Silver & Pewter Utensils > Silver Tableware

Silver Vinaigrette by John Betteridge, Birmingham 1827

Item#: ST235

Price: $700.00

 

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From the late eighteenth century onwards silver vinaigrettes were carried both by men and women and used for inhaling when smells were unpleasant. The streets of 18th and 19th century cities were usually fetid. A vinaigrette is usually a small box with a hinged lid that opens to reveal a pierced grill which can also be opened, beneath the grill would be a small sponge soaked in an oily sweet smelling substance. The Inside of the viaigrette would be gilded, to protect the silver from staining. These little boxes were often exchanged between lovers as tokens of affections. This rectangular vinaigrette has reeded sides, engine turned decoration on the lid and bottom, and a raised floral border. The gilded pierced grill is decorated with leafy scrolls. There is a small empty cartouche in the middle of the lid.Silver marks are very clear. Size is 3 cm X 2 cm X 1 cm.