Chateau Noir Grand Vin Bordeaux Silver Plated Wine Coaster / Bottle Coaster c. 1970-1990
Wine Coaster · Unknown manufacturer, likely a European or American decorative silverplate maker specializing in wine and bar accessories.
Pattern: Chateau Noir Wine Label Series, featuring reproduction vintage French wine label graphics.
Type
Wine Coaster
Maker
Unknown manufacturer, likely a European or American decorative silverplate maker specializing in wine and bar accessories.
Material
Silver Plated Metal (EPNS or silver-plated brass/base metal) with a highly polished mirror finish.
Dimensions
Estimated at approximately 10 cm x 10 cm (4 inches square), typical for a modern square tabletop bottle coaster or decorative coaster.
Description
An eye-catching silver-plated square wine coaster or bottle base featuring a deeply etched and darkened reproduction of a vintage French wine label. The central graphic displays 'CHATEAU NOIR' beneath an ornate scroll cartouche and the year '1878', followed by 'GRAND VIN', 'BORDEAUX', and 'MIS EN BOUTEILLE AU CHATEAU' at the base. The brilliant mirror-finish silverplate creates a striking contrast against the dark lettering, making it a stylish addition to a home bar, dining table, or wine collection display.
Key Features
Distinctive square silhouette, high-polish mirror silverplate surface, and detailed acid-etched vintage Bordeaux wine label typography.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated Metal (EPNS or silver-plated brass/base metal) with a highly polished mirror finish.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on a flat square form, featuring deep black-filled or acid-etched engraving mimicking a classic Bordeaux wine label with scrollwork, the year 1878, and the text Chateau Noir Grand Vin Bordeaux.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible traditional hallmarks on the front face; maker or silverplate stamp may be located on the reverse side or inner rim.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured plate with precision-cut square corners, flat top surface with recessed or etched and blackened graphics, combined with standard silverplating techniques.
Functional Features
Designed to hold wine bottles or serve as a decorative tabletop coaster to protect surfaces from condensation and moisture.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; low-profile flat square coaster form with clean beveled or square-cut edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean industrial stamping and chemical etching with crisp typography and a uniform electroplated silver surface.
Authentication Indicators
Consistent with mass-produced or boutique decorative silver-plated barware of the late 20th century; lacks traditional antique hallmarks, pointing toward modern decorative plating rather than fine antique sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Europe (France, UK, or Italy) or the United States, following traditional silver-plating and metal-etching processes for hospitality and home bar accessories.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990s), reflecting retro-chic barware trends inspired by historical wine ephemera.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990, based on the typography, styling, and prevalence of novelty wine-label barware during the late 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the enduring global appreciation for French wine culture and the mid-to-late 20th-century trend of incorporating vintage wine label aesthetics into home entertaining accessories.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition with minimal surface hairline scratches typical of light handling, and intact dark infill on the engraved text.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $25 and $75 USD depending on the specific maker, weight, and retail venue.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and mild silver polish if needed, avoiding abrasive cleaners that could damage the mirror finish or dark lettering infill. Store in a dry environment.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated wine coasters by makers like Sheffield, WMF, or various Italian barware manufacturers featuring reproduction port, sherry, and Bordeaux label motifs.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Chateau Noir' translates to Black Castle and is frequently used as a fictional or romanticized label design for decorative wine accessories and themed hospitality items.