Victorian EPNS Pierced Wine Bottle Holder – Rococo Scrollwork, c.1880

Behold: the Victorian solution to the eternal problem of "where do I put this wine bottle so it looks absolutely magnificent on the table." This EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) wine bottle holder from around 1880 has been polished with great enthusiasm — perhaps a touch too much enthusiasm in places — and is glowing warmly for it.

The cylindrical body is pierced with elaborate Rococo-style scrollwork panels — swirling acanthus leaves, Gothic arches, and fleur-de-lis motifs that let the light through in the most dramatic way possible. Two cast acanthus-leaf handles sit on either side, because carrying your wine to the table should feel like a ceremony. The stepped circular base keeps everything stable, which is more than can be said for the guests after the wine is gone.

Stamped E.P.N.S. on the base — Electroplated Nickel Silver, the Victorian standard for quality silverware that didn't require a second mortgage.

• Origin: United Kingdom
• Period: c.1880 (Victorian)
• Material: EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver)
• Dimensions: 17 cm height × 18 cm width × 14 cm depth
• Weight: 520 g
• Decoration: Pierced Rococo scrollwork panels with acanthus leaf handles
• Mark: E.P.N.S. stamped on base
• Condition: Good vintage condition; heavily polished — copper base metal showing through in several areas where the silver plating has worn. Consistent with age and use; adds to the honest patina of a well-loved piece.

WARNING: Once this bottle holder appears on your dining table, guests will assume you have your life completely together. Maison de L'oro accepts no responsibility for the subsequent dinner party invitations you will be obligated to host, or for the moment someone asks if it's "real silver" and you have to explain EPNS while pretending you knew all along.