Antique Silver Wine Funnels
The decanting tool of the Georgian table — a silver funnel with a pierced strainer to catch the sediment as wine passed into the decanter. Elegant, practical and collectable. A guide to identifying, dating, valuing and selling antique silver wine funnels in the UK.
What Is Your Silver Wine Funnel Worth?
Send a photo — including the marks — and we'll value it free, with no obligation. We reply within one working day.
When wine was decanted off its sediment, a silver wine funnel did the work — its curved spout directing the flow to the side of the decanter and its pierced strainer catching the lees. A handsome and practical survivor of Georgian dining, a good marked example is both useful and collectable.
Silver wine funnels: what they are
A wine funnel is a two-part silver funnel: a wide bowl with a detachable pierced strainer, and a tapering, side-curving spout that directed wine gently down the inside of the decanter to avoid splashing and aeration. Often there's a small clip or ring to rest it on the decanter, and many came with a matching stand. Most date from the late 18th and 19th centuries; named makers and complete funnel-and-stand sets are the most desirable.
What collectors look for
Named makers
Georgian makers and noted firms carry a premium over unmarked or later pieces.
Complete & with stand
Bowl, detachable strainer and matching stand all present and marked to one maker.
Georgian date
Late-18th and early-19th century funnels are most collected; the hallmark dates it.
Quality & weight
Heavy-gauge silver, crisp gadrooned rims and fine piercing over thin, plain examples.
What are antique silver wine funnels worth?
Value depends on maker, date, weight and completeness:
Indicative only — your funnel depends on maker, hallmark date, weight and condition. Send a photo for a free, accurate valuation.
What Determines Value
The factors we assess on a silver wine funnel:
- Maker — Georgian and noted makers over unmarked pieces.
- Date — Georgian examples most collected; the hallmark dates it.
- Completeness — Bowl, strainer and matching stand together.
- Weight — Heavy-gauge silver carries more value.
- Quality — Crisp gadrooned rims and fine strainer piercing.
- Condition — No splits, dents or repairs; strainer fits firmly.
Marks are on the bowl, strainer and stand — look for the lion passant for sterling. Plate is marked EPNS.
How to identify and date your wine funnel
Check the bowl, the strainer and the stand each for marks — ideally all carry the same maker's mark and date letter, confirming an original, un-married set. Look for the lion passant (sterling) with the town mark and date letter; plated funnels stamped EPNS are worth far less — see our EPNS vs sterling silver guide. The date letter dates it — use our how to read silver hallmarks guide — and the silver price valuation guide shows the metal value as a baseline.
Wine funnels belong with the decanting and drinking silver. See our guides to claret jugs, wine labels and wine coasters. When you're ready to sell, visit sell your silver.
Value Your Wine Funnel
Send photographs of the funnel, strainer, any stand and the marks, and we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antique silver wine funnels — common questions.
What is a silver wine funnel?
A two-part silver funnel with a detachable pierced strainer and a curved spout, used to decant wine into a decanter while catching the sediment. Most date from the late 18th and 19th centuries.
How much is an antique silver wine funnel worth?
From near scrap silver for a plain Victorian funnel up to a strong premium for Georgian, named-maker examples and complete funnel-and-stand sets. Maker, date, weight and completeness decide. Send a photo for a free valuation.
Why does it have a curved spout?
The curved or hooked spout directs wine gently down the inside of the decanter rather than splashing into the base — decanting it slowly and cleanly off the sediment.
How do I tell sterling from plate?
Look for the lion passant hallmark on the bowl and strainer. Plated funnels are marked EPNS or A1 and worth far less. Send a photo of the marks and we'll confirm.
Is the stand important?
Yes. A funnel complete with its matching stand, all marked to one maker, is more desirable and valuable than the funnel alone.
Where can I sell an antique silver wine funnel in the UK?
Mozeris Fine Antiques are specialist silver buyers with showrooms in Mayfair, London and Braintree, Essex. We offer free, no-obligation valuations — send photos or visit by appointment.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the funnel and the marks. We'll respond within one working day.