Description
An exceptionally stylish pair of early decanters, bottles or wine carafes
Known as British mell decanters, or just mells, these became popular and fashionable in the British society from around 1810, and kept being produced until like 1870's.
Although found all around the British islands, mells are considered by specialists to be Scottish made
Used for dispensing spirits or wine, they would usually have a cork stopper, often metal molded and with engravings specifying the liquor contained in the bottle
The decanters are in the characteristic shafted, compressed onion form with wide lips
Individually hand blown high quality glass with very good clarity
Cut and polished pontils
Desirable quintessential cobalt blue color known as Bristol blue
A well matching pair, although, due to the fact that both were individually hand made, they differ slightly
Circa early/mid 1800's, Regency/William IV period
All original
Measurements: Approximately: Each is 8.5" tall. One is slightly wider - 7" widest diameter; the widest diameter of the other is 6.75"
The wider weighs about 2 lbs.; the other is 1 lb. 13 oz.
Condition: Very Good overall. Please see photos. No major issues. Minor roughness at the pontil of one, as pictured. The bases show shelf wear expected with the age and normal use. All original.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very Good overall. Please see photos. No major issues. Minor roughness at the pontil of one, as pictured. The bases show shelf wear expected with the age and normal use. All original.
Origin:
United Kingdom
Materials & Techniques:
Blown Glass
Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Known as British mell decanters, or just mells, these became popular and fashionable in the British society from around 1810, and kept being produced until like 1870's.
Although found all around the British islands, mells are considered by specialists to be Scottish made
Used for dispensing spirits or wine, they would usually have a cork stopper, often metal molded and with engravings specifying the liquor contained in the bottle
The decanters are in the characteristic shafted, compressed onion form with wide lips
Individually hand blown high quality glass with very good clarity
Cut and polished pontils
Desirable quintessential cobalt blue color known as Bristol blue
A well matching pair, although, due to the fact that both were individually hand made, they differ slightly
Circa early/mid 1800's, Regency/William IV period
All original
Measurements: Approximately: Each is 8.5" tall. One is slightly wider - 7" widest diameter; the widest diameter of the other is 6.75"
The wider weighs about 2 lbs.; the other is 1 lb. 13 oz.
Condition: Very Good overall. Please see photos. No major issues. Minor roughness at the pontil of one, as pictured. The bases show shelf wear expected with the age and normal use. All original.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very Good overall. Please see photos. No major issues. Minor roughness at the pontil of one, as pictured. The bases show shelf wear expected with the age and normal use. All original.
Origin:
United Kingdom
Materials & Techniques:
Blown Glass
Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Very Good overall. Please see photos. No major issues. Minor roughness at the pontil of one, as pictured. The bases show shelf wear expected with the age and normal use. All original.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
8 x 7 x 7 in
Pair of Early 1800's Bristol Cobalt Blue Hand Blown Glass Mell Decanters, Scottish
Estimate $340-$1,010
Starting Price
$170
8 bidders are watching this item
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Curated Curiosities
Aug 27, 2026, 7:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
TOP

































