Box - Silver, Gilding - Antique vinaigrette

Antique silver-gilt vinaigrette, finely crafted and hallmarked, dating to the early 19th century (circa 1800–1840).
The rectangular box is made of solid silver with original gilt interior (vermeil) and features a beautifully pierced inner grille, confirming its original use as a vinaigrette for scented salts or aromatic substances, rather than a tobacco or snuff box.
The exterior is hand-engraved with delicate decoration and a central cartouche. The interior retains its original gilding, applied to protect the silver from corrosion caused by aromatic materials.
The box bears clear hallmarks, including a leopard/lion mark and the maker’s initials “N.M.”,
Condition
Good antique condition. The hinge is intact and functional. Minor signs of wear consistent with age and use. No repairs detected.
Material: Silver, gilt interior (vermeil)
Weight: approx. 16 g

Period: Early 19th century
A refined and collectible example of a personal object of vertu from the Biedermeier / Neoclassical period.




Antique gilded-silver vinaigrette, finely crafted and stamped, dating to the first half of the 19th century (circa 1800–1840).
The rectangular little box is made of solid silver with original inner gilding (vermeil) and features a perforated inner grille, a typical element of vinaigrettes used to hold scented salts or aromatic essences, which confirms its original use and distinguishes it from a tobacco or snuff box.
The exterior is hand-engraved with elegant decorative motifs and a central cartouche. The interior retains the original gilding, applied to protect the silver from the effects of aromatic substances.
There are clearly legible punch marks, including a lion/leopard and the initials of the silversmith “N.M.”, attributable to Austrian / Austro-Hungarian manufacture from the first half of the 19th century.
Conditions:
Good condition for its age. Zipper intact and functioning. Normal signs of wear and use, with no obvious repairs.
Material: Silver with internal gilding
Weight: about 16 g
Origin: Austria (Austro-Hungarian Empire)
Period: First half of the 19th century
Elegant collectible object, a typical example of a vertu object from the Neoclassical / Biedermeier era.