Details
It is the traditional custom in military or naval messes to pass the port clockwise. The real origin lies in the distant era of sun worship, and, incidentally the sun ripens the grape which produces the wine. Therefore, the time honoured custom is symbolic, representing, as it does, the earth revolving on its axis, and turning towards the beneficent sun. In effect, however, the custom is again associated in more modern times with the possibility of attack. It was the practice, when the loving cup was passed round at banquets, or in messes for two persons to stand up, the one to drink and the other to defend the drinker. On finishing, the drinker passed the cup to his defender, and the next person then rose to defend him, and so on. In defending, a swordsman could the more easily guard against a stab in the back if he stood on the left of the drinker rather than on the right. Hence the way the port passed.
Base
Solid Turned Mahogany
Plinth Top- 150mm Diameter
Plinth Height- 70mm
Base turned is Staffordshire.
Decanter
24% hand cut lead crystal decanter with handle.
Bulbus- 130mm
Height- 340mm
Base Diameter- 120mm
Product Code: 499