Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Vinaigrette by Nathaniel Mills c1846

  

The emphasis is on quality. Our specialisation is English Silver Boxes. We will be honest about the condition of the pieces that are offered for sale. As well as a general description of the piece, a separate condition report is provided here.

We aim to win your trust. Snowball Antiques is a trading name of Customer Contacts Limited, London, England. Was used by ladies in the late 18.

They consist of a compartment which contained a sponge soaked in aromatic acid. The sponge was held by a grille. When the vinaigrette was opened the aroma was said to greatly refresh and revive their owner. There are some who believe that their purpose was to deal with a tendency to fainting among refined ladies. However, their function was probably more practical.

It was customary during the period to wear elaborate head dressing and clothing. The cost and time involved was such that they were worn for several days. The aroma generated from the vinaigrette counteracted that from the body. This is a particularly fine example of English craftmanship.

It has bright cut engravings using a rococo decoration. The is a raised vacant cartouche in the centre of the lid. The grille has a similar scrolling pattern with a floral theme. The internals and grille are gilt. It is about 0.6 oz. It is worth saying from the outset that the condition of antiques are always described relative to their age. The item being reporting here is 173 years old.

Antiques were used as everyday items and will have been cleaned hundreds of times throughout their life. It is impossible not to have collected a few knocks and scratches. Indeed, they add to the character of the piece.

This piece is in excellent condition. The hinges are good and closes tightly. There are no stains on the internals, no obvious dings and no signs of repair.

It appears to have a fine patina everywhere and is worthy of inclusion in a collection. The makers mark is NM for Nathaniel Mills. Registered his mark as a silversmith in 1803. His first venture was a partnership Mills and Langston. He registered his own mark later.

It was his son Nathaniel Mills Jnr. He was not afraid to adopt new techniques to the industry, including stamping, casting and engine turning. His most famous pieces are snuff boxes and vinaigrettes. The piece is with the Birmingham Assay Office Anchor , Lion passant, Queens duty and Cycle III date letter X making it 1846-7. The item "Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Vinaigrette by Nathaniel Mills c1846" is in sale since Wednesday, February 6, 2019.

This item is in the category "Antiques\Silver\Solid Silver\Boxes". The seller is "snowballdel" and is located in Hexham,Northumberland. This item can be shipped to United Kingdom, Antigua and barbuda, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Australia, United States, Canada, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, China, Israel, Hong Kong, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Barbados, Brunei darussalam, Cayman islands, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Grenada, French guiana, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Saint kitts and nevis, Saint lucia, Liechtenstein, Sri lanka, Macao, Monaco, Maldives, Montserrat, Martinique, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Paraguay, Reunion, Turks and caicos islands, Aruba, Saudi arabia, South africa, United arab emirates, Ukraine, Chile.

1. Product: Vinaigrettes
2. Style: Victorian
3. Age: 1800-1849
4. Pattern: Rococo
5. Composition: Solid Silver
6. Brand: Nathaniel Mills