Rectangular Vinaigrette Decanter In Guilloché-worked Solid Silver. London, 1800

A charming English vinaigrette of rectangular shape with rounded corners, crafted from solid silver with an interior entirely vermeilled. The exterior is entirely adorned with a guilloché diamond-patterned decoration. The lid features a ‘AB’ monogram in the centre, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves, whilst the underside features a stylised flower in the centre.
When opened, the vinaigrette reveals its original grille, also vermeilled, featuring delicate openwork floral motifs. This was designed to hold the sponge soaked in aromatic vinegar or perfumed essences.

Several hallmarks are worth noting:
1/ On the inside of the lid:
- the ‘lion passant’ hallmark, certifying the sterling silver content.
2/ On the base of the box, in order:
- the silversmith’s mark ‘ID’, attributable to two craftsmen:
a) James Darquits the Younger, who registered his mark as a silversmith on 19 November 1787. His name also appears in Heal’s registers until 1800;
b) John Death, who registered his first mark on 11 July 1803, followed by another on 29 June 1808.
- passing lion hallmark.
- crowned leopard hallmark: London, before 1820.
- date letter ‘E’: 1800.
- reign mark of George III.
The set of English hallmarks allows this vinaigrette to be dated to the year 1800.
3/ The piece also bears two French swan hallmarks (800/1000) on the left-hand side of the lid. In use from 1893 to 1970, these were affixed by the Precious Metals Guarantee Office to silverware originating from non-contracting countries.

A fine example of these small personal accessories that illustrate the taste and refinement of the Georgian era, preserved with its main original features. The presence of its original internal grid, together with its good overall condition, makes this a particularly attractive specimen.

^{First appearing in the 18th century, vinaigrettes enjoyed great popularity in England and France during the 19th century. Carried in a pocket or suspended from a chain, they were used to hold fragrant substances intended to mask unpleasant odours in the air or to revive those prone to fainting.}

Condition: very good overall condition. Normal signs of wear, such as micro-scratches.
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Period: 1800.
Markings: Silversmith’s mark: ‘ID’, attributable to James Darquits the Younger or John Death.
Silver hallmarks: lion passant. Crowned leopard. Letter ‘E’. Tax hallmark from the reign of George III. Two swan hallmarks 800/1000 indicating its arrival in France.

Dimensions: Length 2.7 cm – Width: 2 cm – Height: 1 cm.
Weight: 15 g.

For information: the price indicated is without shipping.
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