Objets de Vertu

Maker's mark rubbed; with an engraved gadrooned body, the hinged top opening to a hinged grillwork panel, fitted with a circular loop. 1 5/8 x 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 in., approx. .79 oz. Note: Vinaigrettes are a small box of a variety of forms, usually made of silver or gold, to contain a perfumed sponge held in place by a perforated grille under the lid. It was held to the nose and sniffed, during the 17th-19th centuries when bathing was sporadic.