Backe – see Jacksons page 150.
1697 - 1698
Robert Timbrell
10153 William III Antique Silver Bowl
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An outstanding antique silver monteith bowl complete with the original detachable collar with castellated scroll border and cherub heads. Excellent size and proportions. The body decoration is typical for a monteith of the period 1690-1702 and has a series of asymmetrical tear shaped panels interspersed with unusual foliate “face” motifs; all on an intricately hand chased matted background. The lions mask side handles are beautifully modelled. Weight 1780 grams, 57.2 troy ounces. Height 21.4cm (with Monteith collar), 15.6cm (without collar). Diameter 27.5cm (collar), 26.2cm (bowl). London 1697/8. Maker Robert Timbrell. Britannia standard silver (95.8% pure).
1700

9712 Antique German Silver Dish
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An interesting piece of early German silver with a tobacco smoking scene to the centre. Original gilt interior. The little dish, or wine taster, has scalloped borders and scrolled side handles. Embossed to the centre is the figure of a man in 17^th century clothing and smoking a giant pipe; a brazier stands on the table to the left. The cartouche is formed from embossed dots and foliage in typical 17^thcentury style. Weight 95 grams, 3 troy ounces. Width across handles 13.15cm. Height 3.1cm. Top 12.8cm. German silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for Augsburg circa 1700. Maker probably “IK” unidentified.
Circa 1700

9895 Antique Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early antique silver wine taster of simple plain form in the shape of a flat bowl with a raised central dome. Very charming with the original hand beaten silver. At a later date the reverse side has been gilded for use as a trencher salt and the crest of a beaver holding a fish hand engraved to the front. Weight 78 grams, 2.5 troy ounces approx. Height 2.1cm. Diameter 11.47cm. Unmarked silver. Circa 1700. Probably English.
1706
Isaac Dighton
10169 Queen Anne Antique Silver Monteith Bowl
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A rare early English silver monteith from the Queen Anne period. Large size. The decoration, with the ribbed body and decorative cartouches, is typical for this period. Particularly charming are the quaint lions mask side handles. The shaped monteith rim is fixed and was originally used to hold stem glasses, punch ladle and lemon squeezer. To the front and back there is a good hand engraved armorial for the Fitzgerald family. Underneath the bowl there is also a presentation inscription from the Fitzgerald family. Gilt interior. Weight 1895 grams, 60.9 troy ounces. Height 20cm. Diameter 29.5cm. London 1706. Maker Isaac Dighton. Britannia standard silver (95.8% pure).
1707
Nathaniel Lock
8206 Antique Queen Anne Silver Wine Jug
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An excellent antique silver covered jug of plain form with a cast and applied foot and handle. Britannia standard silver*. Very heavy quality. This type of jug would have been used for serving wine, beer or other cold liquids. To the front is a contemporary hand engraved armorial within a decorative fish scale cartouche. The spout has a hinged cover with hand engraved initials “W over I*M”; these initials are repeated underneath the foot. The handle has the initial “A” over some indistinct initials, possibly “I*M”, which would indicate a marriage. Contains 1525 ml. Weight 1203 grams, 38.6 troy ounces. Height 29.5 cms. Diameter of foot 10.5 cms. London 1707. Maker Nathaniel Lock.
1707
Colin McKenzie
9550 Queen Anne Silver Punch Bowl
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A rare Scottish silver bowl of exceptional size and weight. Excellent plain style. Of circular form with a reeded rim and short flared foot. The underside has a prick engraving “S.E over F” within a scroll cartouche. Scratchweight 66.19. Weight approx. 2049 grams, 65.9 troy ozs. Height 16.5cm. Diameter 34.5cm. Edinburgh 1707. Maker Colin McKenzie. Edinburgh assay master James Penman.
1709
Joseph Sheene
8409 Queen Anne Silver Brandy Saucepan
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A rare early English silver brandy pan with wooden side handle. Britannia standard silver. Brandy saucepans first made an appearance during the reign of Queen Anne so this is a very early example. Good size and lovely hammered finish with good patina. Weight 332 grams, 10.6 troy ounces. Height 10 cms. Spread 22.5 cms. Diameter 9 cms (top), 11 cms (max). London 1709. Maker Joseph Sheene.
Circa 1710
John Chartier
9020 Queen Anne Antique Silver Lemon Strainer
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A rare early English antique silver strainer of circular form with a turned over rim. *Britannia standard silver. The bowl has drilled pierced holes with a five-pointed star to the centre. The acanthus shaped handles have hand decoration. Weight 68 grams, 2.1 troy oz. Spread 18.5 cm, 7.5 inches. Marked to the reverse of handles with the Britannia standard mark for John Chartier and second makers mark, F R or IB in a shaped cartouche with two pellets above. London circa 1710-15.
1717
Robert Kempton
9438 Antique George I Silver Lemon Strainer
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A rare early English antique sterling silver strainer of circular form with a turned over rim. The bowl has drilled pierced holes in a flower shape and long shaped handles with pierced decoration. Weight 79 grams, 2.5 troy oz. Spread 16.6cm. Diameter 8.5cms. Height 3cm. London 1717. Maker Robert Kempton.
Circa 1720

8223 Antique German Silver Spirit Funnel
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A charming little antique silver funnel of single piece design without a pierced strainer. Funnels of this type were smaller in size and used for decanting liquor, or possibly perfume. Of plain form and having a simple band of hand engraved decoration around the top edge. Weight 32 grams, 1 troy ounce. Height 5.3 cm. Diameter 5.4 cm. Marked around the edge with German silver marks for the town Augsburg. Maker ‘S’ under 2 stars (Rosenberg page 202) Circa 1720.
1720
John Bache
9301 George III Antique Silver Wine Taster
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A rare early antique silver wine taster of simple plain form in the shape of a flat bowl with a raised central dome. Very charming with the original hand beaten silver. At a later date the reverse side has been gilded for use as a trencher salt and the crest of an otter hand engraved to the front. Weight 98 grams, 3.1 troy ounces. Height 2 cm. Diameter 11.3 cm. Stamped on the side for London 1720. Maker John Bache.
Circa 1720
John Murch
9749 Antique Exeter Silver Brandy Pan
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A rare piece of early provincial silver. An antique silver brandy warmer of bellied form with a turned wooden handle. Attractive plain style. Contains 240 ml. Total weight 153 grams, 4.9 troy ounces. Height of pan 6cm. Diameter of top 8.5cm. Spread 26cm. Exeter circa 1720. Maker John Murch.

Literature. Brandy Saucepans made their first appearance in this country during the Queen Anne period and continued to be made until the mid 19th century. Some have spouts. The size varies but generally the early examples tend to be smaller. Sometimes they have three legs, these are called skillets, and they are quite rare.