Early 20th Century Mechanical Wine Decanting Cradle - 14½"

This rare adjustable wine decanting cradle presents as a sculptural tabletop instrument, dating to the late 19th to early 20th century. An oval mahogany base supports a suite of baluster-turned nickel plated brass uprights that carry a bottle cage with sliding collars to adjust the length for different formats to accommodate Bordeaux, Burgundy, and port shapes. A small hand crank operates a lead screw that gently tips the cradle for a controlled pour, and a decorative brass medallion is inset in the base. The metal shows a soft silvered tone from age, the wood is a deep, reddish brown, and the whole is in good, timeworn condition with tarnish to the plating and scattered surface wear to the base.

Designed for refined service, such cradles were used to decant mature wines without disturbing sediment, a practice prized in grand restaurants cellars. The slow, incremental tilt afforded by the screw mechanism allowed sommeliers to keep the bottle at a steady angle as the level fell, guiding the last clear drops while leaving the dregs in the shoulder. Striking as a functional conversation piece, it suits a bar cart, dining room sideboard, or tasting room where its mechanical elegance can be appreciated.

Pair it with cut crystal stemware and a simple linen runner for a classic service vignette, or place it on a kitchen island or library table to anchor a small wine corner. For collectors, it adds historical character to a cellar lounge while remaining functional for decanting older bottles with care,  even if the mechanism is slightly loose and temperamental with age.