Antique Sterling Vinaigrette William IV Novelty "Purse" Shaped

Antiques : Silver, Sterling

 

William IV, Sterling Silver Vinaigrette in a Wallet, Purse, or Satchel Shape with Gold Wash interior. The outside of vinaigrette has a floral design. Inside, a beautiful grill, punched with scrolling heart shaped motif. Both time and talent went into the crafting of this small but beautiful piece. An excellent addition to your collection.

Novelty shaped vinaigrettes are highly sought after. The earliest examples of "novelty" shapes were, fish, eggs, books, watches, and the purse shape.

The term vinaigrette came into use in the late 1700's;prior to that time, larger boxes called pouncet boxes were used to hold aromatics. Over time as the intensity of the aromatics developed, smaller boxes were needed to produce the same result. In the early 1800's both men and women used vinaigrettes, eventually men ceased using them. Women carried them in their pockets and also attached them to their chatelaines worn on their waist. The interiors of the vinaigrettes were given a gold wash to prevent the acids in the aromatics from discoloring the silver. The aromatics were needed to help mask odors and for the restorative nature of the vapors (perfect for swooning or fainting).

Condition; Very good. Marks include; lion passant for sterling, duty mark, anchor for Birmingham, TS maker's mark for Thomas Shaw; and the letter h for year 1831.

Item ID: 066-0161