Antique Silver Wine Label

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Object Description

An unusual silver bottle ticket with a large bunch of grapes on a vine leaf background. Pierced to the front with “RUM”.
Weight 9 grams.
Measures 6.3 x 3.6 cm.
Birmingham 1837.
Maker George Unite.
Sterling silver.

GEORGE UNITE
George Unite and James Hilliard founded the business in 1825 in Birmingham. The partnership was closed before 1845 and the business was continued by George Unite in Birmingham and London until circa 1865. The firm advertised as manufacturer of Gold and Silver brooches, bracelets, fish carvers, dessert knives and forks, card cases, cake knives, knife fork and spoon, fruit knives, butter knives, pickle forks, caddy shells, sugar scoops and sifters, cups, cigar cases, pens, etc….. The firm became George Unite & Sons in circa 1865 continuing until the death of George Richard Unite in 1897. William Henry Lyde (electroplate manufacturer) took over the business and in 1928 the business became a limited company George Unite Sons & Lyde Ltd

Object Literature

Wine labels, also known as “bottle tickets”, appear to have originated in the second quarter of the 18th century. They were made in many attractive designs and are a popular collecting field. Generally, the label is suspended around the neck of the bottle by a chain, although some are formed as plain collars which slip over the neck, or formed as a plain rectangle hinged from a wire ring. Among the many good makers are Hester Bateman and family, Phipps & Robinson, Samuel Bradley, Mary Binley and Paul Storr.

Object Condition

A quality little label in good condition. Stamped with a full set of clear English hallmarks.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.