Topic: Decanter capacities

[Bernard C]

I've been cleaning a chunky Manchester? Victorian cut glass decanter, and just remembered to measure its capacity before drying it out.

To about ½" below the bottom of the stopper when in place, the capacity is almost exactly 16 fl.oz. or 450 ml.   Is this a standard size?

Where do I find more information on decanters?

Any help would be appreciated.

Bernard C. 

[josordoni]

Interestingly that is an exact measurement for a US pint (a UK pint of course is 20 fl oz)  I wonder if this was either US production, or made for the US market?

[Sue C]

Hi Bernard, not a lot on decanter's but a nice little site about claret jug's www.claretjugs.com i will see what else i can dig up

[Heidimin]

Andy McConnell wrote a book on decanters: The Decanter: An Illustrated History of Glass from 1650. I haven't read it, but it sounds like it might be the definitive work on the subject.

[nigel benson]

Hello Bernard,

When I remember to check the capacity of a decanter, whilst washing it, I use a wine bottle and have never thought to do the obvious and go on to check the capacity of a standard wine bottle in fluid ounces - which is 75cl. in decimal capacity.

As a result I've just gone and looked at my trusty Pyrex measuring jug and estimate that 75cl equals 26 fluid ounces. I therefore suggest that your decanter is not full size.

By-the-by I checked the index and appendices of McConnell for 'capacity' and 'size' to find no reference. I haven't read the whole book, but from what I have I do not recall any mention of capacity.

Hope this helps, Nigel

[Max]

By-the-by I checked the index and appendices of McConnell for 'capacity' and 'size' to find no reference. I haven't read the whole book, but from what I have I do not recall any mention of capacity.

I couldn't find any mention of capacity either Nigel.  I did drop Andy an email about Bernard's question, but haven't heard back.  I'll ask Andy about it when I next see him. 

[Bernard C]

Thanks, everyone.    I did wonder whether I was filling this decanter too full when measuring its capacity.    The 750 ml. European wine bottle seems to have been an established size for a very long time, so I am wondering whether the nominal capacity of my decanter is 375 ml.   Splitting a full bottle of wine between a pair of these seems a sensible way of organising the dinner table, particularly a setting for six.

You may recall, Nigel, that I had a pair of early Spanish cut square decanters (with the simple Daisy pattern) through my hands recently.    I've checked my notes and 375 ml. could also have been their nominal size.

It's a pity that McConnell does not seem to discuss this.    I wonder what else he has missed.

Bernard C.