Champagne bottle decanter

This unusual Victorian decanter is formed as a Champagne bottle with glass body and sterling silver collar. The lid, modelled as the stopper, is hinged with a sealing cork inside. This bottle has a recessed base and slightly fluted glass, both signs that the glass is original.

Champagne became enormously popular in the closing years of the 19th century after being adopted by the British in its dry (brut) sparkling form. Numerous champagne accessories were devised, particularly by the British, and among the most delightful and spectacular are champagne decanters formed to look like the champagne bottle - except that the foil has been replaced by silver and the green glass with clear.