The Antique Coasters changed to prevent staining of a table top or tablecloth as a result of wine trickling down the side of the bottle after being poured and Antique Coasters gained in popularity during the mid 1700’s.Until the end of the 18th century,
the standard wine coaster had a diameter of about 4 ½ inches.Later this diameter was increased to accommodate cut glass decanters, when the function of the coaster was not only to prevent staining, but also to stop decanters from touching each
other, reducing damage such as chipping the glass.
Over time, Antique Coasters acquired a further function to facilitate the movement of a bottle or decanter along a table. More elaborate, sometimes articulated coasters were fitted with wheels to further assist transportation. By the late 18th Century it became common practice for the table cloth to be removed before the dessert, to reveal a highly polished table. Flat bottomed coasters fitted with baize to the underside were then employed, allowing the bottle or decanter to be slid smoothly over the table surface whilst protecting the table surface from being scratched.
Antique Coasters were made in solid silver or silver plate, in the complete form, or with turned wood bases. Often the wood bases would be fitted with a central silver boss to be later engraved with the appropriate crest or monogram. Ivory bosses were also used to embellish wooden bases. Modern coasters are still manufactured today, with little deviation from the original forms.
