Engine-turned Silver Combination Pomander Whistle. Augsburg, Early 18th Century.

Engine-Turned Silver Combination Pomander Whistle.

Germany, Augsburg, early 18th century.

Height: 5.6 cm.

Description
A small silver combination device formed in three detachable, engine-turned sections, comprising a whistle and two internal compartments for scented materials. The upper element incorporates the whistle, with a neatly cut voicing aperture and a slightly flared mouthpiece. The central and lower sections unscrew to reveal cylindrical chambers, the base terminating in a domed, pierced pomander designed to diffuse oils or aromatic substances.

The exterior is ornamented with alternating bands of punched and reeded decoration characteristic of Augsburg smallwork in the early eighteenth century. The interior fittings are precisely made, indicating careful workshop practice.

Context
Such combination objects reflect early modern practices of personal scent and hygiene, in which aromatics were carried in portable containers. Augsburg goldsmiths produced a range of small silver implements of this type, often combining multiple functions within a compact form.