glass decanter

Glass  Decanter

glass  decanter

conjure up two moods: the classic luxury of Victorian and Edwardian times, contrasting with the dazzle of the Jazz Age. Either offers a way tolive the past, not just look at it.

Serving wine in a decanter adds style to any formal meal; and cocktail shakers can create a party mood in, literally, a shake. Whether you want to add elegance or fun to your home, you are bound to find something special, whatever your budget.

The stamp of quality

Take time to familiarise yourself with the look and feel of a fine decanter. True Regency decanters are heavy for their size, and the quality and design of the cut-glass pattern are obvious when compared to later examples.

 Decanters from the 1800s to 40s are most desirable, and can be found in a variety of shapes and decoration, including classical-cut designs such as diamonds and 'V'-shapes. Late- Victorian pieces (1880s—90s) are often engraved with exuberant flowers, swirls, leaves, and birds. Prices start at ,£80-100, but the better the decoration and (he quality of the glass, the higher

glass  decanter

the price. Beware of early v 20th-century reproductions inspired by this style        moulding, rather than cutting is common clear glass is brighter and coloured glass may have an ugly tinge.

Jugs and sets 

glass  decanter

Decanters with handles are known as clart jugs some tall elegant

Victorian pieces are made entirely from glass, often with decorative engraving or faceting, and can fetch .£80-200 or more. Bulbous early 20th-century pieces,

made by firms such as Mappin & Webb, with silver mounts, can be worth around £150-500.

glass  decanter

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, decanters were sometimes sold as a lockable boxed set (or 'tantalus'), for storing expensive spirits. Prices start at around £150 to £200.

Novelty decanter sets, particularly those from the 1930s and 50s, can be found for around £100.

glass  decanter

Shaken not stirred

During Prohibition in 1920s and early 30s USA, the only way to render bathtub' gin and bootleg' whiskey drinkable was to sweeten them. So

glass  decanter

cocktails were born. Bar accessories were later invented to accommodate the trend. The most essential accessory was the cocktail shaker. Here, novelty is important, and shape matters more than design. The best examples were produced during the 1920s and 30s and include imaginative forms such as skyscrapers. Such items can fetch £1,000-5,000 or more. If your budget allows (expect to pay £500-1,000 or more), look for rare 'hidden' shakers allegedly used during Prohibition, such as the 'trophy' shaker, where the trophy base turns into the shaker lid.

glass  decanter

A mark of luxury

glass  decanter

Shakers that are marked with names of luxury makers such as Asprey are valuable. Designs in chromed metal

glass  decanter

and copper from the 1930s by the American manufacturer Chase are also popular. Major British makers include Mappin & Webb, Manning Bowman, Kensington, and Chrome Craft. A 1937 promotional Southern Comfort liqueur- bottle-shaped shaker by Chrome Craft can fetch up to £200. American shakers tend to be plated in chrome, and British shakers in silver.

Plain and simple

Less expensive shakers from the 1940s and 50s were made in anodised aluminium and glass and they now cost about £30, while plain glass and silver-plated 1930s shakers start at around £30—50. Those with recipes printed on are desirable, provided that all the wording can be read.