Product categories
9845 A Fine Pair of Regimental Cut Taper Decanters
This is an extraordinary pair of decanters in that they are not just an unusual pattern, but also that they are very heavy indeed for their normal bottle-capacity size. This may well be because they were commissioned for use in a regimental mess where they would have been expected to withstand robust use.
The outline of the decanters is the standard taper form so common in the late 18th century, but these were blown very thick and cut with incised rings running their entire height. Decanters with neck rings began to be made in the closing years of the 18th century and the earliest rings were incise-cut into the neck. Later the decanters were blown more thinly and the neck rings applied. Usually there were three neck rings, but 4 and even 5 are sometimes seen. The rings at the widest diameter of this pair are further cut with fluting, while the ring above, is wheel-engraved "13 RT".
The Earl of Huntingdon's Regiment of Foot was founded in 1685, and after numerous changes of name, became the 13th Regiment and then the Somerset Light Infantry (its history can be read on its website). The Regiment survives today as The 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry.
It was garrisoned in Dublin from 1788 - 91, and it seems quite reasonable to suppose these decanters were acquired for the regiment at that time.
It is doubtful if the stoppers are original, but they are very suitable replacements.
Date: c.1790
Price: UK customers £985, US customers $1,380