Code: 5266
This is a fine blue glass decanter and is made all the more interesting by its hallmarked silver mount and stopper. It is interesting because the silver mounts enable us to give a precise date of manufacture - and it is earlier than many would imagine. Until recently, decanters of these proportions and which were popular for a time in the 19th century, were thought to date to the mid-century - say 1845-1865, but this one is clearly marked for 1837 and has the duty mark of King William IV, who died in June 1837, but the mark was used for a short while after this.
The silver mount and the stopper are both profusely decorated with fruiting vines, so clearly, this was intended for use as a wine decanter. It holds a full bottle and is fit for purpose.
Date: 1837, Birmingham.
Dimensions: 14.3", 36.3 cm. high incl. stopper