Technical Description
A Victorian silver vinaigrette with a beautifully gilded and pierced grille. It is fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1862 and with the makers mark ‘ES’ for Edward Smith. The top cartouche is blank. It is surrounded by an engraved scroll pattern repeated to the underside with an engine-turned border. There is a bar in relief on either side of the opening. This vinaigrette is uncommonly compact.
Date & Origin
Cox or Howard Street, Birmingham, England, 1862. Period of Queen Victoria.
Condition
Excellent, age-related wear as shown. The hinges are in full working order.
Dimensions
Length & Width: 2.2 cm x 1.8 cm
Height: 1.1 cm
Documented Examples
Art Institute of Chicago: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/234282/vinaigrette
Historical Context
Edward Smith worked from 1820 to 1865, first registering at the Birmingham Assay Office in 1826. Edward operated out of Cox Street and then expanded to Howard Street a year later, he is most famous for snuff boxes, card cases and cigarette cases. Interestingly, his work features scenes and more uncommon forms.
Internal Reference: 2024100905
Antique Number: SA1110854
Dateline of this antique is 1860
Height is 2.2cm (0.9inches)
Width is 0cm (0.0inches)
Depth is 0cm (0.0inches)
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.