Burnell and Rowe

Description

Here we have a delightful high quality George III Sterling Silver & Silver Gilt Vinaigrette. The lid has a dot and foliage engraving around the central cartouche, which contains the initials JB. Inside the the grill and the inside of the lid are gilded, with the grille being pierced and decorated with a diagonal cross and more foliate engraving.

Vinaigrettes were used in Georgian high society to ward off the odours of the street. A small sponge would be placed below the grille and soaked in a pleasant scent. As required it could be brought up to your noise to disguise unpleasant smells around you. They are now very popular with collectors.

The vinaigrette is made in Birmingham by Joseph Willmore and dates to 1811. Joseph Willmore was active between the 1790s and the mid-1840s and produced many exquisite pieces of small silver alongside some fine quality flatware.

Condition is very good, with no dings or dents. The hinge on the grille works well and it fits securely into the base. The hinge on the lid is also good working order and the lid is a good fit onto the base. The gilding is in nice condition. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The vinaigrette is 3.2cm / 1.2ins wide, 1.3cm / 0.5ins deep and 1cm / 0.4ins high. It weighs 13.4g / 0.47oz.

The hallmarks on the inside of the lid and the base are well struck and clear to read. They show the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the date letter n for 1811 and the JW inside a dotted oval makers' mark for Joseph Willmore.

Shipping in the UK is £11 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the vinaigrette.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.