scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

I found this in a second hand shop years ago and have yet to find anyone who knows for sure what it is for? Some guesses have been saki pouring and warming and maybe for brandy. No one knows for sure. The hand crank seems to tilt what looks like a cradle for a bottle and the candle holder lines up with the neck of the bottle to warm something. Thanks

(Download)


(Download)

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I don't know what it's called but it used to decant bottles of wine containing large amounts of sediment. Particularly VERY old Port.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

Thank you. Is the candle holder part of the process if it is even a candle holder?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Possibly a candle (short candle) holder to light the bottle so one can better see the sediment.
Moveable to either side of the bottle or under it.
I seriously doubt it is to warm anything.

Jwshelton Loc: Denver,CO

A candle is part of the process.
It provides a light source to see the sediment.

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

I checked it out online and that is exactly what it is for. To see the sediment moving down the neck in time to stop it. Thank you.

mtcoothaman Loc: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Definitely a wine decanter.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Very interesting. I spotted the bottle shaped cradle immediately but didn't think about the candle holder or what it would be used for.

Sediments huh!

Must be more or less replaced these days by microfiber paper filters to catch the sediments as you pour.
Or did I just revel that I am a non drinker and know absolutely nothing about how to treat fine aged wines?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I don't think it's a 21st century decanter, at least not from the US.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

The 21st Century Model would have WiFi, Bluetooth and a direct link to the "Snobby Wine Tasters of the World" web site. With tutorials on just how to use it and treat the wine on the 10" HD(4K?) screen. And all run by more computing power than the first Cray Super Computer.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Sorry to say, you know nothing about fine wines.

I only know about fine Vintage Port wine. First of all the Port you drink should be at least one year older than you are. If you are over 70 and wish to follow this rule, you might want to take a second out on the house. Next you will need to obtain a set of 'Port Tongs' because in all likelihood the cork will be crystalized and impossible to remove. The tongs will heated to red hot and wrapped around the neck of the bottle for a period of time known to only a few wine connoisseurs and sommeliers. When the bottle neck is heated to just the right temperature (see above) the tongs are removed and a single drop of ice water is allowed to fall on the heated segment of the bottle. If done correctly the bottle neck fractures cleanly and when the glass returns to room temperature allows the Port to be decanted cleanly.

Fortunately it is possible, on occasion, to buy old Vintage Ports by the glass.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Huh! Don't be sorry, I don't drink.
At our wedding my wife and I had alcohol free Italian Sparkling Wine recommended and obtained for us by the Liquor Dept Manager at the large supermarket where we worked and met. He was the past president of the California Wine Tasters Association. He said it was the Italian version of champagne but tasted better and the alcohol free version actually tasted better than the regular type. I remember it was good. And since the company regional Christmas party for about 2 dozen markets was two days after our wedding he arranged for us to share the party as a second wedding reception with our friends and co-workers. He even announced us and wouldn't let the dancing start until we were on the floor for the first dance.
That man had hundreds of people who relied on him to obtain special orders and hard to find things for them all year round - even a few people from other countries. The market company encouraged him since the publicity was good for them. He had a few guys who didn't drink but collected rare bottles and limited edition ceramic hand painted containers the companies put out for special occasions. He teamed each one with someone who liked to drink the wine or booze but weren't collectors. When something came in he would notify them, they would meet at the store and buy the item and the drinker would have an empty plain bottle of the right brand. Transfer the contents to the empty and both would leave as happy campers. Some of those ceramic bottles were beautiful works of craftsmanship. I could understand why people collected them.
Even if I did drink all that trouble would cause me to stick to beer (I do like the taste of the alcohol free beer and use it for cooking.) or Gallo. My Mom, Step Dad , Aunt, and Uncle all worked at the Gallo glass plant in Modesto, CA when I was a kid - they made bottles for their own brand and a bunch of the Northern California Vineyards. They probably made more money off bottles than wine.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Interesting, thanks for the education.
I'm glad I don't drink port (Tried it, don't care for it.) and simply open a bottle, let it breath a bit, and pour.
I really enjoy a good glass now and then.
Red at room temp, white chilled. Frozen seedless green grapes are neat to keep it chilled too.
I'll never be a connoisseur.