Antique Silverplate Wine Decanting Funnel

Found at market, we are pleased to offer this elegant Antique Silverplate Decanting Funnel specifically created for preparing port and other aged wines for optimal drinking. Topped by an exuberantly designed sieve with strainer holes configured in the shape of a petaled flower, the funnel (with the addition of muslin cloth) will neatly decant your port while removing sediment that may have settled to the bottom of the bottle. Decorated with patterned borders and a cast mount by fine Sheffield England silversmith, William Hutton & Sons, the upper retaining ring of the lower funnel is designed to hold a piece of muslin straining cloth in place to filter out fine particles that could interfere with taste or encourage early spoilage of the decanted wine.

First appearing broadly at the end of the 17th century, silver wine funnels or wine strainers were a necessity for decanting wines from a large delivery cask into a decanter for service. During the 18th century, the funnel spigot evolved to incorporate a curved tip to ensure wine swirled gently down the wall of the decanter and, particularly for very fine or old vintages, prevented bruising or clouding of the wine. Now indispensable in decanting directly from a bottle, the slightly bent tip gently aerates the nectar, releasing its distinctive aroma.

Stamped 'Hard Soldered' and 'WH&S', this elegant funnel will allow you to decant your most special wines in style to their maximum potential. Certain to impress even the most discriminating wine collector, it makes a handsome and practical addition to any bar cart or home bar.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In excellent antique condition. 6.25" in length x 3.5" diameter at top of funnel.