Antique Floral Sterling Silver Vinaigrette Pill Snuff Box by William Simpson

Description

Highly stylized sterling silver vinaigrette, pill or snuff box by famed English silversmith William Simpson circa 1826 featuring a hand … more Highly stylized sterling silver vinaigrette, pill or snuff box by famed English silversmith William Simpson circa 1826 featuring a hand hammered raised floral design along the edges with 4 small turquoise accents. The top and bottom of the box are engine turned. The top has a rectangular cartouche at the center where initials can be engraved. The box hinges open. Inside it has a gilt finish. It looks like it was originally a vinaigrette since there seems to be an area where a screen would have been inside. If it had one it is no longer there, but would be perfect for pills or snuff.

Vinaigrettes, popular from the late 18th century through the mid-19th century, were small containers used for holding various aromatic substances, usually dissolved in vinegar. Carried in a pocket or reticule, or suspended from a chatelaine at the waist, it was used as a little emergency tool in case the wearer encountered foul smells.

The maker's mark impressed onto both sides of the interior. As well as a duty-mark portraying the right-facing profile of King George IV.
This mark was used from 1822 to 1833. This version maker's mark which reads "W with a dot between S" for William Simpson (this mark was used by the maker from 1825 to 1826). It has a Lion Passant and an anchor mark for made in Birmingham, England), and a date mark "c". for 1826. less