Gilt Rhenish Label, 1821

This is an excellent George IV period label with the unusual and clever feature of a gilt front and silver reverse - presumably the reverse side was masked off during the mercury gilding process. This cast label has a Bacchanalian theme with a Bacchus mask to the centre and cherubs holding wine jugs to either side all set amidst bunches of grapes. The label is in excellent condition (just very minor wear to gilding) and bears the rare title "Rhenish".

Rhenish is the anglified version of Rheinhessen, the largest of the German wine producing areas and home to the popular Liebfraumilch.