We love finding jewellery that was designed to be both beautiful and functional. This antique silver vinaigrette pendant is not only prettily decorated, but inside there is a panel with discreet small holes that show that it was designed to hold a small piece of perfumed cloth or sponge. this would be used to ward off bad smells which was particularly important at this time as people believed bad smells casused illness and often death!
Datingto to 1868, it is Victorian in age, and was designed to be able to add something perfumed or sweet herbs to the inside so that you have something nice to smell with you at all times. During the Victorian era, the theory that bad smells caused illness and often death (Miasma) was strongly believed by many and so carrying a pomander was essential if you needed to try avoid smelling something foul!
The pendant is made of sterling silver and has British hallmarks inside for sterling silver, Queen Victoria's duty paid hallmark which was used between 1837-1890, the Birmingham assay hallmark and the date letter 'T' for 1868. Inside, the pendant has been gold washed and the opening panel has some lovely engraved detailing where the holes are to release the perfume.
The pendant measures approx 25.4mm tall (not including the jump ring) by approx 16.3mm wide by approx 6.6mm deep and weighs approx 5.7g in total.
Condition - The pendant is in good wearable antique condition but as it is over 100 years old, it does show signs of age and wear. There is surface wear to the silver throughout, including some noticeable indents and scratches. The inside shows signs of age too, with surface scratches and some tarnishing. The hinge mechanisms still work well and the vinaigrette pushes closed. Over the years it does seem to now close a little looser than it once would have and does part slightly when closed. The jump ring is currently pushed closed and is a nice large size. It does show some wear to it from where the jump ring and the ring a the top of the pendant have rubbed over time. Please see photos.
*Please note the chain and box pictured are not included in the sale but the charm will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
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Antique Victorian 1868 sterling silver and gold wash opening vinaigrette pendant
All items are carefully wrapped and packaged in a gift pouch and box. In the UK, we always post items via Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which is fully tracked and insured. For international items, orders up to £300 are sent via Royal Mail's international tracked (and signed for where applicable) service and orders over £300 are sent via DHL Express.