York-made Wine Label, 1800 WA

Silver wine labels made in York are scarce and generally by the series of companies involving Hampston, Prince, Cattle, Barber, Whitwell and North, however this label is made by the much more scarcely encountered silversmith, William Astley. The label has a pleasing crescent shape and bears the title "RUM". It is in fine condition and from the prevailing fashions of the time will date from the early period of William Astley's working period (he took over the business of his former master Richard Clark in 1797).