Decanters and Serving Bottles

Quite often, we are asked the question what is the difference between an antique decanter and an antique serving bottle? The differences are only in their shape and design. Antique serving bottles tend to be taller and narrower in shape compared to the decanter. Also, the serving bottles were produced around circa 1850 while decanters go back to the late 17th century. If you enjoy red wine on a regular basis, then using a clear decanter or serving bottle is a great idea.

The decanter that most people are accustomed to, is the classic shape decanter with three neck rings. The earliest version (circa 1820) is a plain bulbous bottle with three neck rings and is fitted with a bullseye stopper. The slightly later version (circa 1830 see Decanter listed below) has a similar shape but is cut with narrow basal flutes with three neck rings and is fitted with a cut mushroom stopper.