Details

• Description:

  A dainty and rather small antique 1842 Sterling Silver Vinaigrette from Birmingham England. This Victorian vinaigrette has the Maker's Mark for Francis Clark and the date mark for 1942. The piece is very small in size and its exterior is decorated with a repeating pattern of small machined geometric shapes. The top of the vinaigrette has a shield monogrammed with two initials is script calligraphy, which appears to be SB. The piece has a hinged lid with the front of the lid having a thumb piece. The bottom portion of the vinaigrette also has a thumb piece. Both thumb piece together help open the vinaigrette. The inside of the vinaigrette has gold wash and there is a hinged grill with a floral motif. The grill is hinged on the right side of the box (the short side) as opposed to being hinged on the top side (the long side). The hinged grill is where the sponge with the smelling salts would go under. The grill is also gold washed but lost some of the coloring. The grill which is hinged on the right side and has a beautiful floral pattern is just very well done especially on such a small scale. Just a great and wonderful antique that very seldom comes by. It is in very good condition after being around for over 180 years. Please view the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
  
  

• Date: 1842-1843.
  
  
• Origin: Birmingham England, in the United Kingdom.
  
  
• Size: Measures ~1" by ~3/4" and is 3/8" high. The piece weighs about 10 grams.
  
  
• Maker: Francis Clark.
  
  
• Marks: Marked with a Lion Passant (for sterling) FC within a rectangular (for Francis Clark) and the Queen's head facing left (indicating taxes were paid) on the inside of the lid. Also marked with an Anchor (Birmingham mark), FC and the date letter T in very decorative calligraphy within a shield shape (1842-1843).
  
  
• Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A beautiful rare antique made by an accomplished silversmith from Birmingham England, which would make a great addition to any collection.
  
  
• Condition: The vinaigrette is in very good condition with no breaks, or repairs. The inside retains quite a bit of its original gold wash. The hinges for both the lid and the grill are intact and work well. The exterior of the vinaigrette is intact with a few minor scratches and minimum signs of wear. The lid closes well and latches tightly when closed. The design on the exterior of the piece shows minimum signs of wear if any and is still in great condition. The top of the lid is monogrammed. The only thing we see, is the fact that the rod of the hinge for the grill slides out easily, but this is a minor issue and does not affect the quality of beauty of the piece. A great antique made by an accomplished silversmith (Francis Clark) from Birmingham England, which very seldom comes by. Please see photos for additional condition information.