Bearing full British hallmarks this fine antique Georgian sterling silver vinaigrette was made by John Bettridge in 1823. Bettridge who specialised in silver boxes and vinaigrettes died in 1834 and his pieces are sought after and collectible.
A high quality heavy piece it is a fairly large size as vinaigrettes go and it benefits from a hanging loop, so you can wear it as a pendant. The exterior is beautifully decorated with machine-turned engraving in a herring-bone pattern and it bears the monogram "AA" of the original owner on the lid. The edges are embossed in floral ornamentation. It opens from the side to reveal a gold gilded interior and an exquisite pierced grille in a floral & foliate design.
Vinaigrettes were intended to hold tiny sponges dipped in aromatic vinegar so their interiors are gilded in gold to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. The hinged and decoratively pierced inner grille kept the sponge in place while its perforations allowed the aroma to waft through. A whiff of the vinegar would ward off the notoriously noxious odours of the era or revive someone from a fainting spell. During the Georgian period vinaigrettes were very fashionable and a sign of high status, they were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket if it had no hanging loop. Tiny versions were worn on the hand suspended from rings or bracelets!
Steeped in history and social culture this beautiful vinaigrette will look wonderful paired with a chunky silver necklace or watch chain. A fine gift for the collector and the perfect pendant to hold and safely store precious keepsakes. We have popped a piece of natural sponge inside should you wish to use as originally intended!
DETAILS:
MATERIALS: sterling silver, gold
MEASUREMENTS: 1-3/4" (4.5cm) tall measured to include the bale and ring. The box itself is 1-3/8"/3.5cm by 1"/2.5cm by 5/8" (3x2cm) and 7.50mm deep. The jump ring is 8.25mm diameter
DATE: Georgian, dated 1823
WEIGHT: heavy at 17.4 grams
HALLMARKS: stamped inside front cover 'King George's head' (duty mark), 'IB' makers mark for John Bettridge & 'lion passant' for sterling. Stamped inside back 'anchor' for Birmingham, 'IB' makers mark for John Bettridge and 'date letter Z' for 1823
CONDITION: in fine antique condition with minimal wear. The engraving is still beautifully crisp and the interior gold gilding is in tact and still lovely and bright. Both lids fit tightly and close securely
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
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* 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.
* 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.