Over two centuries old and in lovely condition; a very lovely and collectable miniature Georgian silver vinaigrette by renowned silversmith John Bettridge who was active early in the 19th-century and based in Birmingham.
A popular accessory from around the 1780's; the vinaigrette was a small container, often of Silver or Gold designed to hold a scent-soaked sponge against the horrid, nay putrid odors to be found in the streets. Made of pure metals to prevent the acidic vinegar from corroding less fine metals, the vinaigrette is so named as the early perfume businesses used vinegar as a fixative to hold flower potions.
Some might say these were little more than fashionable little objects to flaunt one’s taste in luxurious perfumes and fine craftsmanship.
In a time before sanitation standards, such scent precautions were necessary to go through the world especially when foul smells were considered to carry illnesses. The oldest vinaigrettes date as far back as the 15th century. And their early history is connected to the pomander, a herb and perfume mixture carried in a metal container (often as a necklace) during the Black Death. MessyNessyChic
John Bettridge specialised in small silver boxes and vinaigrettes. His marks are seen for 1817 - 1834 and he was a maker of caddy spoons, decanter labels, flatware and vinaigrettes. This example is in gorgeous condition with light gilding to the outer hand engraved surfaces and bright matt 18ct gilding to the inside (which looks untainted by use) where the miniature grill lifts to reveal the aperture for a fragrant sponge (or alternatively your precious miniature keepsakes). There are also a full set of delightful English hallmarks. Entirely delightful!
Metal: 18ct Gold Gilded Silver hallmarked at the Birmingham Assay Office in 1823 (there are two sets of stamps inside including the monarch's head of George IV and maker's mark for John Bettridge of
Measurements: 12mm by 20mm by 7mm high
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