Antique Wine Coasters and Tasters

Coasters perform three functions.  First, they prevent drips of wine from staining the table or its tablecloth.  Second, they prevent decanters from touching one another and so from chipping.  Third, decanters in coasters can be slid (coasted) from one person to another across a polished surface - indeed, in former times they were called decanters slides. 

If these three reasons were not sufficient to justify their presence on a well-dressed dining table, then their usually elegant proportions and fine workmanship should do so!

English wine tasters are a considerable rarity, and in general they were made for use by wine merchants, rather than in a domestic context.  Most are made of silver as that medium reflects light in dim light, and it is sturdy enough to withstand the rigours of commercial use.  Tasters are recorded in glass and porcelain, which probably were for domestic use.

9771 A Large Mahogany Coaster on Casters

9771 A Large Mahogany Coaster on Casters

This unusual coaster was probably made to accommodate a ship's decanter - or even cheese... Date: c.1830

Price: UK customers £525, US customers $735

3946 A Pair of Old Sheffield Plate Wine Coasters

3946 A Pair of Old Sheffield Plate Wine Coasters

This is a quite extraordinary pair of coasters, because of their shape. Decanters are circular... Date: c.1820

Price: UK customers £385, US customers $540

9553 A single sterling silver coaster

9553 A single sterling silver coaster

This coaster is made of heavy guage silver. It has a gadrooned rim and the... Date: c.1815

Price: UK customers £650, US customers $910

9567 A scarlet lacquered coaster with gilt decoration

9567 A scarlet lacquered coaster with gilt decoration

This coaster ios early 19th century, and is lacquered in a wooden base. the outside... Date: c.1815

Price: UK customers £185, US customers $260

9650 A Papier Mache Double Coaster Boat

9650 A Papier Mache Double Coaster Boat

This papier mache double coaster boat is a delightful rarity. The actual coasters are very... Date: c.1790

Sold

9765  Pair of Neo-classical Silver Wine Coasters

9765 Pair of Neo-classical Silver Wine Coasters

This is an elegant pair of silver wine coasters. They were made in 1785 by... Date: 1785

Price: UK customers £2,850, US customers $3,990

9769 A Pair of Mahogany Coasters

9769 A Pair of Mahogany Coasters

This pair of Coasters were made in the early 19th century, and follow the patterns... Date: c.1815

Sold

9804 A Large and Attractive Silver Coaster

9804 A Large and Attractive Silver Coaster

A silver coaster made in Sheffield in 1807 by John Roberts and Co. While the... Date: 1807

Price: UK customers £1,150, US customers $1,610

9805 A High Quality Electroplated Coaster

9805 A High Quality Electroplated Coaster

We do not usually buy electroplated pieces, but this coaster just oozes quality. The solid... Date: c.1860

Price: UK customers £280, US customers $390

9832 A Chinese Lacquer Coaster made for the English Market

9832 A Chinese Lacquer Coaster made for the English Market

At first sight, this appears to be an ordinary English papier mache coaster, but close... Date: c.1820

Price: UK customers £185, US customers $260

9864 A Victorian Papier Mache Coaster

9864 A Victorian Papier Mache Coaster

This is a rare coaster of the early Victorian period and in exceptional condition. With... Date: c.1820 - 50

Price: UK customers £195, US customers $275

9901 A Very Rare English Silver Wine Taster

9901 A Very Rare English Silver Wine Taster

English wine tasters made before the 20th century are very rare - quite unlike their... Date: 1801

Sold

9934 A Fine Pair of Rosewood Coasters

9934 A Fine Pair of Rosewood Coasters

This is a fine pair of treen (wooden) coasters in excellent condition and with a... Date: c.1820

Price: UK customers £925, US customers $1,295

9952 A Rosewood Coaster

9952 A Rosewood Coaster

This is an unusual coaster, being quite shallow and with an unconventional pattern of turnery.... Date: c.1850

Price: UK customers £80, US customers $110

9961 A Carved Mahogany Double Magnum Coaster attributed to James Mein of Kelso

9961 A Carved Mahogany Double Magnum Coaster attributed to James Mein of Kelso

This coaster is being sold with 9968 and the price is for the two of... Date: c.1830

Price: UK customers £1,850, US customers $2,590

9968 A Carved Mahogany Double Magnum Coaster attributed to James Mein of Kelso

9968 A Carved Mahogany Double Magnum Coaster attributed to James Mein of Kelso

This coaster is being sold with 9951 and the price is for the two of... Date: c.1830

Price: UK customers £1,850, US customers $2,590

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