This beautiful antique silver vinaigrette was once used by a Victorian lady to ward off noxious odours but 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 a rectangular form 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 to ward off any noxious odours. We have placed a little piece of elephant ear 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.
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: early Victorian
CONDITION: in excellent antique condition showing just light surface wear and the lid closing tightly nd flush
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.
Follow us for our latest antique and vintage jewellery:
Instagram: @mercymadge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercymadge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MercyMadge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MercyMadge
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/Mercymadge
Read our blog at https://mercymadge.com/blogs/blog
Materials: Sterling Silver, Gold.