Silver White Port Label by Wm Key 1784

This good-looking navette-shaped silver wine label is incised "W:PORT" to the centre and has a zig-zag bright-cut engraved border with wriggle work inner. White Port is a scarce name on antique wine labels.

Bearing only the maker's mark "WK" for William Key of London, this bottle ticket dates from circa 1783/4 as the maker entered his mark at Goldsmiths Hall in December 1783 and the lack of a duty mark suggests the label was made prior to its introduction in December 1784. This White Port label hangs from a belcher chain and is in fine condition.