Sterling Silver Vinaigrette by Nathaniel Mills - Antique William IV

This exceptional antique William IV silver vinaigrette has a rectangular form with rounded corners.

The cover of this fine Nathaniel Mills vinaigrette is embellished with a scene of Newstead Abbey* in high relief.

The sides and the underside of the box are ornamented with panels of engine turned decoration, accented with an impressive elongated applied thumbpiece ornamented with leaf and bud designs.

The decoration to the underside incorporates a rectangular vacant cartouche.

Both the base and cover are embellished with applied moulded borders.

The hinged castle top silver vinaigrette cover allows access to the original hallmarked hinged, pierced decorated silver gilt grille.

The vinaigrette retains the original gilding to the surface and interior.

* A former Augustinian priory which is known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. This Abbey, situated in Nottinghamshire, is now publicly owned by the local Council and houses a museum displaying a tribute to Byron memorabilia.

How to clean antique silver

This antique Nathaniel Mills vinaigrette is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition.

The decoration is very sharp and very crisp.

The original gilding is in exceptional condition, in keeping with age.

There is some discoloration to the interior of the grille, in keeping with age.

Full hallmarks struck to the interior are all very clear; the nature of this piece dictates the location of the part hallmarks to the underside of the grille, resulting in the maker's mark and lion passant being partially visible.

Reflections in photographs may detract from this fine example of antique silverware.

Length 4.2cm/1.7"

Width 2.7cm/1.1"

Height 0.9cm/0.4"

1 troy ounce/30.2g