Wine Antiques and Collectables

On the first page of this section we have looked briefly at the history of the corkscrew and highlighted that they are eminently collectable - as are many items associated with wine. Items that spring to mind immediately are wine bottles; the history of glass is touched on elsewhere in My Wine Guide so in this section we will look at some of the more unusual bottles.

Although the Romans stored wine in pottery amphora holding around six to seven gallons they did have a thriving glass industry but most of its secretes were lost with the collapse of the Empire.  Earthenware was the most usual material used for wine storage until the 17th century but as the youthful glass industry improved its technology and the use of coal in furnaces improved glass stability glass bottles began to take over.

Bottles and Pitchers

Early bottles were hand blown, had a bulbous body and an indent in the base - an early punt.  By 1760 one piece moulds were producing cylindrical bottles which encouraged the practice of 'binning' or storing wine as it was realised that wine stored on its side improved with age.

Bottles to look for include both English and Dutch onion shaped green wine bottles (left); for a rare English example dating from the late 17th century expect to pay around £1,500 but you may be fortunate and find a mid 18th century Dutch version for less than £200.  The Nailsea glass works near Bristol were established in 1788 and produced many common household wares, many typified by speckling created by rolling the item onto a surface covered in blobs of white glass which was absorbed into it. Look for pitchers, early ones will set you back up to £300+.However, a warning! 'Nailsea' became a generic term to describe a style and many similar items did not originate from the Bristol factory.

Tantalus and Decanters

Greek mythology tells us that Tantalus was punished by the gods being forced to stand in water, up to his neck, with fruit hanging over him. If he tried to drink the water receded, if he tried to eat the wind blew the fruit out of reach - hence the word 'tantalise'. The use of a tantaulus would keep wine, port and sherry safe from the servants.

English Walnut Tantalus

There are many styles of tantalus including oak fronted and silver framed.  What you pay will depend on condition and size and the other uses designed in such as space for glasses, cigars and a variety of board games.  Look carefully at the decanters; a chip can reduce the value by half but steer clear of cracks, they may expand and destroy the item. Very large or miniature decanters are sought after but be careful they are not in reality sauce bottles!