Stevens & Williams "Silver Threaded" Claret Bottle with Sterling Silver Mount

Offered here is an exceptional late Victorian claret bottle attributed to Stevens & Williams of Stourbridge, England, featuring the firm's distinctive Silver Threaded decoration and retaining its original sterling silver mount by Heath & Middleton, hallmarked at the Birmingham Assay Office for the 1892–1893 assay year.

What distinguishes this example is not only its rarity and exceptional craftsmanship, but also the extensive original research that accompanies it. Included with the bottle is a professionally prepared, signed AtopTheTables Research Archive, documenting the attribution through hallmark analysis, primary-source correspondence, factory research, and consultation with recognized specialists.

This bottle was acquired at an estate auction in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, after which a comprehensive research project was undertaken to determine its maker, date, and historical significance.

Construction & Attribution

The finely ribbed "Silver Threaded" decoration is characteristic of a small group of highly specialized Victorian Stourbridge glass produced during the late nineteenth century. The bottle features elegant hollow air-trap handles, a gracefully tapered neck, engraved decoration, and an original sterling silver hinged mount.

Research conducted for this piece included:

• Birmingham Assay Office confirmation of the sterling silver hallmarks

• Identification of the sponsor's mark for Heath & Middleton

• Consultation with the Stourbridge Glass Museum

• Review and interpretation of Stevens & Williams factory description books

• Independent research by noted Stevens & Williams researcher D. C. (Durrell Clive) Manison, who granted permission for his research to be quoted within the accompanying archive

The research supports attribution of the glass body to Stevens & Williams, with probable factory Pattern No. 18291 (possibly 18292).

Included Research Archive

Included with the bottle is a professionally prepared and signed 20-page AtopTheTables Research Archive, containing:

• Attribution summary

• Complete research timeline

• Hallmark analysis

• Birmingham Assay Office correspondence

• Stourbridge Glass Museum correspondence

• Expert research by D. C. Manison (used with permission)

• Factory description book analysis

• Comparative photographs

• Bibliography and source documentation

This archive was prepared independently to document the provenance and attribution of this specific bottle and will accompany the purchaser.

Dimensions

• Height: 11.75 inches
• Length: 5.75 inches
• Width: 4.00 inches
• Base Diameter: 3 5/8 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds 3 ounces

Condition

The bottle presents beautifully and displays exceptionally well.

The glass is free from chips, cracks, and repairs. The sterling silver mount retains its original hinged closure and functions properly. The silver exhibits attractive age-related patina together with light surface wear consistent with careful use over more than 130 years.

As shown in the photographs, there is one small manufacturing "skip" or mark within the threaded decoration on the reverse side of the bottle. This appears to be a minor production irregularity rather than later damage and does not detract from the bottle's structural integrity or display.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Provenance

This bottle was acquired at an estate auction in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and has since been the subject of an extensive independent research project documenting its probable Stevens & Williams origin and confirmed Heath & Middleton sterling silver mount.

Shipping

This bottle will be packed to museum standards using multiple layers of protective materials. The accompanying printed research archive will be packaged separately within the shipment to ensure both the bottle and documentation arrive safely. Shipping cost will include insurance for the full sale price.

At AtopTheTables, we take pride in offering a thoughtfully curated selection of vintage, collectible, and unique items. With years of experience and thousands of positive feedback comments from happy buyers, we are known for our careful packaging and attention to detail, especially when it comes to delicate and breakable pieces. Every item is handled with care to ensure it arrives safely and exactly as described. Please feel free to message us with any questions—we're always happy to help!