Vinaigrette
Name/Title
VinaigretteEntry/Object ID
VC.59.738 a-bDescription
Vinaigrette, containing a small sponge; small silver box, with hinged lid chased with floral design (leaves); bottom, engraved with brite-cut composite flowers; within, hinged compartment cover, perforated, bears engraved leaves and composite six-petalled flower; The vinaigrette derives its name from the custom of soaking a small sponge in aromatic vinegar, to be sniffed in order to ward off disease and cover unpleasant odors. The special and often ornamental box for carrying the sponge apparently originated in the mid-18th c., and was highly popular during most of the 19th century.Collection
Van Cortlandt Manor Object CollectionMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Francis ClarkAttribution
MakerDate made
circa 1837Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionTranscription
Underside of lid bears maker's stamp "FC", stamp of monarch's head (Victoria), lion passant; bottom of compartment also bears maker's mark, Birmingham anchor, and stamp of Gothic letter "N". Miscellaneous: The appearance of the head of Queen Victoria in the monarch's stamp in conjunction with the date stamp (Gothic "N" ) of 1836-37, indicates a date for the vinaigrette of 1837 in which year Victoria began her reign.Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
VC.59.738
VC.59.738 A-B
VC.59.738