This small basket-shaped pendant is made from three colours of gold: the basket itself is made from yellow gold, while the floral decorations are made in green gold and rose gold.
When opened, the basket has an open-worked floral lid, beneath which originally would have been a little sponge, doused in perfume or vinegar, which would be used as a sniffing tool to prevent fainting.
Vinaigrettes, as these tiny trinkets are called, were from the late 18th century through to the mid-19th century. Their use was a medicinal one, as they were used to 'revive' someone when the smells of everyday life - the 18th Century was a very smelly one! - proved to be too much to bear.
Since people believed that diseases could travel through the air, they were also considered to ward off disease: smelling them when around a patient would prevent you from inhaling the 'bad air' (or mal air in French, which is how 'malaria' got its name).
Vinaigrettes were often not only practical but also decorative, and were often made from precious materials and set with precious stones. They were also shaped in several adorable little shapes, baskets being a popular motif, but they can also be found shaped as little books, barrels, or hearts.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 14 x 17 x 15 mm excluding the handle. 22 mm high including the handle.
Weight: 5.30 grams.
Age: Late 18th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1780s.
Material: The vinaigrette has French Lambs head hallmark, used between 1761 and 1790. It also has both French and Dutch hallmarks for 18k gold, which were added at a later date..
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. The paste stone on top has one large chip, otherwise, there are no damages visible.
Please note that this shop is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import taxes.