A beautiful and highly collectible George III sterling silver vinaigrette made by William Pugh and stamped with a early set of Birmingham hallmarks for the year 1804 including the Sovereign's head stamp.
Beautifully hand-crafted in an elegant navette shape it is decorated in delightful Georgian wrigglework engraving with a different design on the top and bottom. The top opens to reveal a hinged gold gilded silver grille which is exquisitely pierced and engraved in a floral bouquet basket flanked by a pair of peacocks. Exquisite detailing, these beautifully decorative vinaigrette grilles seem to be a William Pugh's signature style.
This vinaigrette has a practical bale at the top so that that it could be attached to a watch or chatelaine chain and kept handy, a necessity at the time! During the 18th & 19th centuries sanitation standards were abysmal so small sponges were soaked in expensive scent and carried in a vinaigrette which could be waved under the nose to ward off noxious odours. These delightful trinkets were a fashionable indication of social ranking too, only the elite in society were able to afford such comforts, so what better way to distinguish yourself from the lower classes!
A fabulous Georgian silver accessory steeped in social culture, good for the ladies or the gents and an incredible gift for the collector. We've added a new 18" silver chain should you want to wear this rare piece of history as a pendant.
MATERIALS: sterling silver, gold
MEASUREMENTS: 1-1/4" by 5/8" (3x2.2cm), 12.5mm deep
DATE: Georgian, dated 1804
WEIGHT: 9.3 grams
HALLMARKS: early set of 2nd style Birmingham assay marks, stamped 'lion passant' for sterling, 'anchor' for Birmingham, date letter 'g' for 1804, 'Sovereign's head' (King George III) and 'WP' for William Pugh.
CONDITION: in very, very good condition with minor surface scratches and light wear as you might expect given this advanced antique age, the engraving is still beautifully crisp and the interior gilding is still lovely and bright