A Silver Decanter Label for 'Poison'; CJ Vander; London 1979

Origin: English
Period: Mid/Late 20thC
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1979
Height: 0.75” or 4” with chain
Width: 1.75”
Weight: 8 grams aprx

The finely crafted sterling silver decanter label of traditional octagonal form, crisply engraved in bold serif capitals with the single, arresting word “POISON”, the plate chamfered to the corners with a reeded border and suspended from its original silver chain and fully hallmarked for London 1979 and maker’s mark C.J.V Ltd.

The surface retains a soft, even patina with light wear commensurate with age, the engraving still sharp and legible as are the hallmarks. There are minor surface scratches visible under close inspection, consistent with handling whilst the chain appears original and in good order. Overall a well-preserved example.

Silver decanter labels, or bottle tickets, emerged in the 18th century as practical identifiers for cut-glass decanters, particularly within grand dining settings. By the later twentieth century they were revived in sterling silver as both functional and novelty pieces. Examples bearing standard spirits are commonplace; however those engraved with more unusual or macabre wording such as “Poison” were produced in far smaller numbers and have a distinctly decorative rather than practical intent. The choice of word nods to apothecary traditions, gothic interiors, and the long-standing aesthetic fascination with danger and the forbidden. Though modest in scale, it carries undeniable theatrical presence; a small object with disproportionate impact.

The origins of CJ Vander date back to Alexander Macrae who established his business in 1856 (32 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London). In 1870, he entered in partnership with Martin Goldstein changing the firm's name to Macrae & Goldstein. The partnership was dissolved in 1878 and Martin Goldstein continued to trade under his own name until 1886, when he sold the firm to Cornelius Joshua Vander (1837 - 1904).

A scarce and quietly subversive object; equally at home draped across a dark glass apothecary bottle or resting within a cabinet of curiosities; small, witty, and just a little wicked.