Page 555 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

NGAN WING HING
Hong Kong
circa 1910-1940

Somewhat of a mystery maker and somewhat of an annoying ruse - this
is a 20th century silver caged “Haig Dimple” whisky decanter and
several other caged decanters have appeared in auction. The caging
often looks like silver, although no silver mark or purity ever mark
appears. There’s a logical reason for this - IT IS NOT SILVER! This is
pewter that is often polished
and then lacquered to keep it
looking like silver. Because it
encages a glass bottle, the
difference in weight of pewter
to silver cannot be detected.

Unlike many Chinese
“modern” pewter items, the
quality of workmanship of the
decanter and stopper is good
but certainly not in the same
league as similar caged
decanters from Wang Hing or
Luen Wo - even though at first
sight the decanter [left] could
well be mistaken for either.
This example has a lacquered
finish whereas the example
[right] has not been lacquered
and has a definite dull grey
pewter look.