Good Regency Sterling Silver Wine Funnel, hallmarked London, 1817-1818, by Solomon Hougham (1746-1818; free 1786), of thistle form with reeded banding, retaining the original straining bowl and muslin ring, engraved on the body with a crest "out of a ducal coronet, a swan's head", and the monogram "HPB", l. 6-3/8", dia. 3-1/8", 6.76 t. oz.

Overall Condition: Good. The interior strainer has a 1-3/4" area with two narrow splits to the original join where the bottom is joined to the bowl. Otherwise the funnel is in nice shape, with some scattered dings and scuffs consistent with age. Original construction join line visible where the funnel meets the body. The tip does not appear to have been cut down. Hallmarked (on the body, near the rim) with: 1) the sterling lion passant; 2) the London crowned leopard's head; 3) the George III bust duty mark; 4) the date letter "b" for 1817-1819; and 5) the "SH" maker's mark of Solomon Hougham. The straining bowl is part-marked with 1), 3) & 5) as stated, the retaining ring with 1) only. The marks on the body are good with minor wear; the ones on the bowl are rubbed but legible.