Vinaigrette scent box

A vinaigrette is a small box intended to hold a sponge moistened with aromatic vinegar or another scented liquid. Beneath the outer lid is normally a hinged pierced grille that keeps the sponge in place while allowing the scent to escape.

Features

Many examples are silver with a gilt interior to protect the metal from acid. A suspension ring allowed attachment to a chain or chatelaine. Engraving, engine turning and personal initials are common, though form and material vary.

Assessment

Look for the outer lid, inner grille, hinges and traces of internal gilding. An ordinary pill box or snuff box often lacks the perforated grille. Maker and date require verified marks together with construction evidence.

Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Vinaigrette by Thomas Shaw.