ANTIQUE SILVER WINE COASTERS
Antique Silver wine coasters Description:
A type of wine bottle holder intended to be actively used whilst passing the wine around the table, and passively used to protect tables from wine-ring marks.
Antique Silver wine coasters History:
The very earliest known examples date from the middle of the 18th century. These tended to be quite small in diameter whereas later ones were designed to fit the larger magnum bottles. They went out of vogue in the mid Victorian period and early 20th century. They are still being made today in large numbers but the quality is low.
Antique Silver wine coasters Design:
Their design followed the style of the period that they were made in, varying from very plain round ones from the late 18th century, through to heavy cast grapevine versions from the late Georgian period. They all followed the basic design of a circular gallery with a turned hard-wood base, having a central silver button for crests or monograms, and a baize-covered base. They were always made in sets, normally as pairs, but also fours and upwards depending on the size of the table.
Antique Silver wine coasters Collectors Note:
Fine 18th century coasters are very sought after and are now fairly rare in good condition. Pretty pierced versions from the late 1700s command the highest prices, as do very heavy grapevine pattern cast versions from the late Georgian period. Unfortunately many coasters have led a hard life. Hallmarks were often struck on the bottom edges and have suffered as a result with many marks being rubbed. If looking at pierced examples check to make sure that no pieces are missing or for any cracks. The wooden bases over the years warp in the direction of the grain and many coasters have had their bases replaced. If a true pair then the hallmarks must be the same. All of our coasters have been checked and are in good condition fit for use.