Victorian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette Birmingham 1848

Victorian Silver Vinaigrette
Birmingham 1848
Maker Unidentified
Measuring 2cm by 1.5cm
The hinged lid opens to reveal the gilded grill - with the original sponge still within .

Vinaigrettes were popularised in the 18th century until the mid 19th century. They are small containers that were used for holding various aromatic substances which were unusually dissolved in vinegar. A tiny sponge was placed below the perforated grill and soaked in the vinegar based fragrance. The word is derived from the French word "aromatic vinegar ". These have become highly collectable Objects D'Art and there many forms make for a great collection and conversational pieces.