How to Identify Genuine Antique Decanters

Examine old European wine decanters. A Dutch Amethyst wine container (circa 1750) was cut from dark amber-colored glass in genie bottle shape with ribbing over the bottle. An antique black glass decanter from the early 1700's has a simple design and a seal near the bottom.

Recognize antique whiskey decanters. There̵7;s a nondescript English whiskey decanter from the late 1880's made of pottery and covered with a weaved basket. An egg-shaped aquamarine glass decanter with a straight neck was made by Royal Leerdam Glassworks in 1927; this container belongs to the Victoria and Albert̵7;s Museum̵7;s extensive collection of decanters. American whiskey decanters often sported etchings or paintings of nature scenes, such as the grouse picture on a Cabin Still whiskey decanter from the 1960's. Jim Beam and other whiskey distillers often released special edition decanters. The American Samoa green glass decanter (1973) featured a map of the island on its sides. A decanter shaped like a cardinal bird on a perch, made in 1968, has a tree stump bottom.

Check out decorative glass decanters with unusual shapes or patterns. Look at the cut of the glass and the company insignia to be sure it̵7;s a vintage decanter and not a knockoff. (Replicas tend to be made with cheaper glass and fewer details). Examples of antique decanters include a light blue clown decanter produced in France with the clown̵7;s head used as a stopper, and a large, clear Victorian glass decanter with small triangular (Pall Mall) pattern near the bottom. Pall-Mall decanters or glass items were made by a machine etching process and contained curly or triangle patterns on the top or bottom of the piece.

Identify Lalique art glass decanters. A bulbous, frosted glass decanter (with accompanying stemware) showcases the delicate, streamlined design. A clear crystal decanter with a fish pattern at the bottom (circa 1930) and a frosted, rotunda shaped container with female silhouettes also display this French glass artist̵7;s Art Deco style.

Look at antique silver wine decanters. These can include an American sterling silver genie bottle type, with a tall and ornate stopper, an Art Nouveau container with a leaves and grapes design and generous-sized side handle, and an English crystal and silver decanter with a handle shaped like a tree branch.

Check the authenticity of decanters by consulting with antique appraisers or looking at Miller̵7;s Antiques and Collectibles website for pricing information. The book ̶0;English Bottles and Decanters, 1650-1900̶1; by Derek Davis contains photographs for comparison and will clue you in on the value of U.K. decanters.