A SMALL COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE SILVER
AND OBJECTS OF VERTU
THE WHAT IS? SILVER DICTIONARY



VINAIGRETTE

silver vinaigrette is a small receptacle to contain scented vinegar used by ladies to ward off faintness. The earliest-known examples in separate form dates from 1492. Such pieces were popular from the mid 18th century, They were made in innumerable forms and styles (such as circular, oval, polygonal, heart-shaped or shell-shaped, and in fantasy forms, such as a shoe, book, watch-case, purse, acorn...) in silver, gold or porcelain, with a pierced metal grille under the stopper or the securely hinged lid to cover a sponge saturated with a scented substance.



English silver vinaigrette

The pierced work in the grille is found in many intricate patterns. The vinaigrette was usually carried loose in a pocket or handbag, but later worn on a fob or suspended by chain from a bracelet. This silver vinaigrette was made in Birmingham in 1817, silversmith mark JL, interior and floral grille are gold washed to prevent vinegar corrosion. The dedication on its external cover is EH to MH.

English silver vinaigrette Georgian silver vinaigrette gilded floral grille
Georgian silver vinaigrette floral grille opened Georgian silver vinaigrette floral grille
Georgian silver vinaigrette floral grille Georgian silver vinaigrette



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