Norton Clark Antiques & Collectables

Description

A beautiful Victorian vinaigrette by the renown silversmith Nathaniel Mills. Vinaigrettes are small boxes used to hold sponges soaked in smelling salts, pleasant smelling oils, perfume or aromatic vinegar. They were used by Georgian and Victorian ladies and gentlemen to revive faintness and ward off unpleasant odours.

The vinaigrette is of cushioned oblong form with engraved decoration on both sides, but no engraving to the initial plate. There is a gold plated jump ring so the item could be threaded onto a chain to wear. The inside is gilded and the original sponge is still present. There are clear hallmarks detailing Birmingham 1843 and the makers mark. Hallmarks are located inside the lid, on the base under the sponge and the makers mark is also on the underside of the grill.
Both sets of hinges are good with no play and the grill snaps shut. Even soft closure to vinaigrette. there are no splits, dents or signs of repair and the condition is very good.
2.2cms long, 1.5cms wide, 0.5cms high
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