This beautiful antique silver vinaigrette was once used by a Victorian lady to ward off noxious odours but now you can use her as a gorgeous pendant locket with space inside to keep a special little keepsake or perhaps a tiny love letter. Stamped with good clear hallmarks for Hilliard & Thomason in 1863 she is charming, petite and beautifully feminine.
Fashioned in the form of a book with a pretty frilled outline the vinaigrette is beautifully hand-engraved in elaborate floral flourishes, a different pattern on each side. One side includes a vacant scroll shaped cartouche that you could chose to have engraved with a monogram for a personal touch. It opens to reveal a gold gilded interior with a hinged grille that is also engraved in a pretty pattern. It is behind this pierced grille that you would put a little sponge soaked in sweet smelling perfume and the vinaigrette is ready to wave under your nose. We have placed a little piece of natural sponge inside so you can use her as originally intended if you want!
The vinaigrette is finished in a silver jump ring at the top that is safely soldered closed and it suspends from a fine silver curb chain so she is ready to wear right out of the box. Steeped in history and social culture this exquisite piece is the perfect addition to your antique jewellery collection. We have a longer video and a few more photos on our website
DETAILS:
MATERIALS: sterling silver, gold
MEASUREMENTS: 1" (2.5cm) tall, 3/4" (2cm) wide, 8mm deep (chain is 16"/41cm).
WEIGHT: 8.8 grams
HALLMARKS: stamped inside front cover 'Queen Victoria Head' duty mark, 'lion passant' for sterling and makers mark 'H&T' for Hilliard & Thomason. Stamped inside the back cover 'anchor' for Birmingham, 'H&T' and date letter 'O' for 1863
ERA: Victorian, dated 1863
CONDITION: in excellent antique condition showing just light surface wear and the lid closing tightly