A silver vinaigrette made by John Turton in Birmingham in 1825 is a highly collectible and historically significant item. Vinaigrettes were small, portable containers used in the 18th and 19th centuries to hold aromatic substances, often a sponge soaked in vinegar or perfume, to mask unpleasant odours.
- Maker: John Turton was a prominent silversmith based in Birmingham, known for producing high-quality silver items, including vinaigrettes.
- Date & Hallmarks:
- The date letter for 1825, which is part of the hallmark system, can help confirm the year of production.
- The anchor symbol represents Birmingham, while the lion passant denotes sterling silver.
- John Turton’s maker’s mark, often marked as “I.T” or “J.T”, would be present on the piece.
- Design:
- Exterior: The vinaigrette features intricate engravings on the lid which is typical of the period. Common designs include floral patterns, geometric shapes, or personalised initials.
- Interior: The interior has a hinged, pierced silver grille under which the aromatic sponge would be placed. The grille often features delicate openwork designs.
- Size: 34mm x 20mm, depth 90mm
- Functionality: The lid of the vinaigrette is hinged, opening to reveal the pierced grille inside. The sponge soaked in vinegar or perfume would be placed under this grille, allowing the scent to escape when the box was opened.
