George III Vinaigrette Birmingham 1818

Description

Heading : Silver gilt vinaigrette
Date : 1818
Period : George III
Origin : Birmingham. England
Marks : Hallmarked Samuel Pemberton of Birmingham in 1818
Body : Gilt inside and out with engraved geometric decoration. floral borders with a cartouche containing the name Mary
Size : 1.2cm tall 3.6cm long and 2.6cm wide
Condition : Excellent. no dings
Restoration : None
Weight : 21 grams

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 opened and held below the nose when the miasma became too unpleasant for the well to do.