Charles Reily & George Storer Sterling Silver 'GIN' Wine Label
Silver Wine Label / Decanter Label · Charles Reily & George Storer (C.R. & S). Notable London silversmiths operating from Carey Lane, renowned for high-quality domestic silver and decanter accessories during the early and mid-Victorian era.
Pattern: Repoussé Shell and Leaf Scroll Pattern. This is a classic Victorian decorative motif featuring scallop shells and acanthus foliage, commonly used for decanter labels.
Type
Silver Wine Label / Decanter Label
Maker
Charles Reily & George Storer (C.R. & S). Notable London silversmiths operating from Carey Lane, renowned for high-quality domestic silver and decanter accessories during the early and mid-Victorian era.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Features an attached silver cable link chain. Solid silver construction throughout.
Dimensions
Approximately 5 cm (2 inches) in width and 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) in height. Estimated weight is 15-20 grams. The suspension chain is roughly 10-12 cm long.
Description
This exquisite sterling silver decanter label, or 'bottle ticket,' is a superb example of mid-19th-century London craftsmanship. Produced by the esteemed partnership of Reily & Storer, the label identifies 'GIN' within an ornate border of shells and scrolling foliage. The piece captures the Victorian obsession with categorized dining and beverage service, designed to grace the neck of a fine lead-crystal decanter. The heavy gauge of silver and the clarity of the hallmarking make it a premier collector's piece.
Key Features
Explicit 'GIN' engraving; full, legible hallmarks on the face; elaborate shell and scroll repoussé border; original suspension chain; reputable maker's mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Features an attached silver cable link chain. Solid silver construction throughout.
Finish & Decoration
The label features high-relief repoussé and chased work on the border, with a central domed field. Decorative elements include shells at the top and bottom with flanking acanthus scrolls. The text 'GIN' is deeply engraved in a serif font and darkened for legibility. The background of the border is oxidized to enhance the detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full set of London hallmarks on the lower front: 1) Maker's mark 'C.R & S' for Charles Reily and George Storer. 2) Leopard's Head for London. 3) Lion Passant for Sterling Silver. 4) Date letter 'g' in a rounded shield, corresponding to the year 1842.
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-finished. The border decoration was likely struck with a master die and then hand-chased for added definition. The suspension loops are hand-soldered to the reverse. The chain is composed of individual soldered links.
Functional Features
Suspension chain for hanging over the neck of a glass decanter. The concave/curved back allows it to rest flush against the rounded body of a decanter.
Handle & Grip Details
The 'handle' consists of a sterling silver cable-style suspension chain attached via two integrated loops on the upper corners of the plaque.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-work with no signs of 'ghosting' or thin spots. The soldering of the chain loops is exceptionally clean, a hallmark of Reily & Storer's superior workshop standards compared to mass-market manufacturers.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are placed on the front bottom as was standard for the period; the 'g' date letter is consistent with the London leopard head style of 1842; the maker's mark 'CR&S' matches the known registration for Reily & Storer; the font of 'GIN' is period-accurate.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom. Manufactured in the city's historic silver-working district near Goldsmiths' Hall.
Era & Period
Early Victorian Period (1837-1901). Specifically 1842. The ornate shell and scroll design reflects the transition from Late Georgian Rococo-Revival to the heavy ornamentation of the early Victorian years.
Age Estimate
Dated 1842 based on the 'g' date letter hallmark.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining rituals of the 19th-century British upper class, where spirits was decanted to hide commercial branding and provide a uniform aesthetic on the sideboard.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The hallmarks are crisp and not worn from over-polishing. Minimal surface scratching (fine hair-lines) consistent with age. No evidence of repair or thinning. The chain is intact with secure soldering at the attachment points. Grade: Excellent.
Value Estimate
Currently valued between $250 and $450 USD. Factors increasing value include the specific 'GIN' title (highly collectible), the quality of the Reily & Storer workshop, and the pristine clarity of the 1842 hallmarks.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cotton cloth. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove polish residue from the deep recesses of the shell pattern. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag or box.
Similar Pieces
Victorian labels by Rawlins & Sumner (competitors) or Hester Bateman (Georgian era). Often found in silver-plate (EPNS), but sterling versions like this carry significantly higher value. Pieces by Reily & Storer are often more ornate than those by Sandylands or other contemporaries.
Interesting Facts
Decanter labels were originally called 'Bottle Tickets.' Before labels, servants or hosts would have to rely on the color of the liquid or taste until clear glass decanters became popular in the 1700s. Labels identifying gin became particularly common in the mid-19th century as the spirit rose in social status from 'mother's ruin' to a respectable parlor drink.