An elegant antique sterling silver bottle ticket with a silver chain. Good quality oval escutcheon with simple reed border. Hand engraved “CURRANT” to the centre.
Weight 8 grams.
Measures 4.7 x 2 cm.
London 1817.
Maker William Knight.
William Knight, London silversmith, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark as smallworker, in partnership with his brother Samuel, 1810. 2nd mark as plateworker 1816. 3rd mark (2 sizes) 1830. 4th mark 1839.
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.
This label is in very good condition. Sharp detail. Fully stamped on the reverse with a full set of English silver hallmarks. Makers mark appears to be double struck – probably WK for William Knight.
By appointment only.
