A gorgeous and quite rare antique Georgian era sterling silver 'novelty' vinaigrette crafted in the form of a book or bible and made Ledsam and Vale in 1825. Obviously one made for the ladies judging by its delightfully diminutive size and feminine decoration it is beautifully engraved and chased by hand in a different floral design on each side. One side has a vacant cartouche to accommodate an engraved monogram and it bears good clear hallmarks inside authenticating its age and maker. Ledsam & Vale were a highly respected English silversmiths, known for the quality and design of these silver boxes.
This little vinaigrette 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 (or disdainfully) under the nose to ward off any noxious odours or prevent fainting!
This vinaigrette benefits from a hanging loop at the top so it can be worn as a pendant. These small boxes were used by both men and women and and were also exchanged as tokens of affection. They would have been either held in pockets or in this case suspended from chatelaines, hung from chains, bracelets or even rings.
Feminine and exceeding pretty this Georgian novelty silver pendant vinaigrette is steeped in social culture and a fine collector's piece to boot! She will arrive with the 17"/43cm vintage sterling silver chain shown so she is ready to wear or give as a gift.
DETAILS:
MATERIALS: sterling silver, gold
MEASUREMENTS: box 3/4" (2cm) tall, 5/8" (1.8cm) wide, 7.8mm deep, suspension ring 6mm diameter
HALLMARKS: stamped inside front cover 'sovereign's head' (William VI), 'L&Co.' for Ledsam Vale & Company and 'lion passant' for sterling. Stamped inside back cover 'anchor' for Birmingham, '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
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* 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.