Object Description
Sterling silver vinaigrette, by Edward Smith, Birmingham 1884, the cover, sides and base engraved with scrolled foliate decoration, parcel gilt interior and pierced and engraved grille featuring scrolled leaves and a pair of love birds, monogram ‘EHB’ to the cover, hallmarked to the underside of cover and base, 3.5cm length, 2.1cm width, 13.5g total weight
This is an exquisite antique Victorian sterling silver vinaigrette with hallmarks for Birmingham 1884 and the makers mark of the silversmith Edward Smith.
The vinaigrette is of rectangular form with the cover, sides and base engraved with scrolled foliate decoration.
It has a parcel gilt interior and a pierced and engraved grille featuring scrolled leaves and a pair of love birds. It bears the monogram ‘EHB’ to the cover.
There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is certain to add a special something to your silver collection.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Width 3 cm x Depth 2 cm
Weight 0.01 kg
Dimensions in inches:
Width 1 inch x Depth 1 inch
Weight 0.43 troy oz
Vinaigrettes,
popular from the late 18th Century and through the mid 19th Century, were small silver containers with a hinged lid, which opens to reveal a pierced grill, also hinged, and underneath the grill would be a tiny sponge holding various aromatic substances, usually dissolved in vinegar.
Used both by men and women they were generally carried whilst travelling, to give a pleasant aroma as the streets or travelling companions could often smell.
The inside of the silver boxes was gilded to prevent corrosion by the vinegar.
Our reference: A5188