Here we have a good George III Sterling Silver Wine Funnel of traditional form. The upper part has a double line of decoration just below the rim and a pierced base to strain the sediment. The lower part is line decorated around the top and as usual has a spout that turns through 90 degrees to direct the wine down the side of the decanter or claret jug. There are no initials or personalisation of any kind.

The wine funnel was made in London by silversmith William Skeen and dates to 1775. William Skeen registered his first mark at Goldsmith’s Hall in London in 1755. He was an accomplished silversmith who primarily produced flatware and tableware. He remained in business until around the mid 1780s.

Condition is good with just a small split in each piece where the lower and upper parts join but this does not affect the function of the funnel. Otherwise there is just the superficial surface wear that has to be anticipated after over 250 years of good service. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The wine funnel is 11cm / 4.3ins from top to bottom and 6.7cm / 2.6ins in diameter across the top rim. It weighs in at a respectable 44.1g / 1.55oz / 1.42toz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the underside of the strainer, are partially pierced by the holes but still easy to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the crowned leopard's head assay mark for London, the Old English date letter U for 1775 and the W S makers' mark for William Skeen. There is a secondary partial set around the top of the spout.