Sterling Silver Decanter Labels, Set of Three — Whiskey, Whisky & Brandy with Shell-and-Acanthus Borders

A matched set of three cast sterling silver decanter labels, each with a heavily worked border of scrolling acanthus leaves and scallop shells surrounding a smooth central cartouche. The titles are engraved in serif capitals — WHISKEY, WHISKY, and BRANDY — and each label hangs from its original fine cable-link chain measuring roughly 6.5". The reverse cartouches carry full hallmarks alongside the maker's mark of Francis Howard, the Sheffield silversmith long associated with quality reproduction and Rococo-revival English silver hollowware and accessories. The suite includes both the American "Whiskey" and Scottish "Whisky" spellings, suggesting a bar set assembled for a well-stocked decanter trio.

Spirit labels of this type slip over the neck of a decanter to identify its contents — a tradition reaching back to the 18th-century English sideboard, when bottles arrived unmarked from the merchant. The shell-and-acanthus border treatment here is a recurring design motif in English silver of this type, and Francis Howard's production of such pieces in sterling — rather than the Sheffield plate or silver-filled alternatives common to the trade — keeps this set firmly in functional heirloom territory.

CONDITION

Good. Two of the three labels (Whiskey and Brandy) show significant patchy tarnish and darkening across the central panels; the Whisky label is brighter with light surface scratches. We'll leave the polishing to you. Chains are intact and labels hang correctly.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Each Label: 1 1/2" H × 2 1/4" W
• Chain Length: 6.5"
• Total Weight: 40.4 grams (overall, all three)
• Material: Sterling silver, hallmarked
• Maker: Francis Howard, Sheffield
• Titles: Whiskey / Whisky / Brandy