ANTIQUE SILVER WINE FUNNELS
Antique Silver wine funnels Description:
A funnel-shaped receptacle having an integral filter for decanting wine into bottles, decanters, and/or claret jugs.
Antique Silver wine funnels History:
The earliest known examples date from the early 18th century and they are still being made new today.
Antique Silver wine funnels Design:
The vast majority were circular in shape and made in two halves fitted together. The top half is a bowl having an integral pierced filter and the bottom half consisting of the spout/funnel itself. In between was often placed a retaining ring and a piece of muslin to remove fine sediments. There is another type that is made from one piece with a removable pierced silver strainer. Later examples are more elaborately decorated and have wider, applied foliate rims often with the addition of a small hook on the side. The end of the spout is usually curved so that the wine would flow down the side of the bottle to prevent aeration. They are sometimes found with their original stands but this is rare. The interior of the bowl is sometimes gilded.
Antique Silver wine funnels Collectors Note:
The level of craftsmanship and their aesthetic qualities determine their value. Unusual design command the highest prices. But they must also be undamaged with good clear hallmarks and crisp detail. They should be fully hallmarked on the bowl, and other parts should bear some marks to correspond with the main mark.