Walnut Decanter Case By Thornhill

A figured walnut, three bottle Decanter case.

This set stands out a little for the stoppers which are cork with silver caps, without hallmarks. You would expect the set to have glass stoppers but the cork would certainly be more water tight during travel. The interior of the case has two dividers to separate the three bottles and is lined in leather to cushion them during the travel. The lid interior is lined in cushioned velvet and a good tight fit to keep the corks in place, as can be seen from the indentation the middle. One decanter has some damage to the shaped lip edge, illustrated in the final two photos but is still useable.

The case is veneered in figure walnut and has brass edges. The lock is stamped 'J Needs & Co, 100 New Bond St, W, late J Bramah 124 Piccadilly' and has a replaced key. Needs bought Bramah in 1871 and by 1901 were at 100 New Bond Street. By 1904 they realised that Bramah was the stronger brand name and so reverted back to the simpler Bramah & Co. The maker and retailer's name is on a brass plaque between the lid hinges which notes 'Thornhill Maker 144 New Bond Street'. Walter Thornhill were high end retailers, as you might expect from their address.

This is a good looking Decanter Set and stands out for its cork stoppers. Circa 1900.