ANTIQUE SILVER WINE TASTERS
Antique Silver wine tasters Description:
A small shallow circular vessel used by vintners, wine stewards, and connoisseurs to judge the colour, clarity, and taste of wine.
Antique Silver wine tasters History:
The earliest known examples in England date from the mid 17th century. They were made throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods and are still being made today but in very small numbers.
Antique Silver wine tasters Design:
Early examples were often made with two opposing handles, but later Georgian and Victorian versions only had one flat horizontal handle supported by a vertical ring so that the index finger and thumb could be used. Many of the later Georgian and Victorian examples were made with raised bases sometimes with raised dimples or hollows. This allowed the clarity and colour of the wine, when swirled, to be examined more accurately. The walls were also often engraved or chased with fluting, floral decoration, grapevine work, or styalised decoration of various designs.
Antique Silver wine tasters Collectors Note:
The very early 17th and 18th century examples were often quite flimsy in construction with crude chasing and/or punch bead decoration, together with simple wire scroll handles. The handles, handle joints, and main body should be inspected closely for any cracks, holes, or repairs.