Description

An elegant antique sterling silver wine strainer with a broad reeded border and leaf design thumb piece. Excellent classic plain style. Good weight and colour. Hand engraved on both pieces with the Royal Arms bearing the motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense”. Weight 147 grams, 4.7 troy ounces. Length 15 cms. Diameter 7.8 cms. London 1804. Maker John Emes.

Literature: The wine funnel became common towards the end of the 18th century; a few rare earlier examples exist. With the modern wine making methods wine funnels are generally used just for decanting wine however in olden times the wine needed to be filtered before drinking it. The pierced platform is not normally sufficient to strain the wine properly and needs a piece of muslin fitted between the pierced section and the spout. There are two main varieties: the first has a spout which detaches just below the bowl of the funnel, the other has a detachable inner bowl with a pierced centre inside the main bowl. Occasionally there is a further detachable ring which held the muslin firmly. Funnels exist without a pierced strainer and were probably used to decant liquor or possibly perfume; these are normally smaller in size.

Signed/Inscribed: Order of the Garter (the Royal Coat of Arms), the highest order of chivalry. The motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense” means “Evil (or shame) be to him that evil thinks.’ Silverware bearing this armorial would have been supplied by the reigning British monarch as part of the costly ambassadorial silver for the British ambassador upon his appointment.

This excellent silver wine funnel is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. The silver marks on both pieces are matching, crisp and clear to read. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Maker: John Emes

This manufacturing silversmiths, originally established by Anthony Nelme c.1680, passed to Francis Nelme on his death in 1722. Thomas Whipham took over in 1739, passing to his son Thomas Whipham jr 1756 who took Charles Wright as partner. Henry Chawner took over the business in 1786; Chawner had been Edward Barnard I’s master and Barnard’s son Edward became foreman of the firm. John Emes became a partner in 1796 and when Chawner retired Emes took over keeping Edward Barnard II as manager. Emes died in 1808 and his widow Rebecca took Edward Barnard II as partner. Rebecca Emes retired In 1829 and Edward Barnard I became owner, together with his son Edward Barnard II, John Barnard and William Barnard, trading as Edward Barnard & Sons. After the retirement of Edward Barnard I the firm was continued by Edward Barnard II (1846-1851), John Barnard I (1846-1868), William Barnard (1846), Edward Barnard III (1868), Walter Barnard (1868-1903), John Barnard II (1868-1903), Michael Barnard (1896-1903), Stanley Barnard (1896-1903) and Robert Dubcock (1896). The firm became a limited liability company in 1910 as Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd. In 1977 Edward Barnard & Sons Limited became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd

Customer satisfaction is our primary concern

All silverware on our website is checked thoroughly prior to offering it for sale and every product listing contains a condition report and details of the silver hallmarks.

All items offered on our website include:

• Free Shipping Worldwide
• Tracked and Insured
• 14 day no quibble money back guarantee
• We are accredited members of LAPADA and conform to their strict professional standards
• We dispatch 1-3 days after receiving cleared payments

More detailed information about deliveries, returns and how to pay is available in the Help section at the bottom of this page.