This is a delightful pair of silver mounted decanters in the very functional (for a good grip) and decorative style known as 'cruciform'. They are both by the top quality maker Asprey & Co, Ltd.
The first is slightly taller and has a silver top that mirrors the four sides of the cruciform and which can pour from any of the four angles. The second has a smooth round top.
Both have the original stoppers which are, as with the decanters, in excellent condition. No scratches, dings or dents.
The first reads left to right: the maker's mark for Asprey, the lion mark denoting solid Sterling silver, the sword between three wheatsheaves (gerbes) mark for the Chester assay office and finally the date letter mark of 'l' for 1911. The second one reads left to right: The maker's mark for Asprey, the anchor mark for the Birmingham assay office, the lion mark for solid Sterling silver, the date letter mark of 'o' for 1913, a trademark for Asprey London and finally a 'Made in England' mark.
The first is 29.5 cms or just under 12 inches tall and 13 cms or 5 inches at the base diameter. Second is 27cms or 11 inches tall and about 12.5 cms or 5 inches at the base diameter. Both hold a standard bottle of sherry, brandy, whisky or bourbon easily.
Weight; larger is 1.2 kilos and the smaller one is 1.02 kilos, so they are both heavy which attests to the quality of the glass and the thickness of the silver.