Vintage Finds & Fine Spirits: Exploring Antique Barware

St. Jacobs Market
Jun 17
2 min read

Whether you're shaking up a martini or just love the look of a well-dressed cabinet, vintage barware adds character, charm, and a dash of nostalgia to any setting. This month, we're pouring out the details on one of our favorite collecting categories: barware. From mid-century cocktail shakers to Art Deco decanters, there's a piece (or a set!) for every taste.

What is Barware?

Barware refers to the tools, vessels, and accessories used to prepare, serve, and enjoy alcoholic beverages. Think of cocktail shakers, shot glasses, jiggers, decanters, bottle openers, swizzle sticks, ice buckets, and more. While some items are purely functional, many—especially those from the 20th century—were designed with flair, style, and even a sense of humor.

Barware often comes in sets or matching themes, ranging from sleek modernist chrome to kitschy tiki tumblers. Some pieces were promotional items from distilleries or breweries, while others were luxury goods for the home entertainer.

A Glimpse into History

Barware as we know it began to flourish in the early 20th century. During the Prohibition era (1920–1933) in the U.S., people still entertained—and often did so discreetly. This led to the creation of clever and decorative barware that could hide in plain sight, like flasks disguised as books or elegant glassware tucked into cocktail cabinets.

In the post-war boom of the 1950s and 60s, home entertaining became a hallmark of suburban life. Bar carts rolled into living rooms, and stylish barware was a must-have. Think gold-rimmed Collins glasses, etched glass decanters, and space-age ice tongs. Companies like Culver, Libbey, and Georges Briard produced sets that are now collector favorites.

The 1970s and 80s brought more casual and novelty items—think beer steins, quirky bottle openers, and colorful plastic cocktail stirrers. While the style changed, the spirit of home entertaining stayed strong.

Why Collect Salt Holders?

Collecting barware isn’t just for cocktail snobs or Mad Men wannabes—it’s for anyone who appreciates a good drink and a great story. Vintage shakers, quirky glassware, mid-century ice buckets—these pieces bring personality to your bar and charm to your shelves. Each item reflects a slice of design history, a social ritual, or a bygone era of entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a party or just sipping solo, curated barware turns the everyday pour into something worth toasting.

Plus, let’s be honest: collecting it is way more fun than hoarding teaspoons.