Antique glass decanters are the perfect balance of function and look. Although people have been using jugs to decant wine and spirit for thousands of years, when wine sellers began corking their bottles in the Middle Ages, they realised that it often created sediment at the bottom. Therefore, decanters were used to remove this sediment before serving, as well as to allow the wine or spirit to breath and to look more elegant on the dining table. Crystal has always been the preferred material and initially the glass was left clear or simply cut to allow any remaining sediment to be seen but coloured decanters were also available although far rarer now. Many glass decanters during the Georgian period in particular were even given their own wooden cases for storage.
While decanters dropped out of fashion for a short time, it is fair to say that with more home bars and people taking an interest in spirits that they are very much back in fashion now. Because they were intended to be used and are status symbols antique decanters tend to have a very elegant presence and enjoyable weight when held.
At LoveAntiques we have a fine selection of Antique and Vintage decanters for all your needs.
London City Antiques
Superb Quality Pair of Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Decanters with Silver Mounts
£ 785
Superb Quality Pair of Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Decanters with Silver Mounts
£ 785
London City Antiques
£ 345
Story Antique Clocks
Victorian Inlaid Walnut Three Decanter Tantalus & Games Box
£ 895
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Fantastic Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Cut Glass Ships Decanters
£ 545
Fantastic Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Cut Glass Ships Decanters
£ 545
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Town House Traders Ltd
Quality Mahogany & Silver Plated 3 Bottle Drinks Tantalus
£ 285
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Lovely Quality Antique Victorian Glass Decanter
£ 195
London City Antiques
Antique Victorian Quality Cranberry Glass Decanter
£ 295
The Purply Shop
Silver Mounted Glass Liqueur Decanter Set c.1920
£ 450
London City Antiques
Pair of Antique Victorian Quality Cut Glass Decanters
£ 575
Queens Antiques & Collectables
Antique Sterling Silver Madeira Decanter Label 1803
£ 595
Set of 4 Antique Spirit Bottles, English, Leather, Glass Decanter c.1900
£ 595
London Fine Ltd
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
19th Century Victorian Richardsons Green Ribbed Glass Serving Bottle c.1840
£ 180
19th Century Victorian Richardsons Green Ribbed Glass Serving Bottle c.1840
£ 180
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
London City Antiques
Pair of Quality Antique Victorian Cut Glass Decanters
£ 395
London Fine Ltd
Pair of Antique Decanter Service, Crystal Glass - English - Mappin & Webb - Edwardian
£ 985
Pair of Antique Decanter Service, Crystal Glass - English - Mappin & Webb - Edwardian
£ 985
London Fine Ltd
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Pair of 19th Century Richardson Ribbed Amethyst Glass Serving Bottles c.1850
£ 320
Pair of 19th Century Richardson Ribbed Amethyst Glass Serving Bottles c.1850
£ 320
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Pair of 19th Century Engraved Amber Glass Serving Bottles or Decanters c.1860
£ 320
Pair of 19th Century Engraved Amber Glass Serving Bottles or Decanters c.1860
£ 320
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
London City Antiques
Pair of Antique Edwardian Quality Cut Glass Decanters
£ 495
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Late Victorian Sterling Silver and Cut Glass Claret Jug
£ 675
Jeff Sims Antiques
Vintage Silver Scotch Decanter Label
£ 75
Jeff Sims Antiques
Early Victorian Silver Whisky Decanter Label
£ 110
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Oak Tantalus and Games Box
£ 995
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Oak Tantalus and Games Box
£ 995
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Stunning Quality Antique Victorian Decanter
£ 265
£ 200
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Quality Antique Victorian Decanter
£ 195
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Quality Antique Victorian Cut Glass Decanter
£ 175
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Rare Art Deco Enamelled Glass Decanter c.1930
£ 175
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Two Victorian Glass Flagon Decanters Bristol Blue & Amethyst 1860
£ 180
Two Victorian Glass Flagon Decanters Bristol Blue & Amethyst 1860
£ 180
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
Pair of 19th Century English Glass Spirit Decanters c.1830
£ 170
Pair of 19th Century English Glass Spirit Decanters c.1830
£ 170
Exhibit Antiques & Collectibles
£ 120
Jo Brayshaw
Cranberry Flash Decanters & Carafe c.1900
£ 210
Marlborough Antiques & Interiors
Attractive Set of Six Cordial Glasses & Decanter
£ 550
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Unusual Shaped Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Decanter
£ 275
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Wonderful Quality Antique Edwardian Cut Glass Decanter
£ 245
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Quality Pair of Antique Edwardian Ruby Glass Decanters
£ 365
London City Antiques
Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Cut Glass Decanters
£ 675
London City Antiques
Antique Edwardian Quality Cut Glass Decanter
£ 225
London City Antiques
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Cut Glass Decanter
£ 325
Antiqon
Liquor Bar (Cave à liqueur)
€ 1,800
London City Antiques
Unusual Pair of Irish Antique Victorian Quality Cut Glass Decanters
£ 695
Unusual Pair of Irish Antique Victorian Quality Cut Glass Decanters
£ 695
London City Antiques
Sovereign Antiques
Tantalus Three Decanter’s & Games in Oak Case
£ 495