Wine Coasters do not seem to have been used before 1760. They were originally designed for decanters not wine bottles. Coasters are found with a variety of decoration from plain to cast sided, pierced, fluted or cast and pierced with grapevines. They usually have turned wood bases, frequently with a silver ‘boss’ in the center. Wine Coasters are rarely seen in American Silver before the late 19^th century.

A Wine Taster has a shallow bowl with a slightly raised center and a ring or strap handle. The sides were paneled, frequently with decoration within the panels. They were used, as the name implies, for tasting wine. However, a popular form and function throughout Europe, this same form in America was called a "Dram Cup", had two handles and was used basically for tasting.

A Wine Funnel was used for decanting wine and started life as a plain and functional item in the early 1700’s. Usually, they had detachable grills and a long curved spout, sometimes ribbed to allow for air to flow from the container that was being filled. They became widely popular after 1760 and also became more decorative with cast borders and elaborately pierced grills. Much more common in England than in America, they can, however, be found.

 

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Punch Strainer by JOHN DAVID Philadelphia, c.1785 5 5/8” long; 3 ¾: diameter of bowl; 2 ozs. Strainer with a circular bowl. The bowl with a punch bead edge and geometric piercing. A cast, applied handle and clip are attached to the bowl. Engraved with the contemporary script initial “D” on the front of the bowl. Marked “ID” once on the back of the handle. price upon request
Wine Coolers, Sheffield Plate c. 1830 10” tall Pair SHEFFIELD PLATED Wine Coolers with original inserts, cast, applied handles and cast applied floral decoration. price upon request
Wine Coolers, Sheffield Plate c. 1825 10 3/3” tall Pair SHEFFIELD PLATED Wine Coolers with original inserts, cast, applied handles and rope turned decoration. price upon request
4 Bottle Tickets by F.W. COOPER New York City, c.1850 1 5/8” x 7/8” 4 Kidney Shaped Bottle Tickets with chains reading “GIN”, “RUM”, “SHERRY”, & “WHISKEY”. price upon request
3 Bottle Tickets by GORHAM MANUFACTURING CO. Providence, c.1900 2 5/8” x 1” 3 Banner shaped Bottle Tickets and chains reading “SCOTCH”, “RYE” & “PORT”. Marked on the back with the pseudo hallmarks for Gorham and “STERLING”. price upon request
Bottle Ticket by BALL TOMPKINS & BLACK New York City, c.1835 2 1/16” x 1” Rectangular Bottle Ticket and Chain with gadrooned edges reading “BOURBON”. Marked on the back “BT&B” “STERLING”. price upon request
3 Bottle Tickets by THOMAS FLETCHER Philadelphia, c. 1820 1 ¾” x 1” 3 Octagonal Shaped Bottle Tickets with chains reading “BRANDY” “BOURBON” & “SHERRY”. Marked on the back “T.FLETCHER”. price upon request
Bottle Ticket by GEORGE UNITE Birmingham, 1844 2" x 1 ½" Leaf Shaped Ticket with the cut out name "WHISKEY" suspended from a chain. price upon request
Pair of Bottle Tickets by GEORGE UNITE Birmingham, 1846 2" x 1 7/8" Leaf shaped Tickets with the engraved names "Madeira & "Sherry" suspended from a chain. price upon request

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