Rare Georgian 18k Gold Mourning Vinaigrette by Jacob Amyand (1801)

RARE GEORGIAN 18K GOLD MOURNING VINAIGRETTE BY JACOB AMYAND (1801)

The Ultimate Regency Treasure

An exceptional and museum-grade 18-carat solid gold vinaigrette, crafted in London in 1801 by the prestigious goldsmith Jacob Amyand (Amedroz). This is not merely a scent box, but a rare "crossover" masterpiece of Georgian engineering and sentimental mourning jewellery.

Master Craftsmanship & Design

The Maker: Jacob Amyand was a premier London gold-worker known for high-precision "toys." His hallmark "I.A" (using the period-correct 'I' for 'J') is a stamp of elite quality.

The Exterior: Wrapped in a flawless, razor-sharp engine-turned "barleycorn" pattern that catches the light from every angle.

The Memento: The lid features a crystal-clear glazed compartment containing a beautifully preserved lock of woven hair, a poignant tribute to a loved one from the height of the Napoleonic era.

The Interior & Mechanics

The Grille: Upon opening, the box reveals a stunning, hand-pierced gold lattice grille. This hinged inner plate originally held a perfume-soaked sponge and remains in crisp, functional condition.

The Gold: Unlike common silver-gilt examples, this piece is struck with the Crown and "18" marks, signifying solid 18k gold—a luxury reserved only for the upper aristocracy of 1801.

Key Specifications

Weight: A substantial 28.5 grams.

Dimensions: 3.3cm (Width) x 1.5cm (Height).

Origin: London, 1801 (George III).

Provenance: Peter Cameron, London Collection

The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Rarity: High. The combination of a named Huguenot maker, solid 18k gold, and integral mourning hairwork makes this a premier acquisition for the serious collector.

A rare survival of Regency elegance, combining the artisan skill of Amyand with the deep sentiment of 19th-century mourning tradition.

Jacob Amyand was a premier London goldsmith operating at the turn of the 19th century. Descended from the elite Huguenot lineage of craftsmen—refugees from France who revolutionized British silver and gold smithing—Amyand was a specialist in "Gold Toys." In the Georgian era, "toys" referred to the most intricate, high-status personal luxuries: snuff boxes, tooth-pick cases, and vinaigrettes.

Museum-Grade Pedigree

To own a piece by Amyand is to share a collection with the world’s most prestigious institutions. His works are housed in:

The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), London: Known for holding his exquisitely enameled and engine-turned gold boxes.

The Gilbert Collection: One of the world’s most important assemblies of gold and silver masterpieces (now housed at the V&A).

The British Museum: Notable for his contribution to 18th and early 19th-century luxury wares.

Exceptional Rarity

While vinaigrettes are common in silver, a solid 18k gold example by a named master like Amyand is a significant rarity. Most goldsmiths of the time were anonymous or worked for larger firms; Amyand’s hallmark ("I.A") is a specific guarantee of London’s finest craftsmanship.

Condition & Social History

The survival of this piece in such "crisp" condition is remarkable. The engine-turned patterns on Amyand's boxes are famous for their depth and precision—a technique that required a master's touch to ensure the gold didn't warp. Combined with the 1801 date (the very start of the Regency era) and the inclusion of intact mourning hairwork, this is not just an object of wealth, but a rare survivor of British social history.

"Jacob Amyand (Amedroz) was the 'Cartier' of the Georgian era. A Huguenot master whose work is currently preserved in the V&A Museum, Amyand specialized in gold wares for the British elite. This 1801 vinaigrette represents the pinnacle of his output: solid 18k gold, razor-sharp engine turning, and a poignant mourning memento. To find an Amyand piece outside of a museum or a premier private collection is an increasingly rare opportunity for the connoisseur."