Sterling Silver William IV Rectangular Vinaigrette with Floral Border

This sterling silver vinaigrette dates to the William IV era. It is engraved with a floral design and a sprigged script monogram at the center. The base has an acorn and oak leaf design that consists of tiny tick marks, with a scalloped border around the edge. The interior is gilt, with an ornate floral and scrolled foliate design. 

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 vinaigrette is marked with the date letter L for 1834, sterling silver, Birmingham, and with the maker’s mark “TS” for Thomas Simpson Jr. 

It measures 1 1/8” x 7/8” x 5/16” and weighs 12.18 grams.