1858 Great Antique English Victorian Sterling Silver Oval Vinaigrette Scent Box

Presented is an attractive little English Victorian sterling silver vinaigrette or scent box. This piece was made by Aston & Son of Birmingham and dates to 1858. The box is done in an oval form, rather than the rectangular form often seen in vinaigrettes. The exterior of the vinaigrette is beautifully hand engraved with classical floral and foliate scroll designs, against a finely textured background. One side has a blank cartouche enclosed in scrolls. The interior of the box has a pierced grill, with a scrolled foliate design.

The box is in great condition. The hinge of the lid is in great shape, and the lid shuts nicely. There are no splits, no dents, no monogram removals, and no repairs.

The interior of the box is stamped with the anchor for the city of Birmingham, the date letter J for 1858, and the maker's mark for Aston & Son (Thomas Aston & William Aston). The interior of the lid is stamped with Queen Victoria's duty mark, the maker's mark for Aston & Son (Thomas Aston & William Aston), and the lion passant for sterling silver.

The box measures about 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches by 3/8 of an inch, LxWxH.

The box weighs 17.2 grams.

-jm