Antique Glass & Sterling Silver Bird Decanter by Asprey London, 1892

A rare antique glass & sterling silver bird decanter for dispensing angostura bitters by Asprey London 1892.

This rare antique glass and sterling silver bird decanter is excellent condition and has been beautifully crafted. The item is fully hallmarked, Asprey London 1892.

The bird head itself is lifted off to reveal the the spout and the well for the liquid.

What would any great cocktail be without a few dashes of Angostura bitters? These legendary bitters were created by Dr Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, who was Surgeon General in Simon Bolivar's army in Venezuela. The drink was originally created for a use as a medicine, but survives to this day due to its wonderful richness and complexity that adds a great "extra dimension" to a drink and now available in different flavours.

Back in the 19th century, bitters were given to sailors in the Royal Navy as a treatment for sea sickness, though they weren't exactly palatable on their own. Therefore, gin was added, and a classic cocktail was born.

The bird decanter would make a wonderful desk accessory or used as an interesting barware piece.

Dimensions;
H 6” x W (beak to tail) 6 1/2” x D 2 1/2”

About the maker -
1892 Asprey London.
Asprey, founded in 1781 by William Asprey, was originally based in Mitcham, Surrey until the company moved into its current New Bond Street premises.

From its central London location, Asprey advertised ‘articles of exclusive design and high quality', whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.

An early speciality was dressing cases, for which Queen Victoria awarded Asprey a Royal Warrant for in 1862. In the same year Asprey was also awarded a gold medal for its dressing cases at the International Exhibition.