Sterling Silver Vinaigrette Birmingham 1816

Description

Heading : Sterling silver vinaigrette
Date : Hallmarked in 1816 in Birmingham for Thomas Smith or Thomas Shaw
Period : Regency
Origin : Birmingham. England
Decoration : Tooled decoration. vacant cartouche. cast foliate decoration to the rims. reeded body.  Parcel gilt interior with naturalistic grille.
Size :  4.3x3x1.2cm
Condition : Excellent. no dings
Restoration : None
Weight : 40 grams (approx 1.3 troy)

Used to mask the stench of the great cities. Aromatic substances were mixed with vinegar and soaked into a sponge that was held beneath the perforated grill. This was carried in a pocket and opened and held below the nose when the miasma became too unpleasant for the well to do.