This is a remarkable sterling silver Samuel Pemberton vinaigrette in the shape of a rectangle with canted corners with chased linear decoration. During the 19th Century, the vinaigrette was an essential fashion accessory containing a personal scent, usually soaking on a small portable sponge.
The face of this piece is finely decorated with a foliate design and even includes an oval cartouche ready to be engraved with the monogram of your choice! This piece measures to be 1” long and approximately 1/2 an inch wide. This vinaigrette weighs approximately 8.00 grams. The interior grille of this charming piece has a gold wash, while the rest of the piece is sterling silver. The darling grille features a pierced and engraved floral motif. On the bottom of the vinaigrette is a larger, open, rectangular cartouche—also ready to engrave with the initials of your choice!
This piece is very well marked. It features the hallmarks for Samuel Pemberton, as well as the lion passant stamp for sterling silver and the anchor stamp for the city of Birmingham. This piece contains the date letter for 1811! This piece is in incredible condition and opens and closes with ease.
This vinaigrette came from a museum de-acquisition so it has been taken care of very well. Numbers on the interior denote the acquisition date, and reference numbers from the Art Institute of Chicago. Samuel Pemberton was one of the most prolific and renowned silversmiths to have worked in the famous Birmingham silver industry, and any of his silver work makes a great collector's item. A lovely piece for an antique silver collection.
