Price reduced. Very rare ball shaped antique 18k gold vinaigrette.. This is museum quality or for advanced collector. It is hinged and opens to reveal the beautifully engraved pierced grill cover. I photographed the hallmark on the edge of the lip . There is no carat mark but it tests 18k or higher. It is probably French but I can not be sure. In my opinion it is probably 18 th century because of the simplicity of design . Later Victorian vinaigrettes are usually more elaborate. . The bail attached to it is modern and marked 14 k. My wife had the bail attached so she could wear it on a chain as a necklace. It is approximately 3/4 of an inch diameter.