Antique Silver Vinaigrette American– Mid 19th Century

For your consideration is this lovely silver vinaigrette
with
scroll work
grill. It features engine turned design on both sides with a
blank shield cartouche in the center. Although the silver content is not marked,
I believe that it is coin silver of American origin from the
1850’s.
Vinaigrette’s
were use in several ways during this period for
practicality (not carrying bottles of scent) and of status. They would soak
sponges with scent and place it under the grill and would sniff the scent to
distract from the smells of the streets. It also showed the world that you had
wealth to afford scent. This one is in very nice condition and often-American
coin silver pieces of this period were not marked. The gold wash on the grill
has worn away leaving only the silver. If you have any questions, please let me
know. Thank you!
Please keep in mind that every effort has been made to
provide (via description and pictures) condition and imperfections. This is in
good pre-owned condition and occasionally a flaw may be missed. Therefore, care
must be taken to examine pictures carefully and that all sales are “as is”
final.