An exquisite and quite rare antique Georgian sterling silver lady's miniature vinaigrette crafted in the form of a book or bible and made by renowned makers Ledsam and Vale in 1825. This tiny feminine piece would have been worn hung from a necklace or bracelet chain or worn on the finger attached to a ring.
The vinaigrette is beautifully hand-engraved and chased in a different floral design on each side and it has a vacant cartouche to accommodate an engraved monogram. It opens to reveal a gold gilded interior with a hinged pierced grille behind which is a tiny piece of elephant ear sponge. Vinaigrettes were designed to mask unpleasant smells by soaking the sponge in sweet smelling perfumes, oils and vinegars so the interiors were gilded to protect them from corrosion. Once perfumed the vinaigrette is held discreetly under the nose to ward off any noxious odours or prevent fainting!
The vinaigrette has a hanging loop at the top and suspends from a 17"/43cm sterling silver fine curb chain so she is ready to wear or give as a gift. Feminine and exceeding pretty this Georgian silver miniature vinaigrette pendant is steeped in social culture and a fine collector's piece! More photos on our website at www.mercymadge,com
DETAILS:
MATERIALS: sterling silver, gold
MEASUREMENTS: 3/4" (2cm) tall, 5/8" (1.8cm) wide, 7.8mm deep, jump ring 6mm diameter
HALLMARKS: stamped inside front cover with the reigning monarchs head (King George IV) and 'L&Co.' for Ledsam Vale & Company and 'lion passant' for sterling. Stamped inside back cover 'anchor' for Birmingham and 'L&Co.' and date letter gothic 'B' for 1825
DATE: Georgian, dated 1825
WEIGHT: 5.5 grams
CONDITION: in very, very good condition with minor surface scratches and light wear in keeping with age but no noted flaws. The engraving is still beautifully crisp and the interior gold gilding is still lovely and bright. The lid is well fitted and closes tightly.
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide tracked & insured shipping for all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no added tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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Materials: Sterling Silver, Gold.