Sterling Silver Wine Funnel - Antique George IV

Description

This exceptional antique George IV sterling silver wine funnel has a circular rounded form.

The bell shaped body of this antique funnel is plain and embellished with a contemporary bright cut engraved crest depicting on a mount, in front of a battleaxe erect, a talbot sejant collared and lined, the line tied to the battle-axe*.

The upper portion for the wine funnel is encircled with an applied gadroon decorated border beneath plain moulded ornamentation

This exceptional example of antique silverware retains the original hallmarked, detachable strainer ornamented with a pierced decorated floral motif to the well.

The strainer is embellished with an applied gadroon decorated border to the upper rim, incorporating a plain thumbpiece to one side.

The tapering stem of the funnel has a notched tip turned to one side, and features three applied ribs to the upper portion, in junction with the body**.

* This heraldic marking may be associated with the family name Hunt.

** These two design features contribute to the practicality of this piece: the turned tip averts aeration of the wine during its decanting and the ribs allow for air to escape the decanter as it is filled.

Read a brief history of antique silver funnels