This sterling silver Georgian vinaigrette has a bas relief floral design on its lid of a three-leaf clover with a bloom in the center. Around the clover is delicate hand-engraved ticking that creates a rectangular border. The bottom of the box is concave—the perfect shape for holding between your thumb and fingers—and is engraved with a delicate eight-petal flower. The box opens to reveal a gilt grille with a floral and rolled foliate design that emerges from an ornate vase.
A vinaigrette is a small portable decorative box that would hold a scent behind a grille. These personalized hinged boxes could fit in your hand or hang comfortably from a chain, and became popular for travel in the Georgian and the Victorian- Regency eras.
Vinaigrettes come in various sizes and shapes, and the grilles inside of each are all unique. Some of the grilles are quite elaborate, with intricate flower and leaf ornamentation, or perhaps with a gold wash, and always punctured for release of the perfume. Behind the grille one would carry a sponge soaked in an aromatic vinegar (hence the name), or a scent of choice that would not only hide any uncomfortable street smells but could also serve as an intimate perfume or a smelling salt to arouse consciousness. Similar to the ancient pomander, pounce box, or the snuff box, these beautiful little objects became part of everyday rituals to enhance the quality of life.
The interior lid is marked as 1817, Birmingham, George III, sterling silver, and with the maker’s mark “IB” for John Bettridge.
The vinaigrette measures 7/8” x 1 1/4” x 5/16” and weighs 12.57 grams. It connects to a round bail, allowing it to easily hang from a chain.
