Here at Nelson and Nelson, we come across all sorts of interesting objects from past ages, such as tastevins, lorgnettes, and vinaigrettes.
What's a vinaigrette, you ask? It certainly has nothing to do with the salad course. It's actually a small silver, gold or porcelain box that was particularly popular among well-to-do ladies of the 18th and 19th centuries. Beneath the hinged lid is a small screen, which held a sponge soaked in a scented liquid like vinegar or lavender water. Whenever the woman walked along a particularly pungent street, or felt faint, she'd open up the vinaigrette and take a whiff to steel herself.
This lovely sterling silver vinaigrette was made by a Birmingham silversmith in 1827. The hinged, rectangular box has is decorated on the top and bottom with deep, horizontal grooves. The lid has a small rectangular plaque with an engraved monogram, and a partial, chased floral border. The gold-washed interior has a hinged grille with a lovely pierced design of delicate leafy scrolls. For more information, click here.
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