This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver vinaigrette has a rectangular shaped form.
The upper plateau of the cover is ornamented with a rare scene depicting Westminster Abbey* in relief, all on a matte background.
The sides of the box and cover are encompassed with a continuous band of engraved leaf ornamentation.
The underside of this English castle top silver vinaigrette is ornamented with engine turned ornamentation accented with engraved scrolling leaf decoration, incorporating a central vacant cartouche.
Both the base and cover are embellished with cast and applied leaf decorated borders to the rims.
The hinged silver vinaigrette cover allows access to the original hallmarked hinged, pierced floral and leaf decorated silver gilt grille and original gilded interior.
This exceptional box is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
* Westminster Abbey, otherwise known as the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is a Gothic abbey church in London, England. This facility was built in 960AD and has been developed through history, making its grand stature an iconic location for British monarch coronations.
How to clean antique silverware
Maker: Untraced Maker's Mark
Date: 1842