Victorian Cobalt Blue Glass Holland Decanter with Gilt Label

A handsome Victorian cobalt blue glass Hollands decanter, retaining a stopper that is believed to be a later replacement but which complements the bottle well.

The decanter is of elegant bottle form with broad rounded shoulders rising to a tall tapering neck. The front bears a gilt oval cartouche enclosing the word HOLLAND, suspended beneath decorative gilt chainwork and ornament. Further gilt decoration survives around the neck and shoulder. The deep cobalt blue glass creates a striking visual contrast with the gilt lettering and remains one of the most attractive colours used in nineteenth-century table glass.

The term Hollands was widely used in Britain throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to describe Dutch gin (jenever), imported from the Netherlands and highly regarded for its quality. Decanters bearing the designation “Hollands” are therefore an interesting reminder of the period’s drinking habits and of Britain’s long commercial links with the Low Countries. By the Victorian era, named spirit decanters such as Brandy, Rum, Whisky, Gin and Hollands had become standard features of well-appointed dining rooms and sideboards.

Examples retaining their original gilt spirit labels are increasingly difficult to find, particularly in such attractive cobalt blue glass. The stopper is present but is best described as possibly later, being appropriate in colour and style but not guaranteed original to the bottle.

Comparable cobalt blue and Bristol blue spirit decanters are represented in collections devoted to British domestic glass, including holdings at the Victoria and Albert Museum and National Museums Scotland.

An attractive and increasingly scarce example of Victorian named table glass.

Condition: Very good condition.

Stopper present and believed to be a later replacement. Gilt decoration remains attractive with expected age-related rubbing and wear. Light handling wear consistent with age. No obvious cracks visible from the photographs.

Date: c.1850–1880
Height: Approximately 22.4 cm including stopper
Material: Cobalt blue glass with gilt decoration
Construction: Blown glass decanter with applied neck and stopper

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